Question
Hi Dr. Tsatsos,

I have been experiencing a significant ripping/tearing sensation in the left side of my left heel when it stretches. I noticed it while doing downward facing dog in yoga two days after I did a 10 mile hike, approximately 3-4 weeks ago. There is absolutely no pain or tenderness to the touch and it does not hurt while walking, running, hiking, or doing most exercises. I notice it the most when my leg is perfectly straight and my toes come up towards my face (as in kicking, pulling toes to stretch hamstring and calf, etc). Although I randomly notice it during other movements (doing burpees, when I kick my feet back).

I looked into plantar fasciitis, but the symptoms don't really seem consistent. I spoke with a PT and she thought there was scar tissue and I aggravate it when I try to stretch it.

I'm wondering what I should do to get better. I'm also wondering if it's okay to keep exercising even though it's not causing pain most of the time during exercises.

Thanks for your time,
Lindsey

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Lindsey,
For your foot pain. Symptoms are not plantar fasciitis. Possible partial plantar tear of the muscle or fascia-but you should be having more pain. Sounds like you are irritating one of the flexor tendons to the toes. If you wiggle you toes while it is hurting & hurts worse-that may be an indicator of tendonitis of one of the flexor tendons of the foot . Stop doing the exercises that make it hurt for about 2 weeks-to allow the possible tendonitis to quiet down. Wear an ace wrap or sleeve around the arch for support. You can see examples at our website store at AnkleNFootCenters.com.
If it continues past 2-3 weeks or the pain worsens, then best to have an accurate diagnosis by a Board Certified Podiatrist.
Hope This Helps!
and
Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in foot & ankle pain.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.