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Show | bruised my heel running. The pain is worstin the morning and when| sit for long periods. What can | do? The condition you're describing most likely is plantarfasciitis—a tearing of the tissue connectingtheheelto the toes. ibHity It’s usually caused by repetitive pound- ing, butit also can result from a blow to the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the most commonheel problem, and runners are particularly afflicted, often because of tight Achilles tendons and calf muscles. Here's what | recommend: 1. First, see a physician. 2. Rest. And ice the painful areaoften. Habitrolhelps lighten your load. possible. When running, use heellifts to elevate theheels. Even when nor aLice heels ache, you running, use Can get help. ness has been established only ing completely before starting women orin patients under 18. as part of a comprehensive Habitrol. Anddonot smoke or Used and unused Habitrol sys- behavioral smoking cessation use anything with nicotine tems should be kept out of the program. while on it. If you're pregnant or nursing (nicotine could reach of children andpets. Turn page for additional important information. It won't work for everyone. In studies during the first 3 months after quitting, cause fetal harm) or have heart Habitrol has been shown to increase the chances of stop- disease, or other conditions. ping smoking. Long-term stud- ways to stop smoking. If you're es of Habitrol haven't been conducted. It shouldn't be used taking prescription medicine or or more than 3 months. Habitrol, like cigarettes, contains nicotine, so stop smok- ask your doctor about other under a doctor's care, ask your doctor about the potential risks of Habitrol. been studied Habitrol hasn't in pregnant Habitr [ Nicotine Tansdermal Syste heel lifts in sneakers—andin dress shoes. Don t walk barefoot: Put on sneakers as soon as you get out of bed; wear showerslip- pers whenbathing. 4. Replace old, wom-outsneakers. §. Stretch your calf muscles— graduallyatfirst. For a good stretch: Stand a short distance from the wall and lean on it with your hands. Place onefootin frontof the other, knee bent, while keeping the otherleg straight. Gradually lean toward the wall, keeping the rear leg flat on the floor and straight until youfeel a stretch in the back of the lowerleg. Hold for about 15 seconds,then switch positions andstretchthe otherleg. 6. Takeaspirin as directed for the pain.Ifthe pain doesn’t improve or worsens, see your physician again. Michael O’Shea, Ph.D., is founder and chairman of Sports Training institute. Have a question about exercise and health? Send it to: Fitness, Box 4943, Grand Central Station, New York, N.Y. 10163-4943. We cannot give personal replies butwill try to answer your con—— in future columns. to consult your physician aoe starting any exercise program or implementing exercises that appear in this column into your exercise roximen. Recor ed exercises may be appropriatefor ail individuals. |
