Travel Health and Fitness - Anyone else have Plantar Fasciitis AKA Planters Heel?

I've got Planters Heel (aka Plantar Fasciitis) and can't shake it, I've stopped running (last run was 1/29) and its just getting worse.

Got an X-Ray this past week, it said some small bone spurs but they are VERY small and should not be causing all this pain.

I'm going to a foot doctor as soon as I can track one down this week.

Just curious if anyone else has it or had it? and what did you do?

Plantar fasciitis usually gets better over the course of months, often 6 months +. The best treatments are stretching of the plantar fascia, and use of good arch supports in your shoes. You can also do icing and other typical orthopedic ache and pain treatments. Some people also use devices to keep the plantar fascia stretched at night, when the often contract a bit, which causes the typical significant pain the first few steps in the morning.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004438/

I was plagued by this when I was a resident, running up and down 6 flights of stairs in the hospital. What a pain...

You can try Spenco arch supports in your shoes, which is what I used, or get shoes with very good arch supports in them to help ease the pain.

The good news is that it usually goes away. You should avoid excessive pounding stress on the fascia, such as long term running, especially for the first few weeks.

I got one of those boots like in Sky Mall and slept in it for a while, then I changed to Vibram Five Fingers and my PF and blisters went away.
YMMV

I've had plantar fasciitis since I was about 18 or 19 (when I was in the Army), so well over 20 years. Yes there are good days/stretches when I've run for a year or more mostly as if things are normal. But there are also bad days, when I have trouble walking, especially first thing in the morning.

Yea there's things you can wear at night to stretch your foot. It is a good concept, but not very practical, especially if you don't sleep alone.

The single best thing I've found plantar fasciitis was getting custom orthodics. If you have decent health insurance, they should be covered. They take a week or so to get used to them, but once you do (and make a habit of wearing them), you'll be fine.

Stretching also helps for maintenance, but I probably wouldn't recommend too much while you're in severe pain. My gym has some machine where I hang my heels off the back end and put weight on my shoulders, that is fantastic.
In addition to normal stretching, I've found swimming to be great too. Swimming stretches your foot differently than when you walk or run. When I've had extreme pain, I may take turns a little easier (or do touch turns).

When I was still in the Army, I went through a few series of cortisone injections. I'm paranoid of needles, and it really hurt. But after a few days, I noticed a huge difference. I'd really use this as nearly a last resort though.

The very last resort is surgery. Mine never were quite that bad that I even considered this.

Several doctors have told me that once you have plantar fasciitis (heel spurs) you pretty much have them forever. As you get older, combined with arthritis and other things, it can get bad. Every time my feet get x-rayed, the heel spurs show up clearly. If I press a finger deeply on either foot, I can feel them.

Thanks all, I'm going to the doctor this week. I've heard about the sleeping splint, although I hadn't considered the arch supports which I may just look into. Whats funny is I have ONE pair of shoes, my reebox Real Flex sneakers that feel great, anything else hurts like an SOB.

Once I see the podiatrist, I'll have a better idea what I'm looking at. I had the X-Rays last week.

I just need to do something, this is starting to be a royal pain in the rear (and foot)

I have it, and it can be pretty painful, especially in the mornings. Stretching seems to help me, especially if I stand with a foot on the edge of a step and push my heel down. I have good days and bad days. I just had another shot of cortisone 2 months ago or so, and it didn't seem to do much this time.

Good luck!

If you can, try to find a sports podiatrist.

Cheers.

Unfortunately, I have the problem due to "flat feet." It appeared about 15 years ago, and was intermittent for a time. Then when the frequency increased, I went to a podiatrist and started using the night splints and prescribed orthotics. This has helped immensely. However, I have had bouts of discomfort when I have had to get new orthotic inserts when the old ones either wore out or needed replacement.

Well I'll hopefully find out Thu when I go to the podiatrist

I was fine today until I did a little 10 foot sprint for something and then all he11 broke loose and it hurt like he11 since then

Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by flat feet or by strong and over-tensive calf muscles. Actually, heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis; they are also caused by tensive calf muscles and usually precede plantar fascitis.

I have it because of my calf muscles, in which case orthotics are of no use. Stretching helps a lot, but you must do it almost every day. If you have flat feet, you will probably get better results with an orthotic insert, but stretching also helps as a coadjutant.

There is a device, ProStretch Plus (from Medi-Dyne) that helps a lot with stretching the calf muscles:

http://www.medi-dyne.com/estore/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=107

If you have smaller feet than me, there is a simpler version of it sold at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/North-American-Healthcare-Foot-Rocker/dp/B002PT52WK

I have it, and it can be pretty painful, especially in the mornings. Stretching seems to help me, especially if I stand with a foot on the edge of a step and push my heel down. I have good days and bad days. I just had another shot of cortisone 2 months ago or so, and it didn't seem to do much this time.

