Plantar Fasciitis, what a curse!!

[jyoutz]

I had a bad case a few years back. It has been threatening to start up again the past few months. I have 3 bits of advice:

1. Good Arch support is critical in all your shoes - all the time. via orthotics or "superfeet" insoles

2. Make sure your bare foot NEVER touches the floor. I got some cork sandals with good arch support that I keep by the bed. My foot goes into them before it hits the ground in the morning. This is critical as failure to do this promotes micro tears in muscles and makes the pain worse/inhibits healing. This is especially important first thing in the morning as everything has relaxed overnight (which is why your brace is important). I wear some Addidas sandals in the shower as they have formed to my feet and are waterproof.

3. Having one of those little spikey ball things to massage your arch also helps. https://www.amazon.com/Due-North-Massage-Plantar-Fasciitus/dp/B002QEY6NK

If you don't see improvement with these tips in a month or so, then go see a podiatrist!

I do everything you describe and second your recommendations. Along with the therapy I posted a link to.

 

[newbury]

I've had pf bad several times. The usual situation that brings it on for me is one of my 12 hour drives between Northern Va. and Northeast Mississippi. I'd spend hours finishing up projects, get a short nights rest, then sit in the car early the next morning and drive 12 hours with only a few stops for fuel.
Then the day after I get back my right foot cramps up terrible.
I think I might have beaten it by being more careful the days before the trip.
Plus when I get up in the a.m. I stand on tip toes and push against the wall.

 

[usmron]

Oh man, I've been suffering with this for over 6 months on my left foot, maybe even longer! It's just something I keep trying to ignore, but I've come to the point that I'm almost crippled. You'd think I'd be smart and go see a doctor, instead I've been too busy with work and family issues and keep trying to just get over it. Every time I think I might be getting over it, it rages back. I've tried different shoes, stretch, massage, roll a frozen water bottle under my arch etc. I've even put new insoles in some of my shoes/boots and they haven't done anything.

Today I bought a brace, that I wear while sleeping, that I'll try. But looking on-line, I see a better one that has a tensioning strap to help stretch your foot upward during the night. I think I'll buy that one too and see what works better.

To make problems worse, I have issues with my right ankle too, associated with a leg injury that required lower leg reconstruction back in 1989. That ankle has always had a range of motion issue, but is now giving me some severe tendonitis or joint issues too. I did see the doctor about that last year and their solution was to send me to PT, which did nothing. With that ankle, I think I have a mechanical issue, related to the original injury and I probably need to see an orthopedic doctor.

I guess I'll quit being stubborn and try to make a doctor appointment.

I've never had issues with my feet and could always walk miles and miles with no issues. This is really a pain.

I went to my eye doctor for minor surgery and he asked in passing how I was doing. I told him about my PF and he took off his shoe and showed me something. He said to order this and it would take care of it. I had been to a podiatrist and got a shot in heel and hurt like hell. Didn't help at all and had to wear a brace, what a joke. I took my eye doctors advice order it and within a week, no pain. Order from Heel that Pain, inserts and put in my tennis shoes I work in daily. Worked so well I ordered a pair for all my shoes that I wear. I no longer use them and pain has never come back. Try it. Heel that Pain. Google it.

 

[drssg]

That's my problem. I commission new power plants, and I've had a bunch of sites recently that involved a lot of walking on paved or gravel surfaces. Especially the site I've been working in Canada. I think the problem really flared up when I was there before the end of the year and it was icy. I wore these grabber/cleat things that slip over your boot to give you traction on ice. Walking with the dang things was like having something poking you right in the bottom of the arch. I've been bringing 2 different sets of boots on every job since and keep swapping between them to try to get relief. I bought some of the Dr. Scholls, Plantar Fasciitis inserts and I'll give them a try. I bought some expensive "Sole" branded inserts, and they did nothing for me.

I wore that brace last night, not perfect, but it seemed to work. This morning, I stretched and went straight into my tennis shoes. I'm trying to "tread lightly" (see what I did there?), and try to get on top of this before I go back to that site next week.

