Question
I'm usually on my feet 8h/day over the last couple of months i have noticed i was having difficulty placing my feet flat on the floor after resting for more them 15mins or so. my right foot i walk more on the ball of the foot whereas the left i walk on the outer side of the foot.  for 4 months i had to wear steel toed sneakers so i just asumed it was strain from being in heavy footware, but about 3 weeks ago i went back to wearing sneakers and the pain is still just as bad. the pain is through the center of the heal and through the ankle. i have no past history of feet or ankle problems and i'm not sure if the ankle pain has anything to do with the heal pain

Answer
Hi April,

Since you changed the type of shoes you were wearing you likely developed strain of the ankle tendons and a condition known as plantar fasciitis.  It is important to treat this early so that it does not linger.  I would see a podiatrist for x-rays to make sure there is no stress fracture and also for treatment.  In the meantime I would ice the area and try to wear sensible shoes.  You could try an over the counter anti-inflammatory medicine if you are not allergic and you don't get stomach upset.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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