Tri-Berk,

One guess would be "pseudo bone spurs." The pain mimics what would be expected from a serious bone spur. An X-ray might even show a small "spur." However, the pain is very often caused by the tendon that lays over the heel. That tendon is hooked from the arch all the way up the leg.

It is an overuse injury that occurs when muscle is added quickly and the muscle/tendon group is shortened. Apparently stretching the tendon over this part of the heel puts hundreds of pounds of tension on the tendon right at the heel. If you are not stretched, ouch.

This very non-scientific explaination is the one my doc gave me. Massaging and then stretching the calves and hamstrings BEFORE getting out of bed each morning was a tremendous benefit. Coupled with non-steroidal anti-inflamatories, I beat this deal in about three weeks. Once beaten, close monitoring can reveal relapses before they are serious. It sounds stupid, but loosening the leg muscles BEFORE taking the first step out of bed each morning is crucial. One hard misstep to begin the day and pain follows.

With poor Rx coverage, try a little rest and the massagine alone. I am sure it will help. BTW, I hate stretching and only seldom do it. This is an exception. I normally touch my toes a couple of times and go out the door for my routine 4-mile run. 8:30 pace. I'm 54 and weigh 200 if that helps put my advice in perspective. Been doing this stuff for almost forty years now.

Sorry for the longish post.

Tyson