Acute heel pain?
Let me say up front that yes, I know I made a stubborn, bone-headed this move this morning. 
I'm berating myself enough for this one. Also, yes, I will see a doctor if this doesn't improve over the weekend.
I went out for a run this morning in my Vibram Five Fingers. I have worn them on numerous runs and hikes and have not experienced any pain, and have worn them for up to a 45 minute run. This morning I set out on a run and immediately experieced some pain in my left heel that I (stupidly) thought would go away once I warmed up. I don't conciously remember having this pain before but I did wear the Vibrams 2 days ago and may have remembered a little tightness in that location at the end of that run. The pain didn't go away but I did a 1 mile interval anyway, at the end of which I was forced to walk. After walking a few minutes I tried to run again but the pain was too great, and I walked myself home.
The pain localizes to the lateral aspect of the left calcaneus bone. It is not painful while sitting or standing still. When it hurts is when the injured foot is on the ground and I take a step with the other leg, thereby, I suppose, stretching ligaments in the injured foot.
I played internet MD, and was wondering if maybe I have a peroneal tendonitis? How likely is that versus a calcaneal stress fracture? Any other common diagnoses I am missing?
I have iced the area twice today, but elevation and not standing or walking are not possible until I get home tonight. Anything else I should be doing, other than (duh) not running?
Thanks for any and all replies!
Comments
if pain on true lateral side and not plantar surface(bottom) then it could be peronael tendinitis. If on plantar surface: could be plantar fascia issue. I really can't rule out stress fracture either though. You for sure need a hands on assessment. Do you have any PT or MD friends you can run an eval through with?
For now ice and keep any painful activity to a minimum.
Swim, ride until painfree.
Carrie
Carrie, thanks for the quick reply. I really don't feel any pain on the plantar surface. I don't have any PT or orthopod friends to check this out with, but I'll definitely make an appointment with someone next week if this persists. Thanks again!
Bummer about the cranky foot. Can totally relate!
To be honest- the odds of a stress fracture are small I would say. Things that would tip you off that that was happening would be swelling and some really creepy dark bruising in that area. With gravity, everything drains to the feet anyway so if something was compromised in the bone, you would know it asap unlike say the knee or even hip.
That being said...acute plantar fasciitis can be VERY painful especially when trying to stand on just that foot. I would lean more that way for a diagnosis.
If it were me:
1) absolutely no barefoot, even in the morning out of bed or midnight- keep shoes next to the bed.
2) stretch and work your calf like it's your JOB. This area can take a beating while the bottom of the foot will be more tender in the first 24-48 hours.
3) ice 15 minutes as often as you can.
4) any access to kinesiotape or rocktape (you can buy it at a sports authority). this is designed to reinforce the muscles/area you are working on and works like an absolute champ for the foot. if you can get some, I can show you how to use it.
5) the no running part if obvious, but be careful on the bike. a short term idea is to slide your cleats back so that it's in the middle of your arch instead of under your toes. this will take pressure off of your arch. if you do this, be sure to drop your saddle a bit so you don't cook your calf/hamstring by having to reach too far.
6) a PT will be the most helpful to you. they will be able to massage out your foot and lower leg, as well as, tape/reinforce your arch to let it heal. an orthopedic/podiatrist has three options- 1) orthotic 2) injection/meds 3) PT referral.
Fire away with any questions.
Thanks very much, Leigh! I do have some questions for you:
1) Wearing shoes at all times - Are Crocs supportive enough, or should I wear an old pair of running shoes?
2)I'll get the kinesiotape, and get back to you when I have it for instructions
3) I assume I need a referral to visit a PT?
Thanks again!
1) Crocs can be okay if you have a normal arch height. If you have either really high arches or flat feet....you'll want to go with actual shoes with support in them (running shoes work fine).
2) awesome about the KT tape. Such a great and versatile thing that can help almost any muscle/soft tissue injury you can think of.
3) depends what state your in on the referral. Give your PCP a ring and see if they'll let you go without coming in. They should be able to give you a script and will authorize the insurance referral if you need it. sometimes you can just directly in to see your PT (not sure what your state guidelines are).
I'm still icing it twice daily - should I continue this, or switch to heat?
Thanks again, Carrie and Leigh, for all the help!