Plantar Fasciitis

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rmfails417
rmfails417 Posts: 24
in Motivation and Support
I'm wondering has this affected anyone's ability to workout. It doesn't bother me when I'm doing strength training, however, after I get off of the treadmill or the elliptical...OOOOOOMMMMMMGGGGGG! I notice that certain shoes I worked out in I had more pain when I changed out of the shoes, so I stick with my Nike's as they have a relatively high instep and work on my narrow foot. I've read about taping and I'm going to have a doctor check it out, but thought I would ask.

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  • lawlorka
    lawlorka Posts: 484 Member
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    You should not be running on a treadmill if you have PF - you should be doing low impact exercise only.

    I was diagnosed with PF first week of January - my doctor, who suffered in the past himself, told me no running for at least 2 months and to restrict walking (no long walks). I have a splint to wear at night and insoles for my shoes to support me during the day. My doctor said it took a year for his to heal and he had to give up running completely now.

    I used to run 3/4 times a week - now I am restricted to the bike/rowing machine so I take Spin classes and am working up my rowing distance. I do strength training 3 times a week which is fine.

    Swimming is also meant to be a very good cardio workout when you have PF - I can't swim though, so I've signed up for lessons just in case the PF lasts longer than 2 months
  • tralala99
    tralala99 Posts: 28 Member
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    I had this problem. It really sucked at the time but I recovered after a couple of months. I went to the doctor and she gave me some stretches to do -- you could probably find them online. She also told me some people find it helps to wear a shoe with a bit of a heel during the day, which I found to be the case. I had to stop running for a while, and watch what shoes I wore. If you haven't already, I would suggest getting a pair of good running shoes at one of those specialty running stores where they can fit you properly. And definitely take time off, I kept trying to test it and then setting my own progress back again. Good luck!
  • Tmccall55
    Tmccall55 Posts: 10 Member
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    I've tried everything for my PF with lots of expensive disappointments. Best for me is the Dr Scholls inserts you get when you use their diagnostic computer (at some Wal marts) They aren't cheap, about $50 for a set but wow what a difference. Buy a pair for your athletic shoes and a pair for dress up. They actually improved my feet so much that I can go without them most of the time. I exercise in Sketchers with memory foam insoles. Just my experience for what its worth
  • jacques57
    jacques57 Posts: 2,129 Member
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    THe first two replies are consistent with my experience.

    1) see doctor
    2) use shoe inserts in all your shoes and get rid of the shoes with poor support.
    3) stretch often
    4) no running or vigorous walking for months
    5) This took months to clear up but it did, and I credit the shoe inserts for strengthening my arches, and a splint I slept with for stretching my foot out at night. Stretching is a theme here.
  • blorft
    blorft Posts: 5 Member
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    I just got the all-clear to return to running after a 5 month hiatus because of PF. I had been running on and off for a couple of years and was training for my first half marathon last year, but I was running too hard and too often. I'm now back to running, but only on a treadmill at a slower pace (4.7-5.4 mph). I had good-quality running shoes, but replaced them with even better ones when I started running again about 3 weeks ago.

    I went to see a physiotherapist who used ice, ultrasound therapy, and massage to treat my PF. Now, I stretch before I get out of bed, before and after exercising, and I ice my foot after every workout. This can be time-consuming and a pain in the butt to take care of, but the pain of walking and not being able to train and meet goals i had finally gotten serious about hurt much more! My advice is to take the advice of anyone who has been through it - see a doctor for treatment and follow it exactly to avoid flare-ups in the future. Good luck!
  • mulecanter
    mulecanter Posts: 1,792 Member
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    I'd recommend seeing a podiatrist, specialists are normally better. When I had it the podiatrist gave me the whole speech about stretching the calf muscles, etc. The thing that really cured me however was some potent prescription anti-inflammatory medicine he also included (I don't remember what it was). It knocked the PF down and it never came back. I had been training for a marathon when I got it and I was able to resume training fairly quickly.
  • Mrscanmore
    Mrscanmore Posts: 859 Member
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    I have a lot of heal pain in the morning, which I think is mild PF or the beginning of it. I am still able to run and do other exercise, it just takes a bit of time to work itself out. I'm really hoping it doesn't get worse though! One thing I've found to help out a bit before I run is to do a bit of yoga. I found a 5 minute morning Tara Stiles video on youtube. I find it really stretches out my feet and then I am able to walk normally!

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