I have Plantar Faciitis and can hardly walk...

I had plantar fasciitis problems and still do in the mornings upon waking. God forbid there was ever a emergancies and I had to run to my children outta bed, I would have to crawl! But with proper stretches I have eliminated the pain the the rest of the day. I am n my feet all day for work and run, bike or swim at least5 days a week. Check into stretches you can do and see how tha helps. Have you spoken with a physical therapist about theses issues?

Standard treatment in the UK is calf stretches and arch supports. This got rid of my complaints.

The stretch I used: Place a cutting board or other small plank of wood on the edge of a thick book (or anything else about two inches thick). Stand on this so that your toes are raised for a few minutes a couple of times a day.

I had PF for a long time. It started around 2002 and would get so bad that I could barely walk. Once day I actually collapsed on the beach trying to walk to our umbrella thru the dry sand. It's painful and anyone who has never experienced it just cannot relate.

My doctor taught me some stretching exercises and I lost weight. I also strengthened the muscles in my feet and ankles. That helped tremendously and I haven't had any problems in about 5 years.

I've gained that weight back but the PF has not come back... thankfully. Now that I'm losing it again, I'm running and walking on the treadmill with no problems.

I would also suggest getting a custom fit on your running/walking shoes. A great pair of shoes can make all the difference. See if you can find a local company that sells running apparel. ****s sporting goods salespeople won't cut it. We found this great shop in a nearby town called Bucks County Running Company in Doylestown. (I'm in PA). When my husband and I decided to start training for our first 3K, we went there and they custom fit our shoes to our feet. The measured arches, etc. Best thing is that they didn't cost any more than going to ****s or another sporting good company. Mine were $100 and they fit like a glove.

Talk to your doctor, google PF exercises and get started doing that and as the pounds come off, the pain should start to subside some. I'm hoping that this helps you. I know how painful this can be to live with.

I'm adding you as a friend in case I can help... Hugs!!

Hahahaha... it censored my post because I said d - i - c - k's. Sorry MFP, that's just the name of the store just like Modell's... Yikes. ROFL

My sister has it. She finally resorted to the foot doctor. He gave her inserts for her shoes and told her to NEVER walk without shoes on her feet...even getting up at night to go to the restroom! Finally, he resorted to a cortisone shot and it is much better. She is still wearing her inserts and will for the next 6 months, but it is so much better. Good luck..sounds like a doctor visit is in order. As for exercising, try strength training and a stationery bike....no wear and tear on the feet. Best wishes....

I had it really bad about a year ago and in the Spring through Summer I started bike riding 4-5 days a week and the stretching of pedaling must have took care of it because it's gone. It's the only thing I did different so I believe that's what took care of it.

I thought for the longest time that is what was going on with my right heel. Come to find out I had torn my achilles tendon. I would suggest making sure it is really Plantar Fasciitis. Keep a golf ball on the night stand and before you put your weight on the foot roll the golf ball from the ball of the foot to the heel. It will help to relax the muscles in the arch of the foot and get you walking with less pain in the mornings.

I suffered from this for a long time. A couple of years ago, I got a Futuro foot brace that you wear while you sleep. It took about three months, but the plantar fascitis went away, and I've been pain free ever since. It's costs about $30, which is cheaper than a Drs. co-pay. They should be around the pharmacy section (I got mine at Target) or you can google "futuro plantar fasciitis sleep support".

I had it. I wore the brace to bed and changed my footwear habits. No flipflops, no barefoot at all. I wear Keen hikers most of the time but have found a few off the shelf tennis shoes that have enough heel not to aggravate it. NB has a style or two and so does Nike. Just cannot wear anything that lowers the heel. I also woudl stretch before getting up in order not to aggravate it. I worry everyday that it might flare up now that I am walking and exercising so much but no sign of its return. Losing some weight has surely helped too.

I did the same. No barefootin' at all! I had PF for 6 months-- pure hell. I got this hideous pair of Skechers shape-ups to wear all the time I was not at work. I am convinced they cured my PF, or else allowed it to go away pretty quickly. (I read online it takes 24 months to go away!) I tried the stretches and the nighttime boot and a thing to roll my foot on with ice inside. I swear by the Shape-ups. They push up into the arch and are very cushion-y.

I had to change shoes. I wore sneakers my entire life until PF entered my life. I had to buy Dansko clogs. I hate the look of them and the soles are *hard*, which made the adjustment difficult. I could barely walk, so it took a month of walking in them before I was doing so pain-free. I see a lot of folks wearing them, though, nurses and other professionals on their feet all day, so they are well thought of for feet.

Around the house though, because I live in a condo, the clogs are not an option. They're too noisy. Instead I wear Crocs. They have a surprising amount of arch support for such a soft shoe. I can't wear them every day though.

I avoid impact sports (running) and swim at the local pool now. It's good exercise if you know how.

I've been living with this going on four years now and while I can be without pain for most of the day, if I ever go barefoot, or walk too long, it starts up again. As long as I listen to my feet and don't ignore them, I do fine.