Question
After working several nursing shifts I have been having pain
in the back of my right heel, which then radiates up my right
calf. My lower calf and heel is very tender to the touch and
is worse after I sit down for awhile and get up to walk, also
walking downstairs is next to impossible. Any advice??

Answer
It is a very common pain, especially for nurses who are on their feet all day.  It sounds like you have developed a case of Achilles Tendinitis...an inflammation of the Achilles tendon where it inserts into the heel bone.  This can be a frustrating injury.  Start off by stretching (calf stretches against a wall is best) and take OTC Aleve twice a day.  Also apply ice once or twice after a shift for 15-20 minutes each time.  If this doesn't help in the first week, visit a podiatrist for attention to the injury.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

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