What is the pain at the back of my heel that has made me do something really awful ......

[BettySpaghetti]

...its resulted in me ordering some Crocs

Seriously though, the back of my heel is slightly swollen and really painful. I can't stand any pressure on it from shoes or boots.

Its not caused by any shoes rubbing. Its been getting worse over the last month or so but this week its agony.

I wondered (after Googling) if it was Achilles Tendonitis but that seems to be caused my increase in running/activity etc which doesn't fit, although I do a fair bit of walking.

I couldn't find any other footwear that was backless and suitable for wintery weather hence the Crocs (in my defence they are in a subtle, tasteful colour)

Anyone had similar pain? Should I be hobbling off to the GP or will it just get better of its own accord?

i chose the covered birkenstocks. much more tasteful than crocs, and made of leather too.
clarks also do some stuff that is suitable.
but yes, i think you should get it seen to by gp

i bought these in black

Have you had this problem then Pukka?

I did debate Birkies but was unsure of the sizing to order on-line. Also I've got quite a few Birkie type open summer sandals. At least Crocs will be good for garden shoes etc

Try going to a chiropodist/podiatrist as they are more specialised. I wonder if it's plantar fasciitis (also sometimes erroneously known as a heel spur)?

I do like those in the link.

I've got a bottle green Moshulu pair that are identical to those, trouble is they've been used as my garden slippers, painting and decorating shoes etc so are a bit tatty now.

Maybe this heel problem could be a good excuse to buy lots of new footwear

oh, most defitintly

mummypig -I think the pain for Plantar Fascitis tends to be more under the foot from what I read. My pain is at the back of the heel, the bony bit under my calf near the ankle

pukka -ouch!

You need a physio referral. You probably need a stretching programme.

It doesn't sound like Achilles Tendonitis to me. I used to get that fairly often, and it was excruciating but it only lasted an hour or so, and ibuprofen helped.

Could you have pulled a muscle?

You can always ebay the crocs when your heel's better, so don't worry too much about that.

Thanks everyone for your advice (and for not shunning me after my Crocs confession ) -I'll see how it goes over the Easter w'end and see GP Tues if its still bad.

Squonk -reassuring that it doesn't sound like Achilles Tendonitis

I wear crocs in the house . Iswym about where the pain is, doesn't sound like when I had pf. Anyway hope you sort it out soon

Crocs rule ! Even if it's for the annoyance factor. But, they are soooo comfy, I have bright pink ones, very tasteful.

It definitely sounds like plantar fasciitis to me. I'd def go and see a podiatrist as well as a GP, they are the specialists in this field.

You'll probably end up with orthotics for your shoes though.