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otter
Jun 12, 2002, 4:32 PM
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Last year I developed a problem with my foot after some long distance backpacking. The problem is a swollen hard lump that only rears it's ugly head if I put long miles on my feet or if I spend much time at allin climbing shoes. The area affected is about midway on the back of the heal between the akilis(sp?) and the bottom of the foot..and off to the outside of the foot a bit. I specifically chose my rock shoes because they had the most supple heal that i could find..thinking that may help...which it might be but not well enough. Has anyone had a problem like this before? Any suggestions? Oh and as for dr's...the reply is usually if something irritates it don't do it...but I am not so willing to give up backpacking or climbing...something I am sure most of you would understand. Any info..suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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killclimbz
Jun 12, 2002, 4:43 PM
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Probably the same answer you'll get from most of us. See a doctor. It's the only way you are going to figure out what it is. Sometimes exercise's can alleviate the problem, sometimes surgery, sometimes diet. The only way you are going to find out is to see a doctor that specializes in this stuff.
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cedk
Jun 12, 2002, 4:59 PM
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Dude I've got the exact same thing. Check this post.
http://www.rockclimbing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=9696&forum=25&6
Unfortunately I never went back to the doc because the pain went away after I rested if for a couple months. I've still got the bump though which I'm 95% sure would be called a Haglunds deformity. If it bothers me again I'm going to see about surgery as an option. Research Haglunds and tell me if that sounds like you. Also let me know what your doc says. PM me or e-mail if you want more info or to compare notes.
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findaway
Jun 12, 2002, 5:07 PM
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Definitly check out a doctor.
That being said you might want to check out a velcro shoe. between climbs you could easily loosen them to relieve the stress on your heel. From what your saying it seems like it's the constant pressure that's killing you. Still, I'm not a doctor and this will not cure the problem. See the doctor.
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otter
Jun 12, 2002, 5:29 PM
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cedk...
thanks for the link..really sounds like i am not the only one with this problem!
Also sounds like everyone else has had problems with the docs as well.
Another thing with my situation is that I only beleive in natural medicine..non-invasive (surgery not an option). I have a medical background in natural medicine...(this is beyond my training though)
This is a tough one...I am going to see if there are any natural medicine foot specialists(if they exist) out there that will have some answers. One problem is having someone understand that giving up the things you enjoy doing...things they think are nuts...is not an option. I have been wondering if cutting out a section of heal on the shoes would make much difference. The main thing is to keep the thing from getting irritated enough that I can't hike or climb.
Anyway.. I was glad to know I was not the only one having a problem like this...thanks
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cedk
Jun 12, 2002, 6:27 PM
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Well Otter, It drove me nuts to do it but I totally laid off of climbing, running really any kind of workout for 2 months. Durring that time I wore specially modified shoes. I took a pair of scisors to an old pair of converse and chopped a notch out of them. I also had to take a razor blade and slit a pair of dress shoes open just left of the heel to wear to work. I think this helped quite a bit. For climbing shoes I find that my Mythos with their cup like heel are more comfortable than my old 5.10 Huecos which have more of a sling shot rand which runs right across the inflamed area and concentrates the pressure there. Still, I laid off climbing when the pain was at its worst. I also took a lot of advil for the first week but I think my confy shoes helped the most. I bouldered last night and found my heel to be a bit tender but OK.
I don't think I'm out of the woods yet and if the problem returns I'll be exploring my options. I have no aversion to any kind of surgery that will keep me climbing. If they tell me the only soloution is to quit climbing I'll tell them to chop off my foot and glue some stealth rubber to the bottom of the prosthetic.
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otter
Jun 12, 2002, 6:58 PM
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That's a hoot about the prosthetic...lol!
I was really freaked out this morning that's for sure. I did do some research and it does sound like that akilis bursitus thing. I also set up an appointment with a holistic padietrist...i couldn't believe my luck in actually finding one..they do exist! They promised not to tell me to put the shoes away or attempt slicing up my foot. So there is hope. My appointment is the 21st...I'll let you know how it goes.
In the mean time I will try to rest my foot a bit..but I am planning on continuing with a class come Monday... I'll just have to be cautious of how much pressure i put on the darn thing.
Happy Climbing!
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micahmcguire
Jun 14, 2002, 6:07 AM
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a longshot and prolly incorrect, but worth knowing is that often uric acid can form urate crystals that tend to form in the feet first (though most often in the toe joints, in cartilage and such). A change in diet can really help. Avoid lots of dark meats and eat lots af fruits (particularly strawberries). Another possibility (a bit more likely than urate crystals) to consider is that it may be a small cyst that is merely agitated by long hikes. See a doctor (duh) and see about the possiblity of getting it removed.
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