Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 2 hrs ago
Heel Condition Sidelined Runners, Sometimes Requiring Surgery
Vanessa Fraser, a professional runner, developed severe pain in both heels that began in 2017.
She was diagnosed with insertional Achilles tendinopathy and Haglund’s deformities, bony bumps on the back of the heel bone.
The bumps can rub against or press on the Achilles tendon, while nearby cushioning tissue can also become irritated.
These problems often develop slowly, and heel pain can have several causes.
During the pause in racing in spring 2020, Fraser and other professional runners had surgery to treat the condition.
Treatment often involves months of physical therapy, and surgery is sometimes needed.
Runners can usually return to their sport over time, according to physical therapists quoted in the story.
Vanessa Fraser endured severe pain in both heels while continuing her professional running career.
She was diagnosed with insertional Achilles tendinopathy and Haglund’s deformities.
When racing paused in spring 2020, Fraser underwent surgery, as did other professional runners with the conditions.
These heel problems can require months of physical therapy and sometimes surgery.
Physical therapist Mark Dudek says runners can usually return to their activities in the long term.
- Who
- Vanessa Fraser and other professional and recreational runners affected by heel conditions.
- What
- Insertional Achilles tendinopathy and Haglund’s deformities caused heel pain and sometimes led runners to undergo surgery.
- When
- Fraser’s symptoms began in January 2017; she had surgery in spring 2020.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- The conditions can involve a bony growth that rubs on or compresses the Achilles tendon, contributing to irritation and degeneration.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fraser’s heel symptoms began.
Fraser ran a personal best of 14:48.51 in the 5,000 meters.
When the pandemic paused racing, Fraser underwent surgery to treat her heel conditions.
- Fraser’s 5,000-meter personal best
- 14:48.51
- Fraser’s symptoms began
- January 2017
- Fraser’s surgery
- Spring 2020
- Conditions diagnosed
- Insertional Achilles tendinopathy and Haglund’s deformities
- Haglund’s deformity location
- Back of the calcaneus, or heel bone
What people are saying
a mental weight at all times
Anytime a bone has stress through it, whether it be a pull or just rubbing, the bone grows.
a fraying effect
Sources
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