Good luck!

Kipper, I'm NOT a doctor, but I would be very cautious with using cortisone. In the beginning, it helps really fast, but on the long run it weakens your tissue fibers (muscles and tendons) and, if used in excess, contributes to the problem not the cure.

Some lazy doctors (and lazy patients also ;), me included) like it for the fast results, but it does not cures anything.

Kipper, I'm NOT a doctor, but I would be very cautious with using cortisone. In the beginning, it helps really fast, but on the long run it weakens your tissue fibers (muscles and tendons) and, if used in excess, contributes to the problem not the cure.

Some lazy doctors (and lazy patients also ;), me included) like it for the fast results, but it does not cures anything.

The shot of cortisone was my first in several years.

The shot of cortisone was my first in several years.

Cortisone still is the most effective anti-inflammatory, sometimes you will need it, but its continuous use of causes bad collateral effects.

Taking it once or twice is a different matter. Hope you won't need more!

I went to the podiatrist this a.m., he wrapped my foot, gave me the sleeping boot and an Rx for some inflammatory meds that I haven't picked up yet. He wants to fit me with a molded sole.

I have to go back next Thursday.

Ironically the wrap has really helped. While I still feel it when I walk, its no where near the pain that I had before it was wrapped.

We'll see how it pans out.

Yes, had it for about 18 months. Eventually ended up with orthotics and decided I didn't like wearing them so followed Dr. Pribut's advice (http://www.drpribut.com/sports/heelhtm.htm) and it eventually cleared up. Good luck.

The shot of cortisone was my first in several years.

a little off topic but I got a cortisone shot in my left AC joint yesterday which is a much needed relief. She said it would take a couple days to take effect but I feel the difference already and its been a bit under 24 hours

a little off topic but I got a cortisone shot in my left AC joint yesterday which is a much needed relief. She said it would take a couple days to take effect but I feel the difference already and its been a bit under 24 hours

For me, it usually hurts more than the normal pain on the first day, but by the next morning, it's much better.

Did yours do that?

It also helps to never walk bare foot. I made a habit of keeping my running shoes next to my bed, so I put them on before I stepped out of bed, kept them on until I went back to bed. (except for showering, of course!)

Mine developed after rupturing my R Achilles tendon, having it repaired, cast for 3 months, etc. Funny, I got it in both feet though. It has also turned into sesimoiditus(sp?). The tendon running under the joint before the big toe. I guess I just have really bad tendons. The rupture happened when I was 25, so fairly uncommon.

Although I thought acupuncture was a tad bizarre and couldn't possibly work, it has helped immensely with a back issue. I go in later this week to see if it helps the feet at all. I'll let you know how it goes, you never know, it might help!

For me, it usually hurts more than the normal pain on the first day, but by the next morning, it's much better.

Did yours do that?

I experience the same when I had the shots in my sesamoids. Couldn't walk on it initially, and later that night, or next day, it was "cured"! Until 6 months later...

It also helps to never walk bare foot. I made a habit of keeping my running shoes next to my bed, so I put them on before I stepped out of bed, kept them on until I went back to bed. (except for showering, of course!)

Mine developed after rupturing my R Achilles tendon, having it repaired, cast for 3 months, etc. Funny, I got it in both feet though. It has also turned into sesimoiditus(sp?). The tendon running under the joint before the big toe. I guess I just have really bad tendons. The rupture happened when I was 25, so fairly uncommon.

Although I thought acupuncture was a tad bizarre and couldn't possibly work, it has helped immensely with a back issue. I go in later this week to see if it helps the feet at all. I'll let you know how it goes, you never know, it might help!

It did help me for a little while. Having said that I think the needle that goes in the soft part of your heel overode the pain of PF. :D

Joking aside, it did do some good but for me stretching and the stregthening exercises won out.

I just remembered I had Planters years ago. It eventually went away. Having flat fee & tight Achilles is what caused it IIRC. I did stretching & got custom orthodics for my running shoes, although I don't use them now/wore them out. Didn't get a cortisone shot (although did for a dif foot ailment a few years back - owie!). The stretching & stregthening worked, or just time.

Cheers.

I experience the same when I had the shots in my sesamoids. Couldn't walk on it initially, and later that night, or next day, it was "cured"! Until 6 months later...

Have you been able to get cured from the sesamoiditis? I am suffering from it for the last 15 months and nothing really helps . . .

I tried cortizone, physical therapy, and orthotics. Finally I went to a chiropractor and she did a series of cold laser treatments twice a week for a couple of months. A month later I realized the pain was gone.

