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Retrocalcaneal Exostosis

(4 discussions)

I have had heel pain for about 10 years centralized around the Achilles tendon insertion. History: 12 years ago, underwent cortisone injections (4 in each heel over a period of a year) which I now hear was a big big no-no. (This was done by a military orthopedic surgeon Also underwent heel lifts, stretching, ultrasound, hot/cold, NSAIDS, etc… Not much relief with the exception of the cortisone injections (what a relief, painful as hell, but wonderful for about 3 months) Have lived with the pain for about 12 years now, and usually eases after about 2 hours in the morning. Now for the last 3 months, pain has been consistent throughout the day. Went to get x-rays, and to see a podiatrist… Podiatrist explained that: 1) Deformities in the feet were present 2) Onset of arthritis throughout top of feet 3) Spurs near plantar fascia on both feet 4) Multiple spurs on heel near Achilles tendon 5) Calcification of the Achilles tendon predominantly on the left foot (about 1 1/2 inches) with spur growing into tendon Diag is: Retrocalcaneal Exostosis and Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis He said that unfortunately, there was not much further for treatment as the methods indicated above have not helped… he basically shook his head and said “I’m sorry, nothing we can do” he did refer me to physical therapy, and gave me PPT heel lifts Any advice? Long term diag? Is this forever, and is it going to get worse? Am I going to be in a wheel chair soon? Thanks for anything! Stuck with the pain


4 comments

    Vivian Abrams DPM

    9 10

    Anyone mention orthotics or surgery? You are correct- injecting the Achilles tendon with cortisone can weaken it and cause it to rupture.

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      9 10

      I was given PPT heel lifts, but I have used those for years with no improvement. There was no ‘surgery’ proposed, he indicated that the plantar fasciitis was treatable by surgery, but the results are sort of 50/50. For the calcification of, and spur on, the achilles tendon, that there was nothing to be done but ‘make me as comfortable as possible’

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        9 10

        After reading several articles, etc. on this, there is relatively new, FDA unapproved, ESWT treatment that has about a 50-60% success rate. Any input on this? Also, is the surgery you’re speaking of exostsectomy (sp?) Thanks for any advice.

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    9 10

    I just had surgery for this exact condition. I had something called Haglunds deformity (the heel bone protrudes back too far). I had a bone spur grow through the achilles. I tried the night splint, orthotics, etc. I am about 70 lbs overweight which I always thought didn’t help. Anyway, had surgery and am not 5 weeks into recovery. Got an infection so incision still not completely heeled, and it still hurts but I know of another person I work with who had this surgery (without the achilles complication) and he is now back to running etc. Ask about surgery and find somebody reputable. If you have further questions, e-mail me.

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