Every time I think I'm seeing improvement; I have a set back. It seems like all it takes is 10 steps in the wrong shoes, not properly stretched, wrong surface etc.etc. and you're screwed again.

Good luck with the inserts. Those things don't look like much, but they made a big difference for me. I also do daily calf stretching exercises by putting the ball of my foot on a stair and letting my weight stretch out the calf.

I've been on that program for a year now, and the pain is gone. YMMV.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've been dealing with PF since the 90's when I was a delivery driver for Airborne Express. It was my left foot, and probably became an issue from getting out of the van so many times a day. I went to a Podiatrist when it became so bad that I was struggling just to walk.

The Doctor examined my foot and said that I had extremely high arches. When I walked, I was stretching the tendon from the front of my foot the the back, and this became inflamed. The inflammation caused the pain the the ball of my foot that made it feel like hollow glass.

To fix this, I needed to support my arches with inserts that held my arches up. Back then, it was something like a hundred bucks for custom inserts, which I bought. They where uncomfortable at first because they put a lot of pressure under my arches, but fairly quickly, I got used to them and the pain went away.

Since then, I haven't always kept up with buying inserts. I would stop wearing them for whatever reason and be fine for a few years, but then it would happen again. Usually I just bought something from Walmart and that seemed to work. But a few years ago, it got really bad and the Walmart inserts where not helping. I think they where Dr Scholl's, but there might be another brand that they sell there, and I don't remember for sure.

I went to a Podiatrist who told me pretty much the same thing about my arches being extreme and that I needed to support them. He also said that I was "Hefty" and the more I weighed, the worse it was going to be. Another good reason to lose weight.

He suggested Spenco supports instead of paying $2,000 for custom inserts. He said that they are very good, but if they do not work, I could always have custom inserts made later on. The Spenco inserts worked, but seemed to lose their arch and needed to be replaced every six months. I tried Power Step Pinnacle and they work too. I don't know which are better, but I do know that I have to wear something to support my arches every day or I will be in pain.

Amazon.com

I tend to wear out a pair of shoes every six months, so now I buy brand new inserts when I buy new shoes. I tried Brooks, Hoka, Nike, NB, and a few other name brands, and paid over $200 for some of them. But they all start to fall apart after a few months. Now I buy Walmart sneakers for less then $30, and they last six months or longer.

 

[jyoutz]

I've been dealing with PF since the 90's when I was a delivery driver for Airborne Express. It was my left foot, and probably became an issue from getting out of the van so many times a day. I went to a Podiatrist when it became so bad that I was struggling just to walk.

The Doctor examined my foot and said that I had extremely high arches. When I walked, I was stretching the tendon from the front of my foot the the back, and this became inflamed. The inflammation caused the pain the the ball of my foot that made it feel like hollow glass.

To fix this, I needed to support my arches with inserts that held my arches up. Back then, it was something like a hundred bucks for custom inserts, which I bought. They where uncomfortable at first because they put a lot of pressure under my arches, but fairly quickly, I got used to them and the pain went away.

Since then, I haven't always kept up with buying inserts. I would stop wearing them for whatever reason and be fine for a few years, but then it would happen again. Usually I just bought something from Walmart and that seemed to work. But a few years ago, it got really bad and the Walmart inserts where not helping. I think they where Dr Scholl's, but there might be another brand that they sell there, and I don't remember for sure.

I went to a Podiatrist who told me pretty much the same thing about my arches being extreme and that I needed to support them. He also said that I was "Hefty" and the more I weighed, the worse it was going to be. Another good reason to lose weight.

He suggested Spenco supports instead of paying $2,000 for custom inserts. He said that they are very good, but if they do not work, I could always have custom inserts made later on. The Spenco inserts worked, but seemed to lose their arch and needed to be replaced every six months. I tried Power Step Pinnacle and they work too. I don't know which are better, but I do know that I have to wear something to support my arches every day or I will be in pain.

