It started with sharp pain in my left heel when arising, then feeling normal after a few minutes on my feet. Now the swelling comes on at mid day and then a day of rest is required before going back into the woods. The surveying now involves constant rough woodland walking. The job involves several farms that were combined. The original boundary fences that were not useful to the larger farm operation were mostly removed leaving scant evidence of the original lines. This involves constant foot travel searching for what evidence remains. The farm owners have now passed on and their adult children wish to sell the farms in their original form.
My doctor says that the pain in the heel will come on when the swelling occurs and go away when the swelling goes away. Research indicates a good quality cushioned boot with strong arch support.
So it's off to buy some decent boots that maybe will help keep me on my feet. Any advice or suggestions as to brand or style would be much appreciated.
Maybe try some inserts in your current boots first.
I had a similar problem about 8 years ago that was corrected by switching to Cabelas Meindl boots, pricey but the most comfortable hiking/work boot I have ever worn. They use a cork insole that takes a few days to mold to your foot. On my third pair now. Downside is the goretex insert will leak after a year or so.
Jim Vianna
cant recommend the right boots- but had the same condition - lasted for about 4 months- was told it is Plantar Fascitis.. small tearing of some ligaments in the heel. good luck with that....
Willard-
I use an equivalent to this product and I've not had (touch wood) any pain since (about 5 years ago).
http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/painrelief/heelpain.jsp
Yes, the type of boot you wear is also important (Red Wing) I feel.
As another concern, I asked a friend to build a 'boot drier' by forming a double circular armed raised metal box over the forced air vent that I can hang two pairs of boots on.
Dry boots = dry and happy feet (the only thing we can walk on, so let's make it easier !)
Cheers,
Derek
I'm not a Dr., and I don't play on on TV, so this is just my experience.
Sounds like the plantar fasciitis.
Do you get relief from the pain if you stretch your foot by elevating your toes and stretching your calf muscle? As in standing on a curb using the ball of your foot and letting your heels lower towards the flowline.
I had this a while back and finally got it under control by using the Dr. Scholl's heel pain inserts. They stretch the ligaments along the bottom of your foot to relieve the heel pressure. It takes a day or two to get used to the mass under your arch, but they worked great. Takes a while to get over this. I wear the insoles all the time now and in most of my shoes.
> plantar fasciitis
I've got the same thing. I found a pair of insert that have a rigid plastic arch that is higher than that in my boots and it took most of the pain away within a week. It still aches a little but nothing like it used to. It is hell getting old.
You may be developing a bruise on your heel.
Like any bruise it feels worse when aggravated.
Use of a doughnut around the bruise will aid in the cure. Cut a hole in a heel pad to keep pressure from the area causing the pain.
The material needs to be firm enough to not compress completely by your weight and spongy enough to soothe the area around the bruise.
By not applying pressure to the affected area, it will help in the healing process.
When I had that problem, I used a piece of foam from a knee pad insert for a football uniform. Cut it to where it will be the same size to insert in the heel of your footwear and cut a hole the size of your bruised area.
😉
Plantar fasciitis. Had it in both feet at the same time a couple of years ago, couldn't hardly put my feet on the floor getting out of bed. Got a shot in the heel, also arch supports. Best treatment is when you are sitting, keep flexing your foot up as far as possible, mine finally went away after 6 months or so. When laying in the bed, make sure the covers at your feet are loose so you can keep your feet flexed up instead of straightened out.
Footware and heel pain>Planters Faciatis
I have it, too... There are a few stretching exercise that worked well for me, in addition to using orthopedic inserts and a night splint!!! Also, icing it each night and taking ibuprofen to knock down the swelling.
Nasty joke of a trick to play on a land surveyor isn't it?
It only gets worse if you don't deal with it. Mine started last summer and when I went to the doc in the fall i started the exercises etc. It started feeling noticeably better in May... Figure on a few months and it is reoccurring most likely...
Footware and heel pain>Planters Faciatis
Thanks so much for the info. Picked up a pair of Sof Sole Airr Insoles and worked on them all afternoon, walking and toting equipment. Feet feel much better tonight, what a difference. Hope this continues and whatever damage that has been done will heal.
Footware and heel pain>Planters Faciatis
Willard I recall as a teenager getting a bruised heel that stopped me playing Ozzie rules ( bit like your grid iron) where I could hardly run and coupled with leaping and having ground contact with that foot (in boot)with the pain was unbearable. I solved the problem by cutting the heal off an old thong and inserting in my football boot. I was amazed how that effect of cushioning permitted me to run and leap with out any pain.
RADU
Footware and heel pain>Planters Faciatis
RADU - you might want to note that "Thong" means different things in other countries 🙂
Footware and heel pain>Planters Faciatis
Jim It did cross my mind.. LOL
RADU
> It started with sharp pain in my left heel when arising, then feeling normal after a few minutes on my feet. Now the swelling comes on at mid day and then a day of rest is required before going back into the woods. The surveying now involves constant rough woodland walking. The job involves several farms that were combined. The original boundary fences that were not useful to the larger farm operation were mostly removed leaving scant evidence of the original lines. This involves constant foot travel searching for what evidence remains. The farm owners have now passed on and their adult children wish to sell the farms in their original form.
> My doctor says that the pain in the heel will come on when the swelling occurs and go away when the swelling goes away. Research indicates a good quality cushioned boot with strong arch support.
> So it's off to buy some decent boots that maybe will help keep me on my feet. Any advice or suggestions as to brand or style would be much appreciated.
If the pain is on the bottom of the heel, buy some Durango or Georgia Boot Company boots that say they have a Comfort Core. I have been wearing them since 1992, when I was working a job that was nearly all walking and stand on concrete and asphalt. The innersole cushion made a very large difference.
To check out what is available go here: http://www.georgiaboot.com/#
There seems to be more than one diagnosis.
Why not consult with a Podiatrist? They DO have an M.D., you know.