Fifty Plus (50+) - Bone spur - Therapy or Surgery?

So I've got a bone spur on my foot directly rubbing on my Achilles tendon. It is currently so sore I can't walk, much less bicycle. The doctor says options are physical therapy or surgery. For a short-term fix, he injected the heel with a combination of lidocane & steroids. The injection hasn't seemed to help...

In any case, my question is: Is every case of bone spurs unique so that others' experiences aren't pretinent, or is a bone spur a bone spur, and if so, what is your experience? More to the point, what alternative is prudent in my case?

Since I currently can't walk, jog, or bicycle, I'm just sitting around & deteriorating. I can't schedule a physical therapy appointment for over a week, and I'm just frustrated. :mad:

I had a condition that was called a "heel spur" but--more accurately-- is known as plantar fasciitis. I'm no doctor, and even if I were, making any kind of long-distance diagnosis would be a very bad idea. However, If plantar fasciitis is your situation, the following info may help.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3689/is_200111/ai_n8997767

A key characteristic to this condition is that it's worse in the morning when you get out of bed. The first few steps are excrusiating. I got a pair of good-quality rubber sandals, which I slipped on the first thing in the morning and even took a shower in.

Speaking for myself, I would say the prudent thing is to try physical therapy first. Good luck!!! And keep us posted.

I really can't offer any advice but will offer my sympathies towards the pain and frustration. That is some really tough luck........

So I've got a bone spur on my foot directly rubbing on my Achilles tendon. ...

What are your symptoms? I have (temporarily, I hope) given up jogging because of pain in and around my Achilles' tendon and ankle, but I am still able to walk at 5mph / 8kph and to bicycle. Please let us know which treatment(s) you try and post your progress periodically. Best wishes for a rapid and uneventful recovery.

So, so sorry!

I hate vegetating.

Is it possible to do some upper body exercises so you don't feel so "deteriorating?" I.e., bench presses, triceps pull downs, other exercises that don't use your feet? Or, resistance bands (http://www.ballyfitness.com/rapid_results/expert_advice/product_tip_sheet/bands.asp)? Look upon this as an opportunity to develop some other areas of your body.

Here is a great web site for resistance exercises.

http://www.exrx.net/

You can also do upper body cardio, such as:

http://www.exrx.net/Aerobic/Exercises/ArmErgometer.html

...Is it possible to do some upper body exercises so you don't feel so "deteriorating?"...

"Plan-B" is to hie myself to the nearest swimming pool on a daily basis. I'll have more info after the "Pysical Terapis" (that's Cajun for "physical therapist") has a look at the foot & leg. Sympathy accepted with appreciation - now it's up to me to overcome the problem...

I used to be a runner, probably 10-15 years ago, until I started having trouble with plantar fasciitis in my left heel. Dropped the running, started biking and then swimming, and got really good inserts for my shoes, haven't had much trouble with it since. A doctor-friend of mine told me to try EVERYTHING before letting anyone operate on your foot. He'd seen surgery cause more problems than were experienced from the original condition.

just my $.02. :)