Amazon.com

I tend to wear out a pair of shoes every six months, so now I buy brand new inserts when I buy new shoes. I tried Brooks, Hoka, Nike, NB, and a few other name brands, and paid over $200 for some of them. But they all start to fall apart after a few months. Now I buy Walmart sneakers for less then $30, and they last six months or longer.

Last year when it was time to get new inserts, I tried something different. I went to a podiatrist and had him write a prescription to Hanger Clinic for orthotics. Hanger Clinic made me some custom fit, high quality inserts. Because they are a medical device company filling a prescription, much of the cost was covered by medical insurance. I paid $120 for some great insoles that will last for many years. Hanger Clinic is a national company, so probably most people can find one in their state.

 

[SARG]

I'll mention I have the malady on my left heel. And I also discovered that "grinding" down the associated callous made for much less pain. The item (grinder) pictured truly works very well and is dirt cheap. Only 10 bucks & I am amazed at how long the battery holds a charge. ( I also bought a spare but the first has lasted without issues )

Amazon.com

 

[Pixguy]

My wife made the mistake by spending 1500 at GoodFeet. Whatta waste. She ended up going to a podiatrist who gave her an injection, put her on steroids for a few weeks and got her buying good shoes. Much improved in time.

 

[jyoutz]

My wife made the mistake by spending 1500 at GoodFeet. Whatta waste. She ended up going to a podiatrist who gave her an injection, put her on steroids for a few weeks and got her buying good shoes. Much improved in time.

I did that too and it helped for awhile, but without wearing orthotics in my shoes, the problem returned. The problem is caused by a stretching or small tears to the plantar fascia tendon. Without the support of the correct insoles, the problem usually returns because the weakness is always there. I sure didn’t spend $1500 on insoles.

 

[Torvy]

I coached with my podiatrist for years before I needed his services. He went to Cornell and played FB for them, too. He doesn't prescribe oral meds.

Custom orthotics are mostly a scam. Few people actually need them. He gave me some shots for short term relief. Also some topical patches. The thing that really helped is stretching. The lack of flexibility causes the pain. No problems for years since I started stretching. To be fair, it takes a long time at first.

Also important to get shoes that fit correctly. Asics work well for me. Needed wider shoes. The specific model depends on your pronation.

 

[jyoutz]

I coached with my podiatrist for years before I needed his services. He went to Cornell and played FB for them, too. He doesn't prescribe oral meds.

Custom orthotics are mostly a scam. Few people actually need them. He gave me some shots for short term relief. Also some topical patches. The thing that really helped is stretching. The lack of flexibility causes the pain. No problems for years since I started stretching. To be fair, it takes a long time at first.

Also important to get shoes that fit correctly. Asics work well for me. Needed wider shoes. The specific model depends on your pronation.

I don’t consider orthotics to be a scam. They work well for me. Yes the pain is due to lack of flexibility, but that lack is due to tendon damage. That’s why the ASTYM physical therapy helps: to break up the old scar tissue. Perfectly fit shoes are a huge help and I don’t wear orthotics in my custom made white’s boots because the arch is made to fit me. It’s almost impossible to find shoes off the rack that have the correct arch support and that’s where orthotics help.

 

[newbury]

I tried Power Step Pinnacle and they work too. I don't know which are better, but I do know that I have to wear something to support my arches every day or I will be in pain.

When I had major problems with PF about 5 years ago I went to the doctor at my HMO and she prescribed Power Step Pinnacle. Which they sold "under the counter" at the receptionist for Podiatry, but they wanted a ridiculously low price, something like $12/pair, about what generic Dr. Scholl's were going for. While every place else I found the Power Step Pinnacle they were like $40.
I only bought 3 pair, not knowing they were going to stop selling them under the counter in a few months. Should have bought a couple of dozen. Since then I've tried a half dozen other brands, none worked as well for me.

