Plantar fasciitis? Pain in arch

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MelissaDoc
MelissaDoc Posts: 71 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So as a little intro, I have run on and off for a while and pretty much always been at least active in the gym. Starting this past summer I started a more regular running schedule and have stuck with it thus far. I run 4 miles- 5 days a week, usually outside. My sneakers (Asics GT-2000) may be a little old at 5-6 months old.

Starting maybe 1.5-2 months ago I noticed a pain in the arch of my left foot when I walked upstairs barefoot. Now I notice it more often and it is more painful.

Last week I bougth a tennis ball and started rolling that under my foot when I remember. I hurts, but I guess in a good way.

Today I bought my 3rd pair of the Asics GT-2000 (yay Black Friday deals) and mentioned this pain to the sales person. He said that it sounds like I need more arch support, but that this sneaker does have a good amount.

What should I do to make this go away or to stop it from getting worse.

Replies

  • thesupremeforce
    thesupremeforce Posts: 1,207 Member
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    I'd see a doctor. I say this because when I was in college, I (somehow) managed to tear my plantar fascia and it rolled up into a ball on the bottom of my foot. It was a nightmare, led to surgery, and I had to go the whole expensive inserts route (which didn't prevent me from feeling it and limping around at times) for several years afterward.
  • Ang108
    Ang108 Posts: 1,711 Member
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    When I had the same problem about 15 years ago, I saw an orthopedist/sports doctor who suggested special arch support and special exercise. The problem disappeared within 8-10 weeks and so far has not returned.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
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    Time to see a podiatrist!
  • westernjoy
    westernjoy Posts: 175 Member
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    Plantar Fasciitis is extremely painful. I had it about for 8 months. I had to stretch my foot every morning before getting out of bed. For about 5 minutes. Used my hand to pull the ball of foot back towards my knee. Keep doing it. It takes awhile to heal. If it isPlantar Fasciitis.
  • MelissaDoc
    MelissaDoc Posts: 71 Member
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    Ugh. I was hoping there would be a quick fix :/
    My arch seems to only hurt with pressure. Not when I am walking around, generally with or without shoes (unless I step on something int eh center of my foot).
    When I sit on the ground with my legs stright in front of me and stretch as Westernjoy suggests, my left foot does not hurt or really feel particularly tight, as compared to my right foot.
    Thoughts?
  • EllaIsNotEnchanted
    EllaIsNotEnchanted Posts: 226 Member
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    old shoes = no bueno, get some new shoes (check with a physical therapist, doctor, or podiatrist if you need orthotics).

    try freezing a water bottle and rolling that under your feet as well (especially after inflammation).

    Highly recommend stretching as well: http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-heel/Pages/Plantar-Fasciitis.aspx


    Also, this is all general advice. A specialist= way more better chance of recovery.
  • consideritdonemi
    consideritdonemi Posts: 88 Member
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    Someone I am friends with on MFP started a post/discussion about foot problems. I have PF, but no insurance so I took note. Apparently a combination of Nike Air sneakers and Spenco (sp?) inserts were recommended by someone's podiatrist. No doubt you can make an appointment and get some very expensive orthotics made, but it's always good to know a lower cost Plan B.
  • calderst
    calderst Posts: 222 Member
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    Feetures makes a compression brace that can be worn for extra support. I got mine at a running store for not very much. After my flare-up, I passed it on to my brother when he was having a flare up. Helped us both without having to go to a doc.
  • VGibs1981
    VGibs1981 Posts: 11 Member
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    Does your heel hurt when you put your foot down in the morning? That is the best indicator of PF. I have severe PF. The frozen water bottle is the best advice ever. I've been doing that for years now and it really helps.
  • MagnumBurrito
    MagnumBurrito Posts: 1,070 Member
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    The only fix is strengthening your feet. More arch support will just further atrophy your foot muscles. Do progressive loading for toe raises.
  • mtruitt01
    mtruitt01 Posts: 370 Member
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    I had PF really bad last year. All shoes were a problem. Superfeet Green inserts helped. They cost 40 bucks, but for me they are the best. Frozen water bottle and stretches helped. I had to stop walking for awhile. It's gone now, but I've switched to at-home exercises. I'm really fussy about shoes now. Even though a woman, I buy Asics men's because I'm 6 foot, 190, and I think men's products are usually better made. I often wear these weird shoes called Oesh, and Clarks leather flip-flops with a molded leather bed with high arch. I don't know if they even make them anymore. Baby it, and check out outline advice. Doctor first!

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