A little lost at the moment

North, South, East or West. Its all about finding some direction. At the moment things are not coming back together into a smooth training regime. There are a number of things that I am struggling with at this current point in time:

• I'm disappointed with my weight at the moment and need to get the diet and the whole thinking behind what I SHOULD be eating. I know what to do and really don't need to go and see some one, its a real mental battle with eating the right things at the moment.
• I have been concerned of late about a sore heel I have been 'putting up with' since just before IM. Of recent times (the last 2 weeks) which coincides with an increased running mileage (I actually think this is more coincidence) I find that when I get out of bed in the morning it is really stiff and I'm sure I look like an 80 year old hobbling around the room. It is also involves a very sore along the Achilles.
  I have done a little 'self diagnosis' and have found it could be a number of things but it is most likely to be:

• Bruised Heel: When you step on a hard object such as a rock or stone, you can bruise the fat pad on the underside of your heel. It may or may not look discolored. The pain goes away gradually with rest.
• Plantar fasciitis (subcalcaneal pain): Doing too much running or jumping can inflame the tissue band (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain is centered under your heel and may be mild at first but flares up when you take your first steps after resting overnight. You may need to do special exercises, or if the problem is Biomechanically caused we may prescribe custom made Orthotics and/or take medication to reduce swelling and wear a heel pad in your shoe.
• Heel spur: When plantar fasciitis continues for a long time, a heel spur (calcium deposit) may form where the fascia tissue band connects to your heel bone. Your Podiatrist may take an X-ray to see the bony protrusion, which can vary in size. Treatment is usually the same as for plantar fasciitis, do special stretching exercises and we may prescribe custom made orthotics.
• Pain Behind the heel: If you have pain behind your heel, you may have inflamed the area where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone (retrocalcaneal bursitis). People often get this by running too much or wearing shoes that rub or cut into the back of the heel, or extreme foot posture. Pain behind the heel may build slowly over time, causing the skin to thicken, get red and swell. You might develop a bump on the back of your heel that feels tender and warm to the touch. The pain flares up when you first start an activity after resting. It often hurts too much to wear normal shoes. You may need an X-ray to see if you also have a bone spur.

Some further information:
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
In athletes, a number of factors are associated with development of plantar fasciitis. These factors can lead the athlete to change his or her gait (the way the feet strike the ground), which can cause symptoms and injury. Risk factors for athletes include:

• Biomechanical factors, such as decreased flexibility in the foot and ankle, imbalances in muscle strength (muscles in one leg or foot are weaker than the other), abnormal foot mechanics (when stepping down), and tightness in the Achilles tendon.
• The repetitive nature of sports activities and improper training.
• Rapidly increasing the number of miles run or walked.
• Running or walking up steep hills.
• Wearing athletic shoes that are worn out.
• Wearing athletic shoes that do not have a cushioned sole or enough arch support.
• Abruptly changing the intensity or duration of the exercise routine.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

The traditional remedies for plantar fasciitis include stretching the calf, massaging, decreasing one's training, losing weight, purchasing better-fitting shoes (with a raised heel and arch support), icing the sore heel, and taking ibuprofen.

Another treatment option, also known as one of the easiest, is using heel seats in your shoes. Heel seats pick up and re-stretch the plantar fascia, redistribute the heels natural fat pad, provide structural reinforcement to the foot, and apply acupressure to relieve the pain while your feet heal. You can find such heel seats through your podiatrist or online. In any case, when you feel pain, your body is trying to warn you that something is wrong. See a doctor or specialist at the first sign of pain. Treating problems early is key to a healthy lifestyle.