Scarlett

My husband developed a neuroma in one foot right before a London/Paris trip. We took a lot more cabs and buses that trip!
He ended up getting the cortisone shots but eventually he has not had any problems with it. I do know though, the shots worked really fast.
I hope it is nothing so serious and you manage well on your trip. Just baby it and wear ugly comfortable shoes

Sue4

I'm so sorry for you! That happened to me some years ago before a trip out west to the Grand Canyon. I think I bought everything I could find in the drug store to help my poor heel. I don't remember if I ever went to the doctor, but if cortisone will help, do it! Yes, now I remember, I did go to the doctor, and he recommended that I NEVER go around barefooted, which I did constantly before. The heel spur eventually went away, but I'll never forget the pain. Good luck with it.

MelJ

I was diagnosed with heel spurs on both feet about six weeks ago. I finally broke down and went after months of pain. They were equally painful and the podiatrist wanted to try the cortisone shot. He gave it to me in my left heel and I have had intense pain ever since! He said I had a "cortisone flash" reaction. I'm still debating about the orthotics because some people have said they don't work. I've learned to nurse this problem for minimum pain, when possible. The best thing for me has been my Clark's shoes. I have three pairs and any of them work well. The doctor said my days of flat, thin-soled shoes were over. No biggie for me.

Good luck!

MaureenB

I, too, was told my foot problem was caused by years of walking around the house without shoes. A big no-no, I guess. Shy of custom-made orthotics, it sounds like different brands of shoes help different people. Birkenstocks and Mephisto do the best job for my narrow feet. After years of wearing them, I can now get away with wearing other less-supportive shoes for awhile, too.

lindilindi

I found out a year ago that I have a very high arch in my foot. It actually messes up the knee and the hip joint alignment as well. I had knee pain after only 30 minutes of walking, but it didn't get noticed earlier because I used to be a swimmer so my muscles were strong without wear on my joints. I complained for years when I had to walk a lot - to which my mom said that I was lazy and a complainer... Now I wear custom orthodics and the problem is almost completely gone. Since it was a real medical problem, my insurance covered it. Find out if a doctor can prescribe custom orthodics and if your insurance covers them. They are great although they limit your shoe choices.

gstewart

I've had the same problem on and off for several years in both feet. Anti-inflammatory meds (Relafen, Diclofenac, etc.)are vary helpful. I just discovered a very helpful web site www.heelspurs.com Lots of good info. Today I receieved the $28 orthotics they recommend and have worn them comfortably for the last 4 hours in my New Balance wallking shoes. They also recommend icing your foot several times a day as well as stretching your calf muscles. This site has the most comprehensive info I've come across. Check it out!

LoveItaly

I too have a very high arch and also have always walked around my house barefoot. About six months ago I had the same problem and panicked. Trip, how would I manage etc? Doctor had blood test and Xrays taken. Said "no problem" just arthirits. Well "no problem" for her but it sure was for me.. Could hardly walk. Anyway, live quite near to an Outlet Mall. Clarks shoes had just opened up. Went there. Their flipflops are padded, unlike the very flat sandles and flipflops I usually wear six months of the year due to warm to very hot weather. I immediatly had relief. Ended up throwing away all my other hot weather shoes. Have purchased some shoes for cold weather at Nordstrom, walked in a pair around SF one day this week. Worried about suddenly getting foot pain but had no problem at all. So answer to the problem? Of course see the Doctor. But you may not get complete answer. Look at the shoes that you have. Try not to panic (although believe me I did). Listen to other peoples experiences. I cannot believe that changing to Clarks flipflops for the rest of summer completely took away the pain. Now I am hoping that the winter shoes I have bought will not be a problem. The best of good wishes.

cmt

I was wondering what you decided, since I have a somewhat similar predicament (except re knee instead of heel, and it happened Aug. 24, and the trip isn't till Oct. 10).

Here's what I really honestly think: Try to find out from an appropriate physician or podiatrist or physical therapist whether (1) walking a lot on that heel during the trip will do real damage and/or cause totally crippling pain and inflammation, or whether (2) it will simply be painful, but not cripplingly so. If the former, I think you should reschedule the trip, stay home and take care of the heel, and go some time when you can be as active as you'd like to be and have a great time. If the latter, go on the trip, but, go fully armed with strong prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, appropriate shoe inserts, shoes that are suitable for this condition, instant ice packs, and ziplock bags that can be turned into ice packs (with the addition of ice, cold canned soda, frozen vegs, or anything icy that you can find on your trip), and instructions for stretching exercises.

FauxSteMarie

I actually have this problem. When it first reared its ugly head, the orthopedist recommended the jelly heel cups you can buy to put in shoes.

They worked for me!

Now, mind you, I wear them in all my shoes all the time except with sandals--and I never needed a cortisone shot!

coccinelle

Good luck with a cure and have a relaxing vacation.

Gretchen

MelJ==orthotics won't work. SAVE your money--it's a scam. The boot will eventually help. IT IS and INFLAMATION. You need to treat it as such. Stretching, heat in the morning, ice after exercise or for pain. And an anti=inflammatory.

Efoss3

I got a heel spur from too much tennis and wanted to keep on playing. I discovered Avia tennis shoes which are made like orthodics with the weight of your heel on the outside. I've been wearing this shoe for over ten years and not had any more problems.

NatalieM

My husband had a serious heel spur problem a couple years back...He went to a physical therapist on our MD's recommendation. Just a couple sessions were VERY helpful to his surprise. He was treated with ultrasound and some kind of ointment, and took anti-inflammatory medication (over the counter). I don't think it's too late to get sig. improvement. Good luck!

MelJ

Gretchen--thanks for the advice. My podiatrist gave me an anti-inflammatory to take until I decided about the orthotics. I was to take the anti-inflam twice a day for one week, then take it once a day when I knew I would be walking alot. I'm sorry to say the one-week deal didn't make any difference. I will try the ice and heat.

By the way, I always go barefoot in the house (hardwood floors) and he never mentioned that that could be a cause.

Oh, and to keep this on "travel," I'm leaving for the UK in about six weeks!

scrappingbarbie

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the replys to my post. I went to the podiatrist on Friday and he took a X-ray and sure enough - a heel spur- he called it " a rather large heel spur" lol
He told me to use ice packs (3 times a day), to walk up and down the stairs with my foot directly on the stair (not partially), to wear sandals, and to take Aleve twice a day. Can you see me wearing sandals in Venice in early October!!!!!! lol
I feel much better now- still in pain - but not like before!! Now if I can only stop this sore throat! When it rains in pours.......
Thanks again.....

JMM

Ask your podiatrist if he/she thinks an "adjustable plantar fasciitis splint" would help. You wear it at night and it holds your foot in a "neutral" position helping the fascia to heal. Heel spurs generally cause or agravate plantar fasciatis. It literally worked miracles for me.