planters fasciitis help

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  • xomakaxo
    xomakaxo Posts: 86 Member
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    I help people with plantar fasciitis almost daily (shoe business) and from what they tell me, a hefty full-length insole is a must. Most shoes are lacking in cushion in the heel (on the bottom/sole and also supporting the outer area of the heel), and that can cause soreness after workouts or standing for long periods of time. Anyone that works on their feet or does athletic exercise should have an insole that absorbs shock with every step-- a cushioned heel and ball of foot (the squishy area on the sole of your foot next to your toes). Many also need/prefer arch supports in their insoles (some do not, depends on the person). Look for a combination insole that has both a high-density foam and gel cushion, to help cushion light and heavy footfalls.

    Another idea as someone else mentioned was Skechers Shapeups-- try them out in the store, and walk around in them before you buy them (don't buy online!). I have MANY customers tell me that their joint pain, plantar fasciitis, and other foot- and leg-related problems are instantly helped by these shoes. Shapeups allow you to stretch your calves while wearing them, and also are comprised of several layers of pure cushion (shock absorbency). Since they are meant to cause minor instability, they will make you work harder to balance, but that helps strengthen your muscles and improves posture. Some people need to start off wearing them for an hour or so a day and build up to wearing them for longer periods of time (to prevent sore calf muscles if you aren't used to them working out).

    I also agree with almost everyone else on here that it's important to stretch your muscles. :)
  • clemsonsaint
    clemsonsaint Posts: 53
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    I have been diagnosed with Planter Fasciitis. I tried orthopedic inserts and stretching. Nothing helped so I saw a specialist. He gave me a steroid shot and it did wonders for a long time. Then I started running long distances again and the pain is back. I am debating on what I should do now.
  • greeksenorita
    greeksenorita Posts: 12
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    I had plantar fascitis last summer and got it after intense workouts. I went to the podiatrist, he gave me stretching exercises for it (go online and type in PF stretches). Stretch first thing in am--must do this on a regular basis. Also advised me to take an anti-inflamatory ie: ibuprofen q6hr. He advised me to buy GOOD Tennis shoes--it is important to pad your foot with great arch support and padding. Saucony brand is the best I found along with Asics Gel. You don't have to go outrageous on the price--try EBAY--they have great buys. You can also buy good insoles for your exisitng shoes at a reputable shoe store (NOT payless/walmart etc). After following this advice, My PF has not returned. Hope this helps!!! :) P.S. Going barefoot is horrible for PF per my podiatrist :)
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
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    I had PF several years ago and it was fixed by a combination of things mentioned in these posts. One piece that was critical for me , that I didn't see mentioned, was ART treatments.

    http://activereleasetechnique.com/

    This has been a Godsend for me. My PT is an ART practitioner. The combination of the treatment along with rolling on a frozen water bottle, not walking around barefoot and stretching the calves knocked out a bad case of PF in about 6 weeks. I saw my PT for treatment 2 to 3 times a week during that period and he encouraged me to keep running on it. I noticed an immediate difference right after the treatment. I have used ART for a couple other soft tissue maladies as well with equally positive results.

    Once the PF was resolved, I went back to barefoot around the house because I believe it's critical for strengthening the feet, toes and ankles.

    A comment on barefoot running. I don't believe it's the end all, be all for running. It has it's place. I do form drills and strides barefoot when weather and terrain permit, but wear shoes for everything else. I also don't prescribe to the theory that you need to have shoes built like airbags for your feet. You have to have some feel for the road (or trails).

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