Plantar Fasciitis

ewallac6

I have had plantar fasciitis for at least 4 years now. I first noticed it enough to go ask a doctor about it after my second child was born. I rocked her on the balls of my feet (I called it the "daddy dance".) When I saw the doctor, he said that's likely what aggravated it, but that I may have had symptoms for a while. Mostly, I remember the morning pain.

Mine flared up again a couple of years ago when I was running. Once day, I couldn't walk. Both feet were too painful to walk on without a lot of effort. I ended up using a cane. I saw a different doctor and he put me in orthodox that worked. My right foot healed after a long time of doing the conventional treatments you've described. It was probably almost a year.

My left foot, however, has still not healed. I'm not a shot person either, so I've lived with it. Currently, I'm going through a therapy plan called "Extra-corporeal Shockwave Therapy". It uses shockwaves at the effected area to break up scar tissue and restart the healing process. Insurance doesn't pay for it, which stinks, and I haven't seen the results I was hoping for, but it's about a 4-month period and it's only been 3 weeks.

My best to you. I hope your's heals quickly!

ewallac6

These sound interesting. I've tried about everything else.

They are expensive, though, aren't they?

CupcakeHarpy

Ok. I am a VETERAN at this. I've been to 3 doctors for this problem. Finally one doctor had the right idea. It took me a year to fix my feet. I know it sucks... but PF is a result of tight tendons. Tendons don't stretch as easily as muscles. So you have to be vigilant at your healing. Also, if you have PF once, chances are you should take care to prevent it in the future as it can easily come back. Mine is finally gone (although I've been lazy and slacking lately at my stretches so... I'm a bad girl. I will pay the price if I don't go back to my healing routine). I've tried everything... acupuncture, stretching, steroid pills, steroid injections, splints, compression, ice, heat, massage, electro-shocking thingy that electrocutes you, ultrasound therapy, herbal injections, over the counter painkillers, and human sacrifice.

So this is what I did to get rid of it:
-Doctor gave me steroid injection (some people are against it... For me, mine was so severe I begged for it.)
-Doctor gave me pills to go home with.
-I wore a night splint like this one, although I can't find where I got the exact one I have: http://www.plantarfasciitis-heel.com/night-splints/
-DON'T GET ANY OTHER TYPE OF SPLINT!! This one is scary and uncomfortable, but I swear by it. It is the only splint to help me. Just get used to it. sleep with it every night. If your feet go numb, loosen it a little or take it off and put it on again later. I struggled with it but it is the best thing to happen to me.
-Do calf and hamstring stretches as well. These are just as important as stretching your feet.
-Lots of aleive
-This may sound silly... But try not to point your toes.. ever. Like if you are lying down on the couch, press your feet against the armrest so that your feet are bent at 90 degrees or less. So make stretching your feet a part of your life, not just a couple of times a day.
-I wear arch support insoles (I have high arches) and that has made the difference in keeping my feet happy.

Its horrible,but I got rid of it so anyone can. It just takes so much time. I hope you feel better.

claw0416

I gree with all the other posters on all the home tricks..Iced Water bottles are great! Espcially after being on your feet all day. I usually rolled my feet and stretched before I go top bed, and keep my feet elavated, since they are normally inflamed. Mine had become a chronic problem to wehre it would take turns in the feet, then back in March it took on both feet, Idid all the stretches, it was so bad I could barely touch my feet to the floor in the monring, and the sheets touching my feet was painful. It was a mess! It was recommended by the Podiatrist to stay off my feet for a few days limiting how much I walked, and not to wear flip flops, or go barefooted...I did all this, they would feel fine by Monday, but it would flare up again..Well it had gotten so bad I actually ruptured my PF, in my left foot. It is the most excurciiating pain ever. What I had basically did was my own PF release or foot surgery..lI could not put any weight on that foot, it felt like it was on fire, lifting it was even painful. When it happend I actually felt and heard a pop. Anyway, I was put on non weight bearing and a walking cast for 8 weeks and gradually building back up to walking in a tennis shoe. The pain was still there and limping. Podiatrist actually gave me the option of the chots or ESWT/ Extra-corporeal Shockwave Therapy. Ihate shots.. I chose the ESWT. It was set up for me to go in 6 times for 45 minutes each. 3 days the first week and 3 the following. By the end I could bare weight again and could walk further distances, and stand on my feet longer. It still hurt a little. I was told it took up to 6 weeks after the session to heal.I was skeptical. But they were right. I am gradually getting back into my exercises. I actually did 3 miles and then 4 miles today on the treadmill. The suggested on a slight incline no higher than 3. so your not pulling the tissues or redamaging, but to have some incline so my feet were not pounding on the treadmill. He strongly felt that epliptical or rowing machines etc were better and less stress on the feet. He also recommended a cushioned shoe that could support walking, exercising etc, but not stress the PF and of coarse a fitted insert. I am starting the ESWT on my right foot next feet sine the PF is still a battle and since it is chronic, I would benefit from getting it done. You may want to check into it. In the long run, honestly it may save you alot of pain, and doctors visits and money from not having to do the shots, or surgery..

jlynn6810

Bump

linder4866

Wow, lots of information here. Have to come back later and try to absorb some of it!!