Q: I am 64 years old man weighing 70 kg and my height is 5.5 feet. I was advised morning walks since my blood sugar was 300+ mg/dl four months back. Now with drugs and walking, sugar level has fallen to 100 mg/dl (fasting). I had been walking about 4 km (or 45 mins) everyday. However, 8 days ago, I had tremendous pain in my heels. I could feel that one of the tendons in the bottom of the toe (ahead of heel) was swollen. I applied ointments and took tribhuvan kirtee for about 4 days and the pain subsided to a great extent. I suspended the walk for about 10 days and when I started walking again I am having pain again. I don’t have a flat foot but the bow may not be as much bent as in many other cases.

1. Should I continue walking?
2. Do I need to consult an orthopaedic doctor/physiotherapist?
3. Can this be cured? If yes, with which medicines?

A:

1. I guess you have plantar fasciitis. Use gel foams under the heel pads in your shoe and see if the pain decreases on walking.
   
   
2. If the above does not work and you still are having pain then yes you need to see a specialist.
   
   
3. Normally plantar fasciitis is cured by a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, heel support and physical therapy.