Help! Has anyone had plantar fasciitis?

[frugalfriend]

I am having horrible pain in my foot, in the heel mainly and the middle of my foot. It started yesterday and originally felt like I had a piece of glass in my heel. I know that is not what is causing the pain, but the only way I can describe it. It kept me awake half the night with a throbbing, aching pain. It now feels like a nail is stuck in my foot and really hurts to walk on it! I am not sure if it is plantar fasciitis or maybe a heel spur. I don't know if it will just heal on its own? Just thought I'd see if anyone has dealt with this and what helps before I schedule an expensive appt. with a podiatrist or something.

Thanks for any and all info!

[savvy_sniper]

Hubby had it for a long time and didn't get a splint/brace/thingy like the doctor told him to for a LONG time. So it became acute and he finally got the brace (bought it on eBay - MUCH cheaper than the ones at WalMart or pharmacy). Since he waited so long he had to wear the brace at night for a LONG time and put up with the pain.

I would advise you to GO to the doctor and ascertain exactly what it is. If it is plantar fasciitis, get the brace ASAP.

Good Luck!

[LeeCee]

I use to suffer from this and it was horrible! you have to go to the podiatrist and he will give you a shot in your foot. it stings badly but it will make you feel better in a few days. you might have to do this for a few months at a time. they also give you foot stretching exercises. it took me a long while before I was finally free of the pain totally. I had to keep going back to the doctor. they also tell you never walk around the house barefoot and also wear a good supportive shoe or sneaker.

[HisDaisy]

I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis about 15 years ago. Your description sounds just like it.
When mine flares up I do three things. 1. Take an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen or aleve. 2. Ice my heel and arch throughout the day. 3. Try and stay off my feet.
It might take a week, but usually I can get the swelling down on my own. If still having problem, then I will see my doc. Usually he just prescribe a stronger drug and tell me stay off my feet.
I also had a podiatrist show me how to tape my foot up to help support the arch and heel.
I am sorry you are dealing with this. It is not a fun disorder and sometimes the pain gets overhelming.

[Persimmon Lace]

Dh rolls his foot on a frozen bottle and stays off of it as much as possible. Rolling it stretches it and the frozen bottle helps with the inflammation. I sure feel for you!

[Missy]

A lady at church did and she swore by the "good feet" inserts. She though did end up having the surgery and walks far better now. she feels like a new person. She iced too, I remember she had ice packs she would bring and put her foot on at church.

[calimomx2]

My dh has it too! He has a brace he is supposed to wear at night but he hates it so it is usually a battle to get him to wear it! He never walks around barefoot, always has on good supportive shoes. He uses ibuprofen and ices his foot as well. He also likes to roll a golf ball around but I'm going to suggest the frozen bottle of water......that would take care of 2 things at one time!

[MTS04]

If you have it, try not to wear heels or shoes that elevate your heel. That will aggravate your symptoms.

If it's real bad when you get out of bed in the morning (that's when it used to bother me the most) Try warming up your heel and Achilles tendon area with a heating pad and slowly stretch. Your doc can give you exercises.

I hope you feel better soon!

[dcompton]

I had it years ago. It's horribly painful. I delayed for a long time, but finally I went to my doctor and it was the only time I have ever HATED a doctor. He left for a few minutes. Came back. Sat down. Grabbed by foot in death grip, reached behind him, and bam! I was getting cortisone (or something) injected in my heel. We had a good relationship, or I'm sure he would never have done it that way, but I'm also glad I didn't have to agree in cold blood to a shot in my foot. In this case, I think surprise was the better tactic! Between that and using a kind of brace for a while it cleared up and has not returned.

But I kept a suspicious eye on him on future visits you may be sure! I was sad when he retired. He was a great doctor, despite this one descent into high-handed paternalism. I was a nun then, so I guess he figured I wouldn't sue him. And it did clear the inflammation and the pain.

But I agree with the others. Don't delay too long. If what they have suggested doesn't ease it, see a doctor. It's too much pain to live with if it can be cured.

[xtena]

I had severe heel pain which sounded like plantar fasciitis but I never had it diagnosed. It went on for months and I did the wake up stretches, ice, ibuprofen, and just generally gritted my teeth and bore it. Oddly, it cleared up during my pregnancy even though being overweight is supposed to exacerbate foot problems.

[ladykemma2]

motrin and professionally fitted birkenstocks, NOT the cheap ones on QVC.

[TigerGirl1226]

I was diagnosed with PF in my right foot yesterday by the othro. I went in last month for severe pain in my left foot that turns out to be arthritis and something called Dr. Morton's Foot. My right foot had been nagging, but got horrible recently so I asked about it too. Turns out it PF. Got the brace for sleeping and a rubbing exercise to do before I get out of bed in the morning.

I'm only 27...I sure hope this gets better.

[TigerGirl1226]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYfU_1VPcpo"]YouTube- Physical Therapy Exercises for Foot and Ankle Pain : Massage Techniques for Plantar Fasciitis: Physical Therapy Exercises[/ame]

This is a YouTube video of the exercise my doctor recommended.

[Dancing Lotus]

For years my mother was told she had planters but as it turned out she didn't, she really had a hip and back problem. Consider all the options.

[dutchtulip]

Dh rolls his foot on a frozen bottle and stays off of it as much as possible. Rolling it stretches it and the frozen bottle helps with the inflammation. I sure feel for you!

That's exactly what I do too. I also wear inserts. They were made from the foot doctors office, they are a hard plastic type material and have a protective covering over it. I have worn them for over 15 years.

I also do stretching exercises,basically like flexing your feet back and forth. Also air writing your name with your feet. I don't do any type of medicine for them at all, refuse to. It never truly goes away, but it does feel better in time,but ya gotta take care of your feet, no bare feet, no flip flops. Nice foot baths help also, hubby will massage my feet and really put pressure on the arch and wow it feels great.