Question

Should I have heel surgery?

I am a 63-year-old male runner, 5’ 11”, 188 lbs, who hasn’t done much of it in the last six months due to persistent pain along my left heel. My DPM took an x-ray and found a calcium build-up where the Achilles attaches to the heel. He recommended a device called a silicone sock, Tylenol, and stretching (toes on stairstep, drop heel, hold for 10 seconds). Because I am diabetic, he did not recommend surgery due to possible complications and the added time to heal. I would like other opinions on this recommendation. Is there a history of successful surgery for problems like this in people over 60 with diabetes?

Michael O’Mara
Westlake, Ohio