Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 1/30/2009

Question
I had factured my calcaneous in February 2006 and had surgery the two weeks later. I went through rehab and everything. I felt great. Now I am starting to have pain in the back of my heel and the pain radiates up. It is worse when I walk. Is this normal? What  should I be doing?

Answer
Hi Tammy,    

Try getting a gel-pad of some kind if you have not already Like a Dr. Scholls pad for instance.

You may also have an actual heel spur or an are where you have a build up  of calcuim from the fracture site and it may need to be cut down or dissolved.

Check with your doctor first.

if the pad does not help and the doctor says it is not an heel spur then it may be a case of plantar fascitis. This though usually hurts the worst when you first get up in the morning then improves after a few feet when walking.

If this is not the case have it checked by either your primary doctor or, go back to the doctor who did the surgery and have them check it out.

Either way it should be easily resolved with some further investigation.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.