I had PF really bad for about six months, then my doctor suggested these Birkenstock inserts. They are amazing, and worked wonders, almost literally overnight. I strongly endorse them for this problem, and they are much cheaper than custom orthotics.

http://www.amazon.com/Birkenstock-BirkoBalance-Arch-Support-Insoles/dp/B002Y4DA16/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1334383931&sr=8-4

Have you been able to get cured from the sesamoiditis? I am suffering from it for the last 15 months and nothing really helps . . .

I haven't been cured, I stretch them every day, and rarely wear high heels (2-3 times/month). The only thing that temporarily worked was the shots, but I've had two now, and don't want to get any more. I'm not sure if the accupuncture worked or not last week. I haven't been able to work out since because of back pain, so haven't been able to test out the sesamoids.

I haven't been cured, I stretch them every day, and rarely wear high heels (2-3 times/month). The only thing that temporarily worked was the shots, but I've had two now, and don't want to get any more. I'm not sure if the accupuncture worked or not last week. I haven't been able to work out since because of back pain, so haven't been able to test out the sesamoids.

I've done the stretching (still do, but with less frequency), and will start accupuncture next week. Apparently no one knows how to deal effectively with sesamoiditis . . .

The Beauti Control Luxuries of the Sea product in my opinion works better than the prescription that my podiatrist gave me. (Pennsaid RX)
You might ask who is a Beauti Control rep in your social circle or Facebook - 26.00 well spent.

Mueller insoles are awesome inside shoes. And I just found a sock at Academy - Smart Wool Outdoor Sport Sock. Amazingly comfortable.

I do a lot of foot soaks in Epsom Salt as well as I purchased the Foot Pedi Product from Beauti Control.

I do the exercise and freeze bottle waters to use when I am able to while at work.

I've done the stretching (still do, but with less frequency), and will start accupuncture next week. Apparently no one knows how to deal effectively with sesamoiditis . . .



I did accupuncture without much success. :(

I haven't been cured, I stretch them every day, and rarely wear high heels (2-3 times/month). The only thing that temporarily worked was the shots, but I've had two now, and don't want to get any more. I'm not sure if the accupuncture worked or not last week. I haven't been able to work out since because of back pain, so haven't been able to test out the sesamoids.


What shoes do you wear to work? I hate not being able to wear heels but I do not have a choice now. My podiatrist did make some feet wraps that are great! They add support to the arch and make a world of difference.

Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by flat feet or by strong and over-tensive calf muscles. Actually, heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis; they are also caused by tensive calf muscles and usually precede plantar fascitis.

I have it because of my calf muscles, in which case orthotics are of no use. Stretching helps a lot, but you must do it almost every day. If you have flat feet, you will probably get better results with an orthotic insert, but stretching also helps as a coadjutant.

There is a device, ProStretch Plus (from Medi-Dyne) that helps a lot with stretching the calf muscles:

http://www.medi-dyne.com/estore/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=107

If you have smaller feet than me, there is a simpler version of it sold at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/North-American-Healthcare-Foot-Rocker/dp/B002PT52WK
I picked up one of the North American Healthcare ones and have been trying to use it.

Ok update

The podiatrist made some custom inserts made for my shoes and I've had them a week. The first day they hurt like heck. But each day they've felt better and my heel is definitely on the right path. Combined with continued use of the boot to sleep, I think that this will be a huge relief.

It still is sore at times. For example, I was on my feet from 9A to 8P Saturday down at the ball field and I was definitely sore last night but I was fine this a.m.

I got one of those boots like in Sky Mall and slept in it for a while, then I changed to Vibram Five Fingers and my PF and blisters went away.
YMMV


Mine went away, as did my knee pain, when I switched to barefoot shoes as well. I've the five fingers, but can't wear them in public with my skirts and dresses, so I also have merrell barefoots as well, there are some attractive ones.

Ah, plantar fasciitis! Ouch! ;)

I've been to The Walking Company, where they do a scan of your feet for arch etc. (and can e-mail you a copy); they offer a variety of semi-custom orthotics to work with your specific foot condition. Ditto my orthopod, even more expensive custom orthotics. But then...

I found an orthotic support called Superfeet, and use the green variety. They are ~$35, are long lasting and I have replaced the original insoles in my Eccos, etc. etc. They come in a variety of sizes, and sometimes a little bit of trimming is necessary for a perfect fit. No more plantar fasciitis pain. ^

https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQR6mHNQnU60ld4zrvOt-PhS1_gd3PhNO2ToLPCFVmIda80YhBuBA

I've been using these for several years with nary a problem, nary a pain. (I like to walk 2 - 4 miles every morning, and as I do some training I am on my feet a lot.) Cortisone shots? No, and certainly not for a long time! (Can cause weakening of tendons, for one thing.)