Ask a Question about Your Condiition

I've been a long distance runner (30-45 miles/week) for quite some time, without any problems. Since Monday, I've had right heel pain that has been annoying and I haven't run in 3 days. I am not sure whether it is Plantars Fasciitis...since most heel pain seems to be PF, that would seem to be the likely cause. But I don't have some of the common symptoms - it doesn't hurt in the morning when I get out of bed, and the pain comes and goes throughout the day. Although it's pain, I'd describe it more as a "cramp" or a "knot" than as a muscle tear. It's also impossible for me to localize the pain as I can poke and prod my foot and not have any pain AT ALL. The only pain seems to be from walking on it or stretching it (by putting my toes on the floor and pushing off my toes, thus lifting my heel).

I'm not sure what to do about it, and to make matters worse, I had fully trained myself for a marathon that is 9 days from now. I ran 22 miles and didn't feel a single muscle ache, but then my right heel acted up. I'm totally bummed and looking for guidance on here.

You have trained way to hard to let this "wait and see" how your foot feels. Go immediatley to a sports podiatrist and get some help! I couldn't even venture a guess if it is pf or not, but do everything you can to run your marathon! You will regret it if you don't. I was an avid walker before this pf and I can't tell you how hard it is physically as well as emotionally having battled it for almost two years now. Will post later of my surgery update, but wanted to respond to you Muffin. Please try to go somewhere today and let us know. Have you tried icing??? Good Luck....
Lynn

From what you're describing, I don't think you have PF. There are two other injuries fairly common to runners, one is Tarsal Tunnel entrapment, the scond is an impingement of Baxter's nerve. Given your symptoms, get to a sports physician who is actually a runner. If it is what I think it is, there is a traction technique for the ankle that should relieve the pressure, and you should be back to normal in a few days. I would suggest being VERY thorough in your stretching of the calf, most runners really aren't. You need to use MET to re-train the Golgi Tendon Organs. If you need directions on how to do it, go to my website, http://www.kaywarrn.org, fill out the "contact me" page, and in the remarks field, ask for MET for the calf. I'll e-mail it to you.

Kaelyn