HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Severe Pain In The Heels Be Treated?

I have recently developed pain in both heels and my doc had me go for x-rays which showed: Foot XRs reviewed, no acute bne abnormalities, no fracture or sub-luxation, it showed bilateral diffuse arthritis but no other abnormalities, no need for additional test, he may benefit from stretching feet daily (specially before activity, log walking, gym), also shoe inserts may help. I bought new gel inserts for my sneakers and a roll-on Aspercreme with 4% lidocaine. Both seem to be helping somewhat, but I ve not found any stretching exercises specifically for heel arthritis -- the one s I ve found are targeting plantar fasciitis. Can you lead my in the right direction for proper heel stretching exercises related to arthritis? I m 64, am 6 1 , with 180lbs, work out with a trainer 3 times a week, and volunteer at the local Animal Shelter walking dogs and take my own dog to the dog run for 1-2 hours a day. Other than that, I am living with HIV since 1982 and luckily have never had an opportunistic infection. There is very minor arthritis is my family history, no heart issues, or other major hereditary medical issues, so, while I am on disability because of a variety of blood clotting incidents (DVT and PE), I try to remain active. The blood thinners I take limit my ability to take anti-inflammatory meds other than acetaminophen. This heel pain has definitely slowed me down, however. Any suggestions regarding exercises I can do or gadgets I can try to help with the heel pain would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Tue, 14 Aug 2018
Report Abuse
General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my advise.

* There are different modalities of management of heel pain as

- Local application of heating pad, ice pack alternately.
- Keeping the leg elevated over 3 pillows when resting.
- Avoid direct pressure bearing.
- Use slippers with acupuncture technique to distribute the pressure
evenly over the soles.
- Wise use of analgesic as acetaminophen.
- Control of blood sugar and body weight.
- Rounding up exercises of ankles with toes fanning, when sleeping
over the spine with leg elevated for 30 degree helps great.
- Laser shot therapy in case of severe pain with interventional pain
specialist.

Hope this clears your doubt.
Thanks.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Severe Pain In The Heels Be Treated?

Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services. I have read your query and here is my advise. * There are different modalities of management of heel pain as - Local application of heating pad, ice pack alternately. - Keeping the leg elevated over 3 pillows when resting. - Avoid direct pressure bearing. - Use slippers with acupuncture technique to distribute the pressure evenly over the soles. - Wise use of analgesic as acetaminophen. - Control of blood sugar and body weight. - Rounding up exercises of ankles with toes fanning, when sleeping over the spine with leg elevated for 30 degree helps great. - Laser shot therapy in case of severe pain with interventional pain specialist. Hope this clears your doubt. Thanks.