These are the dog days of Winter and when you’re a triathlete with an injury, that can be treacherous territory. I’ll be the first to admit, I have been bummin.
This year has been amazing in so many ways. I have done things I never dreamed of, like completing an Ironman, of course, but it’s so much more. I was waking up early and seizing the day at a lake 3 mornings a week. I was working out before and after work. I had lots of energy and was full of optimism more often than not. But lately, I have been limping around and muddling in doubt.
Then, a few days ago, I went back to the basics. Stretching, leg exercises, and the foam roller. I really dove in and worked on loosening up my calf muscles, hamstrings, quads, and glutes. I mean, I was makin’ love to foam. The next day brought a pleasant surprise.
For the first time in months, I stepped out of bed without any heel pain. It was like a damn miracle.
I thought it was plantar fasciitis, then a physical therapist diagnosed it as “fat pad syndrome,” but over time realized it wasn’t really the pounding that hurt, it was the push off. So, once again, I trusted my first opinion, and decided it was plantar fasciitis.
Since then, I would like to say it is “healed” but it’s not quite 100%. Another big issue is all the time I spend at a desk. Either at work or editing/writing at night. The minute I stand up, it feels like someone is stabbing me in the heel, then I think to myself, why would someone do such a silly thing? That would be kind of a weird place to stab someone, I think, but after feeling that pain, it may not be such a bad idea.
So, the next time you feel like stabbing someone, give the heel some thought. It could really screw up their training.
Indeed. I have been fighting that since September. Mine is more like a 35 pound
rubber mallet.
I am sorry for your pain, it must be maddening! I will suggest you to:
• Avoid putting weight on your leg as best you can.
• Ice your leg for about 20 to 30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days or until the pain is gone to reduce pain and swelling.
• Compress your leg.
• Use a heel lift, It will protect your Achilles tendon from further stretching.
• Practice stretching and strengthening exercises but be careful to avoid too much stretching that could aggravate the problem.
These tips really helped me in alleviating my heel pain so I hope it helps you too!
Thanks for reading and the input. I Have done most of that sporadically and I think ultimately it has been rest, soft stretching, and the heel lifts that is helping me turn the page.