From Grounded Pain to Grounded Peace- A Case of Heel Spur Recovery

A 40-year-old homemaker (Patient ID: 51162) presented with a chronic history of bilateral heel pain, which started in 2019. The pain initially affected the left heel and gradually involved the right heel over the past year. The nature of the pain was described as sharp and stabbing, especially severe during the first movement in the morning or after prolonged rest. It was also aggravated by jumping, walking long distances, or walking barefoot. There was noticeable tenderness at the bottom of both heels, although no swelling was observed. The patient occasionally experienced a sensation of heat in the affected area. The patient had a history of obesity (weight: 83.5 kg, height: approximately 5’2 feet, which likely contributed to the increased pressure on her heels, exacerbating the condition. She had not taken any conventional painkillers or NSAIDs. Vitamin D supplements were discontinued due to generalized body swelling. Physiotherapy was started briefly in December 2022 for 10 days, after which the patient shifted to yoga therapy.
Investigations: X-ray imaging of both heels done on 25/11/2022 confirmed the presence of posterior and plantar calcaneal spurs in both feet.

Associated Symptoms: The patient also presented with associated hormonal and gynecological symptoms, which had been ongoing for the past year. She experienced delayed and irregular menstruation, a 10–20 day delay, mood swings, facial hair growth, and watery vaginal discharge around 10 days before her periods. Her last menstrual period (LMP) was on March 3, 2023. She had a past history of menorrhagia since menarche, which had improved after childbirth.
Past History: She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids in 2017 and underwent surgical removal. An ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis in November 2022 revealed a simple left ovarian cyst and fatty liver infiltration[ possibly a PCOS-like condition ]
Her medical history included pulmonary tuberculosis in 2009 and uterine fibroid surgery in 2017
Family History: Father—hypertension, diabetes, and paralysis .
Physical generals: The patient consumed average mixed meals, with a craving for spicy food and an aversion to milk and meat. She had a daily water intake of about 2 liters, profuse sweating over the entire body, and satisfactory bowel movements.
Mental generals: She appeared emotionally sensitive, fastidious, weepy, and talkative. Despite having a happy and supportive family life, she expressed emotional frustration due to her husband’s constant absence owing to his busy work schedule. The patient was generally cooperative and adjusting in nature.
Follow-Ups:
First Follow-Up (26/5/2023): The patient had a 15% reduction in overall pain. However, the heel pain in the morning after waking remained intense. Pain during the first few steps continued to be troublesome.
Second Follow-Up (5/7/2023): The intensity of pain after standing up from a sitting position had reduced. Morning pain persisted but was comparatively less than before.
Third Follow-Up (18/8/2023): The patient had further improvement. Sharp pain occurred only once every 15–20 days. Dull pain remained but had decreased by around 30%. She experienced pain mostly when walking barefoot or after overexertion.
Fourth Follow-Up (17/11/2023): No sharp pain was experienced during the past month. Mild discomfort occurred only after dancing, excessive exertion, or around the menstrual period. Overall condition had improved significantly.
Fifth Follow-Up (15/1/2024): Mild pain occurred occasionally. The patient felt about 80–85% better and had regained confidence in her ability to move and exercise.
Sixth Follow-Up (29/3/2024): Only 1–2 episodes of mild pain or stiffness were noted over the last six weeks. The patient had resumed Zumba and other physical exercises without difficulty. There were no major complaints, and functional mobility was nearly restored.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates the successful management of chronic bilateral calcaneal spurs through a non-pharmacological approach. The patient, despite a complex background of hormonal imbalance, obesity, and previous surgical history, showed steady improvement with regular yoga, lifestyle modification, and physical activity. The avoidance of painkillers and the approach contributed to sustainable, long-term relief. Her progress over multiple follow-ups—showing gradual reduction in pain, improvement in mobility, and return to daily activities.

- Case study by Dr.Shreya Hedaoo, Associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)