 

[SPYDERLK]

That's my problem. I commission new power plants, and I've had a bunch of sites recently that involved a lot of walking on paved or gravel surfaces. Especially the site I've been working in Canada. I think the problem really flared up when I was there before the end of the year and it was icy. I wore these grabber/cleat things that slip over your boot to give you traction on ice. Walking with the dang things was like having something poking you right in the bottom of the arch. I've been bringing 2 different sets of boots on every job since and keep swapping between them to try to get relief. I bought some of the Dr. Scholls, Plantar Fasciitis inserts and I'll give them a try. I bought some expensive "Sole" branded inserts, and they did nothing for me.

I wore that brace last night, not perfect, but it seemed to work. This morning, I stretched and went straight into my tennis shoes. I'm trying to "tread lightly" (see what I did there?), and try to get on top of this before I go back to that site next week.

Every time I think I'm seeing improvement; I have a set back. It seems like all it takes is 10 steps in the wrong shoes, not properly stretched, wrong surface etc.etc. and you're screwed again.

Have you tried Meloxicam? It is a prescribed NSAID. 1 pill/day. I find benefit much longer lasting. A couple or 3 days taking, then no need for weeks or even months before you think you need another one. It is not fast acting. You wont notice anything for at least half a day. -- Then hmm-mm?!

 

[Torvy]

I don’t consider orthotics to be a scam. They work well for me. Yes the pain is due to lack of flexibility, but that lack is due to tendon damage. That’s why the ASTYM physical therapy helps: to break up the old scar tissue. Perfectly fit shoes are a huge help and I don’t wear orthotics in my custom made white’s boots because the arch is made to fit me. It’s almost impossible to find shoes off the rack that have the correct arch support and that’s where orthotics help.

For MOST people CUSTOM orthotics are a scam. Damage causes the pain. Shots, ice and topical analgesics mitigate the pain. Stretching keeps the problem from returning.

For MOST people correctly sized shoes do what orthotics do for a lot less money and they don't look like you have problems.

 

[jyoutz]

For MOST people CUSTOM orthotics are a scam. Damage causes the pain. Shots, ice and topical analgesics mitigate the pain. Stretching keeps the problem from returning.

For MOST people correctly sized shoes do what orthotics do for a lot less money and they don't look like you have problems.

If stretching cures the problem, it’s a strain, not true plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is tendon damage, either weakness or a tear. Meds simply reduce pain but don’t fix the tendon damage. Once the plantar fascia tendon is damaged, it is always weak and needs support. A lot of what people refer to as plantar fasciitis is a simple strain that does heal over time.

 

[Torvy]

Doctors disagree with you.

Plantar fasciitis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.org

"Treatment
Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, such as icing the painful area, stretching, and modifying or staying away from activities that cause pain."

 

[jyoutz]

Doctors disagree with you.

Plantar fasciitis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.org

"Treatment
Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, such as icing the painful area, stretching, and modifying or staying away from activities that cause pain."

Yep, for mild cases that is a strain. The OP and I were describing chronic situations. Chronic situations are caused by tendon damage.

 

[Torvy]

I've got spurs and spent 2 years in pain. Sorry your doctor wasn't good enough to solve the problem. Orthotics are not a solution. They disguise the root problem.

If you cannot resolve with stretching, they would do surgical procedures (up to and including severing the plantar fascia completely).

Highly recommend seeing a better podiatrist.

 

[jyoutz]

I've got spurs and spent 2 years in pain. Sorry your doctor wasn't good enough to solve the problem. Orthotics are not a solution. They disguise the root problem.

If you cannot resolve with stretching, they would do surgical procedures (up to and including severing the plantar fascia completely).

Highly recommend seeing a better podiatrist.

I have no problem now after the ASTYM therapy and good orthotics. Many other people find relief the same way. Surgery is a last resort.

 

[m7040]

I have lots of pain if not using custom hard inserts that prevents the rocking of the foot as I walk. Also have high arch so got the Nick boots custom fit for that with Spenco insoles and the hard half insoles added as well.