[TheForge] heel spurs

[John Switzer]

Thanks to those of you who shared your experiences.  After a follow up 
visit to the foot doctor today he confirmed the diagnosis of plantar 
fachiitis, which is what I suspected.    Luckily mine isn't as bad as 
some.  He says I can blacksmith and work the regular job up to the point of 
being uncomfortable, which right now is about 2 hrs in the shop then a long 
break with maybe 2 hrs in the afternoon.  He gave me arch splints and some 
heel cups for now and I go back to follow up in a few weeks.  The lesson 
learned is to not abuse yourself to much, if it hurts quit, and see your 
doctor early.  Sounds like I'm in for as much as a full year to completely 
recover, but I will be able to function close to normal during that 
time.  If had continued to tough it out and avoided the doctor I could have 
had years of problems.

Thanks again

John


>I had some foot pain a few years ago. I waited for it to go away but it 
>just got worse. It was worse in the morning when I took my first few steps 
>of the day. I finally went to the local doc. He took an xray and said yep 
>heel spurs. I could barely see a shadow on the xray. He said they could 
>cut it off if it got worse.
>
>I decided to go for a second opinion from a real foot doc. He asked my 
>symptoms, pressed on the sides of my heel and said that hurt? It did. He 
>said plantar fachiitis. They took a mold of my feet for orthotics. Then 
>they taped my foot till the orthotics were done. I could not believe how 
>much the taping helped. It made me realize how they get broken down 
>players back on the football field. It was the difference between night 
>and day.
>
>The orthotics came in and worked great. I still wear them in my shoes now 
>and then tho my foot has pretty much healed. The foot doc said it could 
>have been caused by an injury or just long term wear and tear. It sounds 
>like a long stint on the treadle hammer could do it. Also caused by weight 
>gain. Any stress on the foot really.
>
>Bob
>____________
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>On Jun 15, 2006, at 4:53 PM, John switzer wrote:
>
>>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
>>_______________________________________________
>>Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
>>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>>theforge mail list group photo site is
>>http://www.photoaccess.com
>>Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
>>password:  anvil
>>___________
>>

John Switzer
7019 Burnt Mill Rd
Beulah, CO 81023
(719) 485-3109