I've Got Plantar Fasciitis!

[jangell2]

And it sucks. I got back into running with the Firecracker training group earlier this year and have been running with Bill's Tuesday night group and throughout the week.

It has gradually gotten worse, been to the GP doc twice, and now I have to layoff for a while, if not permanently. I'm 64, so it's not like I can expect my body to heal itself that quickly.

Anyone have any recommendations as to a specialist I should see. Any shoe out there good for plantar fasciitis? I've heard MBT's are good for it. They are a walking shoe, but I'm not running for a while.

Anyone had any luck with orthotics for something like this.

Bill, I'm sorry I won't be running with you guys out there. Of course, I'm so slow, I never did get to see much of you anyway.

[runlikeagirl]

I've had it for over a year...it got remarkably better when i switched to a shoe with more arch support. I run in the Brooks Ghost. I think the shoe makes a HUGE difference. Even the shoes you wear around the house. I have a pair of birkenstock sandals that I wear religously b/c they mold to my feet and have good arch support also.

It cured my Plantar, but i had already developed a heal spur from the plantar which exhibits the same symptoms, so now I have learned to live with that excrutiating first step out of bed and the pain following speed workouts.

Go by Sporty Runner and Linda will know exactly what shoe to fit you for!

Good luck!

[dhmac]

When I developed plantar in my right foot I messed with it for several months with various unsuccessful remedies like arch supports, taping, sleeping in a "boot", running on grass, etc. I finally went to a podiatrist (sp) ie "foot doctor" and got a shot. Went away shortly thereafter and (knock on wood), some 4-5 years later has not returned.

When plantar surfaced in my left heel the following year I went back to the same doctor almost immediately, got the shot, and have had no problems since.

Don't know that this is the answer for you or that it is the best procedure to follow. However, it did work for me. Good luck because this is a painful injuury and is hard to cure for some folks

[jangell2]

When I developed plantar in my right foot I messed with it for several months with various unsuccessful remedies like arch supports, taping, sleeping in a "boot", running on grass, etc. I finally went to a podiatrist (sp) ie "foot doctor" and got a shot. Went away shortly thereafter and (knock on wood), some 4-5 years later has not returned.

When plantar surfaced in my left heel the following year I went back to the same doctor almost immediately, got the shot, and have had no problems since.

Don't know that this is the answer for you or that it is the best procedure to follow. However, it did work for me. Good luck because this is a painful injuury and is hard to cure for some folks

My GP is telling me don't ever get the injection, it increases greatly the chances of a burst plantar. As high as 50-50.

Did you have to stay off the foot for a while after the shot? How painful was it. Who's the doctor.

[jangell2]

I found this thread over at Runner's World http://www.runnersworld.com/community/f ... 73b8e6c1f7 which is very interesting.

One person says the Strassburg Sock which you can see on Amazon here:http://www.amazon.com/Strassburg-Sock-R ... 409&sr=8-2 combined with never going barefoot (Teva Mush Sandals), and massaging with a frozen plastic bottle of water solved his PF.

The boot I got from the doctor does nothing more than keep my foot straight, if that. The sock will actually bend the foot up in something of an arc. It's got me interested.

I also found this book on Amazon that users are giving good reviews to: http://www.amazon.com/5-Minute-Plantar- ... 9ER5R6AD9I

The Teva Mush sandals sound nice, but apparently only come in the thong style which goes between your toes, which I hate.

I found this foot strenghthening device : http://www.amazon.com/Elgin-Archxercise ... 9ER5R6AD9I.

First step is getting new shoes. My doctor also recommends Sole brand inserts. They are the kind you heat up to form to your feet. He said they come in heavy duty and medium. Medium (and more flexible) for running and heady duty for walking.

Any recommendations are always appreciated.

[jangell2]

Did a little research on the Brooks Ghost and it only comes in a 2E while the Brooks Beast comes in a 4E which is what I wear in a NB shoe. According to the Brooks website, if I'm an over pronator, which I think I am, the Beast is the one for me.

I might try out Easy Runner, since they're more convenient for me and I'm familiar with them.

[ezrida]

Hi
There are many things you can do to treat your plantar fasciitis. I had plantar fasciitis for about a year and I discovered that treatment is individual. Things that work for one will not necessarily work for the other. The good news is that you have many treatments you can try but you must be persistent and patient.
I have found a good plantar fasciitis treatment review website in:
http://www.plantar-fasciitis-elrofeet.c ... eated.html
There are many self care treatments ideas in there but I think you should consult a podiatrist before do something.
Take care

[NewlyImproved]

How big are you? How high are your arches?

Before going to the beast I would think about the Adrenaline.

New Balance is known for a stiffer last.

Answering your questions:

1. Ice, Ice, and Ice!

2. Before you Ice roll it out with a golfball or something that can work the endon out a little. I prefer Icing with a frozen water bottle.

3. Strassburg Sock: This thing works wonders, trust me. The average person spends 25-30 percent of the day sleeping, thats alot of time your plantar could be healing, that it isn't if your not sleeping in a Strassburg or a boot.

4. Shoes arent ALWAYS the answer, though putting tooo many miles on one pair of shoes can cause the problem; so can an increase in miles, intensity, or wearing the wrong shoes when you arent running.

5. Strengthening exercises such as lying a towel on the ground and pulling it towards you with your toes until they get tired. Ankle strengthening exercises such as a balance board are a part of most plantar rehab plans as well.

6. Time off! Don't let it ge tthe best of you, trust me I ignored mine way too long.

Hope this helps
NI

[Clydesdale]

I've had a pair of Langer Marathon Custom Orthotics for about 3 weeks now, I think they have helped. I chose the slightly less rigid marathon style so it wouldn't pound me so bad, so far they were a good choice for me. Now I just need a weight loss plan that allows pizza, wine, twinkies, and hamburgers!

[Ashleyp]

How do you know for sure if you have it? I have felt like that might be what I'm fighting, but I don't know for sure?

[jangell2]

When you get out of bed in the morning, is it painful to walk? Especially the heel? If yes, you've got it.