Question
I am an 83 year old fairly active male.  I walk about a mile and a half 1/2 in about 30 minutes daily and occasionally play some tennis.    About a month ago I began experiencing some discomfort in my left heel that has gotten progressively worse.  It bothers me most when I first get out of bed in the morning and up to a week or two ago the discomfort/pain lessened as I walked, however in the past week or two the discomfort is consistent as I walk.  Suggestionns please.  Thank you.   
                                           Paul  

Answer
Paul,

It sounds like you have a textbook case of "Plantar Fascitis."  This means that where the muscles, tendon, and the "fascial" connective tissues originates at your heel bone (the calcaneus) is irritated.  There are a variety of methods to treat this.  One simply is doing a self stretch of the plantar fascia by grabbing your big toe and the two or three next to it (if you can) and pulling the foot back to stretch out the bottom (plantar) muscles.  Also, you can freeze a small bowl of water, turn out the ice dome onto a dry towel on the floor, and vigorously rub your heel and bottom of the foot on the ice (ice massage).  Strecth the foot several times per day.  If these don't work, then seek the help of a podiatrist for discussion of night splints or medications.  

I have a photo of what the stretch looks like, but I don't know if there's a way to post it on this web site.  You can email me privately if you need it.

'Hope this helps,

Dr. G
www.drgillman.com