Planter Fasciitis anyone? Shoe/Sneaker Suggestions/ Workout?

I used to sell shoes and developed plantar fasciitis during that time. I started wearing Ecco shoes and I have been pain free for years. They have athletic shoes as well as a variety of other styles. I would highly recommend checking out a good shoe store or shoe department, look in the comfort shoe area and try on different brands to see what works for you. I worked at Dillard's, so not sure where you're at but that would be one place to check. Not going to be the prettiest shoes (though I think they've gotten better), but getting healed is the most important thing! I no longer need to wear the Eccos, but I rarely purchase shoes that don't fall into the comfort shoe category anymore. Oh and stay away from flip flops until you're healed, and even then don't wear them for extended periods of time.

As far as workouts, I'll let someone else take that one. I had a gym membership at the time, and everything I tried made my foot hurt so I gave it up. Good luck!

I've been having the same problem this year, too, for the first time. It made me feel better when a teenie tiny shoe saleslady who runs told me she also gets the problem, though.

This is what I'm learning: Get fitted at a "real" runner's store for sneakers. They will check your pronation. Avoid flip flops, ballet flats, and slippers. Stretch your CALVES (not just your feet).

I'm also trying to re-train myself how to run properly. Not sure how much this is related, but I think it's helping: do not heel strike. Push your weight forward, move from the hips, and have your forefoot hit the ground first. It feels very different, but good.

I have an insane case in my left heel. I can't say it was a cure, however amazon sells "support socks" for the plantar fasciitus that really help a lot. They run about 15 dollars wach, get 2 for each affected foot so you can hand wash them when needed. I almost never take mine off now. It is barely noticeable and a lot of help

I am also trying to find a helpful shoe for mine. I love working out on the treadmill but the pressure on my foot may end up being too much. The Arc T machine is great! Gives you a great workout with less pressure. I have Sketchers lites. They are lovely. They aren't perfect but they sure help!

I wear $20 inserts I get from Sports Authority (they are red). I also wear these sandals at all times rather than being barefoot: http://www.amazon.com/Telic-Unisex-Fashion-Med-Large-Midnight/dp/B0127Q2WNC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1443648151&sr=8-8&keywords=sandals+telic

I like Asics Nimbus 17 for running...and losing 60lbs probably didn't hurt. I do have a foot roller with spikes on it and use the frozen water bottle trick.

#1 thing that helped - strengthening my calves and squats.

There is some good advice above. As for mine, I picked up orthotics from the foot doc and stopped going barefoot everywhere. Including my house (house slippers). It took several months to get better though.

I used Keen's and Merrills, spend the money on good quality shoes and you'll be free of PF. I did a ice cold can and rolled it on the bottom of the foot. Stretched calves daily, Everyone is correct get ride of the flip-flops

I have PF in my right foot and it really interferes worn exercise! Some great tips ^^^ !! I spent $$ on orthotics and while they did help you just can't wear them all day long every day, especially in summer, so you have to learn other tricks. Like someone said, stretching your foot before you take a first step, especially in the morning. Calf stretches are essential to take the pressure off but rolling your foot on a tennis-size ball is needed also. But it has to be a hard ball (tennis ball is too soft, cricket ball works well). Taping your foot to shorten the tendon will give it a break for a couple or three days. Cold can reduce inflammation after a long day on your feet (roll it out on a frozen bottle of water). Losing weight apparently helps too but that's easier said than done *sigh* ha ha

The tendon that's inflamed is very slow to heal so it will take time and patience, always stretch it before you take a first step, roll it out when it's hurting, before walking and at the end of the day -basically every step you take when it's painful is a set back so try to avoid by doing the above!

I see a lot of "brand x" makes sneaker for PF. That's not really true. Athletic shoes can be made to address how different people walk and/or run, if you over or under pronate, etc. A lot of folks with PF overpronate and need motion control shoes. If you overpronate and run, you should get these shoes. More importantly, if you run, you should have your gait examined by someone who knows what they are doing--a running shoe store, not foot locker.

Also, there are some good flip flops out there as well. My Olukai Ohana's are very conformable and I used to love my Birkenstocks.

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My piece for what it's worth. Good custom fit shoes are good as mentioned. But I like inserts also because I can put them in all of my shoes be it running shoes, boots, or dress shoes. I buy them at a local running shop and they are about $40 per pair. The brand I use is called power step if that helps. These have lasted longer than custom made inserts I had in the past for several hundred dollars. The store bought ones also work better for me. In the beginning I tried the stretches, the frozen bottles of water, tennis balls and even cortisone shots without any relief. This we're a last ditch effort and changed my life. Literally. Lastly, because I run, I also found that I need to buy new shoes about every 6-8 months. Makes a big difference because they get so worn out.