Hello!,

I enjoyed a great 15 mile run on Saturday. Rested on Sunday, then thought I was getting a blister on my right heel. Went running Monday anyways, once I was home I was limping and my heel was red/swollen. I went to the Urgent Care Clinic today and it is Bursitis of the Subcutaneous calcaneal bursa. I'd like to follow up with another doctor so I can learn how to stretch/treat/prevent this from becoming worse or a perpetual problem. I'd like to know if it would be more beneficial to go to a sports medicine clinic, or a general podiatrist, or?

Any opinions and/or information would be greatly appreciated!

Wanting to keep running!

Audrey

Audrey,
Being slightly biased.... I would recommend a sports medicine doctor. Sports med docs can observe more about the whole body and how it is affecting the feet. Podiatrist seem a little too focused on their area of expertise. If you do go to a podiatrist, the one we recommend with the most confidence is Ray McClanahan 503-243-2699.

In the mean time you should be icing, resting, and using a golf ball to self massage and increase circulation. Do you have any arch support? How old are your shoes? Have you been checked for a leg length difference? These can all be contributing factors to heel pain.

Cheers,
Dr Jake

Hello Dr Jake! Thanks for the response and for the referral! I have iced and rested for the past couple of weeks, I've not tried the golf ball, but will look into it. I do not have 'arch support' so to speak, I was in a pair of Brooks for the past few months and am now going back to Asics (just purchased today). I tend to change out my shoes every three months or so. I am an overpronator so I've been fitted with the shoes that make up for that. I have been checked by the Clearwater Clinic folks and was told my left leg is the 'longer' one. I've been using the stationary bike to keep exercising these past few weeks and am now trying to figure out how to get back into the correct training regime as I don't want to aggravate anything further. I truly appreciate your insight!!

Thanks!!

Audrey