[TheForge] heel spurs

[April & Bill Clemens]

John,

I walked 1/2 the Appalachian Trail in 2000, had to stop because of a heel
spur.  I was very good about stretching each morning when I started my hike,
as I got in shape and felt better I didn't keep up the stretching(If I had I
probably would not have had the heel spur problem.)  Doctor told me that
most people develop spurs but when they cause problems is when you do enough
exercise or work to cause the tendons on your foot to tighten up and rub
against the spur.  Then the tendon gets inflamed and continues to rub.  My
doctor's solution was to rest/stay off of it till the inflammation went away
and then to do exercises to stretch the tendon. The exercise the doctor told
me to do is to stand on a step with your toes and to dip your heels down as
far as you can, hold for 10-15 second and then repeat this 4 or 5 times.  I
try to do this every morning and have had no problems since.  Other options
are cortisone shots (short term solution) and surgery.  Doctor told me that
if I followed her instructions I would not need either and so far have not.

Bill 

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John switzer
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 5:53 PM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: [TheForge] heel spurs

No, I'm not talking about a spur for riding.  I'm inquiring about those
painful things that grow on the bottom of your heel.  I have been told that
I have at least one (haven't X-rayed the other foot yet).  The question is
do any of you who spend all day on your feet in the shop have a problem with
heel spurs? And if so what has worked for you to correct or at least live
with the problem?


The whole thing came up after a project requiring chisle cutting some 1/4"
plates under the treadle hammer.  Took about 4 hours of heavy stom0ing
followed by several days of foot pain.  Things seemed to get better and then
the heel started to hurt.  I spent the last two weeks out of the shop
waiting to heal myself up a bit at the Dr's orders.  Unfourtunatley there is
still some discomfort that wasn't there before.  So it's back the Doc next
week.  I just thought I would see what the range of experience with
different tretment options might be.

Thanks

John Switzer
Black Bear Forge
Beulah, CO 81023

John Switzer
Black Bear Forge
7019 Burnt Mill Rd
Beulah, CO 81023
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