pain under the heel pad

[stevecro]

I decided to rest my hammys from sprinting and try to improve my 1500 speed. So 4 weeks ago I went to the local GRASS track and did 10x 200s at 36-37secs, walk back recovery.
AT the end of rep 9 I started to feel a pain under the heel as if I'd bruised it. It has been there ever since.
Symptoms are;
soreness when walking after resting which soon goes away
pain and stiffening of the foot action when sprinting even at 75%
The pain is located about 1/3 away from the back of the heel and 15mm or so from the inner edge. I can press my thumb in and feel it more acutely over just this small (15mm square) area.
Doc 2 weeks ago thought it was plantar fascitis but now I've been told by a non-professional that I should check for a heel spur.
Is it right that this condition should last a while? (bear in mind that I never completely stop training). What does it sound like to you please?
Steve Crocker

[injuryupdate]

Does sound like plantar fasciitis, which sometimes is referred to as a heel spur in lay terms. This is an overuse injury, but may be safe to keep training with. Treatments may include orthotics, night splints, stretches and a cortisone injection. Scans and X-rays are probably NOT necessary in most cases.

[SamSmith]

The most important thing for heel spurs is rest.
Heel Spur Treatment
has a well written guide to dealing with this.

Sam

[stevecro]

The most important thing for heel spurs is rest.
Heel Spur Treatment
has a well written guide to dealing with this.

Sam

Thanks Sam.... yes, even my standing LJ's, TJ's and Pole vaults are taking a toll. I thought a rest from sprinting would do it but that doesn't appear to be enough.

[Mischap123]

Hi,
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the soft tissues that span the arch of the foot. It can be caused by heel spurs. All an XR will do is confirm or deny a heel spur and as surgery is very seldomly used, of not much relevance. As you mentioned the pain is isolated to the inner aspect of the foot, another possible cause may be that your feet roll in. A Podiatrist can help you with that. Otherwise rest and antiinflamms may help. Some find that rolling a golf ball or bottle under your arch can help. If the pain persists, see a Podiatrist/Chiro/Physio who can assess function, diagnose and treat the problem.