plantar fasciitis

[PrincessFiona]

I am miserable.

I started having pain when I tried to get out of bed in the morning about a month ago. At first it was mild and I thought nothing of it....it has reached a point where I can't put any weight at all on my foot it hurts so bad. During the day it would ease up and I was able to get around without much of a problem unless I sat down for any length of time. Now (starting after a day where I did a lot of walking) I have constant shooting/burning pain on my heal. It really hurts.

What can I do to get this under control? You guys are all doctor's wives. I know you are doctors by osmosis!

I've been icing it at night/doing light exercises with my foot in bed before I get out of bed/wearing over the counter shoe inserts....anything I'm missing?

I refuse to make an appointment with the dr because of my weight, so that's not an option. I just wonder if there is some special something I could be doing?

[diggitydot]

What shoes are you wearing?

[mommax3]

I have had this for 2 years. Many of my friends have it, too...some overweight, some not. I think it is more of an aging issue. Go to a podiatrist. Also, wear good shoes. If I wear shoes without good arch support, I pay the price. I still struggle with it, but it is *much* better now that I am wearing better shoes...and remember, I stand for 7 hours a day most days.

[PrincessFiona]

What shoes do you suggest?

[Vishenka69]

I did PT for a couple of months and that helped a lot. Cortisone shot only worked first time. It still flares up occasionally but dojng specific stretches helps. And yes, I had to get some ugly ass shoes.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[mommax3]

For me, Clarks, Borns, and sandals/flip-flops I got at The Walking Company (brand name is abeo...they are pricey but do the trick) work. I always have the most trouble during the end of summer when school first starts. I want to wear the cute flip-flops I've wearing while home during the summer, and I just can't. My "teacher" shoes that I wear once the weather is cooler were always pretty good (although I have a bad habit of keeping shoes for too long). I can't wear completely flat shoes....I can actually feel little tears happening in the tendon in my arches when I do.

[diggitydot]

plantar fasciitis

I've only ever had those kinds of symptoms/pains when I've worn shoes with super squishy insoles or really thick soles. Teva sandals are a no-go for me.

I have the best experience with shoes that allow for a natural range of motion. Really padded shoes don't work because they limit my natural motion. I do best with Tieks, Keens, Birkenstock, New Balance Minimus (minimalist sneakers), etc.

[L.Jane]

Yup. I have this too. I can only wear tennis shoes. If I wear flip flops or go barefoot too long I am screwed. I should probably go look at the shoes that have been suggested on here.

[Pollyanna]

I had a bout with it this past summer and finally have it under control but only by being vigilant. Holy crap, childbirth hurts less

Step #1: Never ever go barefoot. I mean never. Do not let a bare foot hit the floor. I keep these shoes by my bed and on my feet in the house at all times (I also call them my ugly shoes): http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/dan...QzwhoCEnzw_wcB

Step #2:STRETCH!!! Do not get out of bed, out of the car, out of a chair without stretching your calf muscles. Stretch before you go to bed. Stretch your entire leg but really focus on your calf. The simple act of stretching is HUGE.

Step #3: ICE ICE ICE. I even brought an ice pack in the car with me and iced my left foot by just placing it on the ice pack while I drove. Ice every day during the acute phase. Yes, every day. It makes a difference.

Step #4: Forget your old shoes. Go to the Walking Company or similar type store. Talk to them about your problem and buy shoes that still match your clothes and make you feel good about yourself but provide support for your foot. This is doable (even though a tab depressing at first). These are great athletic shoes: http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/abe...eon-pink/35546 I also am still devoted to my MBTs but they are hard to find anymore. Danskos work really well for me and they have a nice variety of dress, casual, and lets be honest, ugly. You may prefer a different brand, it will depend on where your arch falls and how different shoes fit your foot. Also with shoes, try to avoid going from no heel to a heel and back and forth. If you do, try extra stretching or rest your feet for a bit between the switch. When you go shopping for new shoes plan on being patient, taking your time and finding shoes that make your foot feel better.

Step #5: REST!! I know I know, it's impossible. I get it. This summer I would sit in Mass and wonder if I would be able to walk to communion the pain was no intense when it first hit. But you have to allow your feet extra rest (and then stretch stretch stretch when you get up). Switch your exercise routine to something that is non weight baring like swim. Just try to avoid walking or running during the acute phase.

Step #6: Avoid stairs as much as possible and go flat footed when you have to use them.

Step #7: Make Ibuprofen your friend.

Recovery is a slooooow process and honestly a lot of work but so worth it. You'll get there.

[houseelf]

^^Everything Pollyanna said, but I have to add that it is important to increase exercise slowly. Adding to much distance walking or running is a sure fire bet to get plantar fascitiis.

[PrincessFiona]

We are going all in. We ordered a night time splint, exercise ball, special socks, and Birkenstocks from Germany. If that doesn't help, I'll see a podiatrist!
Hopefully, I'm attacking this from so many angles that it can't help but be successful.

[Pollyanna]

We are going all in. We ordered a night time splint, exercise ball, special socks, and Birkenstocks from Germany. If that doesn't help, I'll see a podiatrist!
Hopefully, I'm attacking this from so many angles that it can't help but be successful.

I never had to see the podiatrist but I will warn you to be patient and consistent. It took me a full two months before I could stand barefooted without pain. Gently stretch stretch stretch every time you go from stationary to walking.

Sending healing vibes your way!!!!

[Pollyanna]

How are your feet doing Kris?

[PrincessFiona]

Almost no pain. I don't use the night time splint anymore, but I have it in my closet ready in case I struggle with this again. That, and the Birkenstocks seemed to have provided me with the most relief.

DH has been having foot pain and he bought the Birks too ... and has experienced less pain.

Thanks for asking!

Kris