Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

Has anyone had this?

I had heel pain for about a year when it got so bad it hurt all the time. At first it just hurt in the mornings then it got worse, so I decided to see a podiatrist. I had been using heel pads that I got from the chemist's with no avail.

The podiatrist didn't take any x-rays, but siad it was one or the other and the pain is the same so they treat heel spurs and plantar fasciitis the same. She looked at how I walked and showed me some stretches to do at home. I then got moulds of my feet made for orthotics.

I have been wearing the orthotics for about a month and while they have helped a lot, there is still some pain there.

Is it a slow process to get rid of the pain? If anyone has had any experience with this, please let me know.

TIA

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

I'm dealing with plantar fascitis right now. My podiatrist gave me stretches to do (which I have not been doing ) and told me to take 3 ibuprofen once in the morning and once in the evening. Or I could do cortizone shots but I'm a big baby so I wasn't doing that.

I also make sure I walk around in more comfortable shoes/sneakers and never barefoot. That seems to help a little.

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

I had them really bad....I was told mine was due to my weight problem (once I lost the weight mine went away). I went to an acupucturist and he relieved the pain somewhat for me.

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

My friend also has this and they have new Crocs RX which have helped alot. She also got MBT shoes.

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

My mom had a heel spur. She had some cortisone shots and got some orthotics for her shoes. I think she also wore something on her foot at night that kept it in the flexed (not pointed) position.

Hope it gets better for you soon!

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

I am dealing with plantar fascitis. The orthodics really help, so does wearing flats / sneakers (with support) as much as possible. I wish I could wear them all the time, but I need to wear good dress shoes for work... so I can't say I'm good at following that rule.

The stretches DO work - and they are especially important to do before working out or doing any sort of walking / running for long periods of time.

Ice also helps me. I fill little dixie cups with water, freeze them, and then use the ice cold frozen cup as a roller under my foot. It feels SO GOOD and really helps relieve the pain for me. (Note - wrap the frozen cup securely with saran wrap before using so it doesn't leak all over the floor as it melts.)

Good luck and feel better!

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

Thanks all!

I've been doing all these things, except the cortisone shots. There is still some pain, but not a lot. I'll wait it out for another month and then call the podiatrist.

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

I would actually call the podiatrist right away. You don't have to resort to cortizone shots immediately. The podiatrist can give you special orthodics for your shoes that can make a world of difference.

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

Yes, I dealt with heal spurs and plantar fasciitis for a little over 3 years--started with stretches/exercises and orthotics. Then different types of orthotics, physical therapy, several cortisone shots, night brace, etc. Finally, surgery. I had surgery on both feet, and am so, so glad I did.

FM me if you need a podiatrist rec--he is in Smithtown.

Good luck to you!

Diane

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

I've dealt with plantar fasciitis but never went to the length of orthotics. I found that constantly using Dr. Scholl's arched inserts in my shoes (flats) made a world of difference. I had also read that you should NEVER go barefoot, even if you get up to use the bathroom at night. I got myself some good clog-style slippers with arch support and I wear those around the house. I've been doing this consistantly for several years and no longer have a problem. I find that I can now occasionally wear sandals or dressy open shoes without the inserts and no pain.

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

I've been dealing with plantar fascitis for about a year now. I use generic (non-custommade) orthotics in my shoes whenever possible, and try my best not to walk around barefoot or just in socks. I stopped doing my stretches early on. I definitely don't wear flip flops, and I always try to wear a shoe with some kind of arch. My heal still hurts sometimes when I first get up from sleeping or sitting a long time, but overall, it is much better than it was.

Re: Heel Spurs / Plantar Fasciitis

Posted by klingklang77

Posted by Kara

I would actually call the podiatrist right away. You don't have to resort to cortizone shots immediately. The podiatrist can give you special orthodics for your shoes that can make a world of difference.

I've had special orthotics (they weren't cheap either) made and they have helped a little, but they still bother me slightly. Some days more than others. Yesterday and today they have been bothering me, because I did a 15 minute run on the treadmill (I stretched before as well). I am a teacher so I am on my feet all day.

I'm going to call my podiatrist and make an appointment.

Message edited 6/12/2009 5:32:12 PM.