Severe Plantar Fasciitis

[Smowball]

I've had plantar fasciitis long before I injured my spine. Was v painful but I coped. Appropriate foot supports etc etc. But the last couple of weeks it has suddenly got worse and worse, to the point that my heel is now throbbing 24-7 with severe stabbing pains, even when my foot is raised and off the floor, and I am struggling to do anything the last 24 hours now as I literally cannot put any weight on it at all. Have no idea why it has suddenly got so much worse, but is there anything I can do at all to try and ease this pain as I'm really struggling now. I'm taking co-codamol, am wearing this foot support sock type thing, and my foot is raised. (Thing I just need a good vet to put me down!!)

[barry1010]

Nasty, have you been doing proper foot stretches?  Sometimes it can flare up do to inactivity, although the natural instinct is to keep your foot rested as much as possible.

Nine times out of ten it flares up for no apparent reason.   Have you seen a specialist to help you manage it?

[windywillow]

Sorry to hear you're in such bad pain, Smow.

I think it's worth trying a TENS machine, it helped me with severe pain. They're not expensive (I paid £35 for mine but you can get them cheaper).

Hope you're feeling better soon.

[Smowball]

Hi Barry/Windy. I'm normally a girl who tries and jokes about most things but I'm almost in tears. No Ive not seen a specialist - have never seen anyone about it since my doctor first diagnosed it a couple of years ago. I've been doing my stretches, and have tried ice on it. It's just a constant pulsating stabbing intense pain with no respite at all.

Have not tried a TENS machine yet x

[windywillow]

I was sceptical about a TENS machine but my husband insisted it was worth a try.

I'm glad I listened to him as it's a big help. Before I got it the pain drove me insane, it really did.

Wish you lived closer to me - I'd pop it round for you to try.

[barry1010]

My son uses a Tens machine for his migraine.  They used to be so expensive the GP gave him one on loan.  He has his own now and wouldn't be without it

[naomi24]

I think I've said this before but I'll say it again.  Try consulting a sports injury specialist.  When I had that I was on crutches for six months but one of those clever fellows sorted it out in two visits.

[bednobs]

did you do any of the suggested things when you posted in Aug?  did you talk tot he GP after all?

[LadyCG]

Hake That

[LadyCG]

Sorry, wrong thread 😯

[Smowball]

Sorry everyone, I had to take a couple of phone calls. I tried to get an appointment with my doctor but kept getting put off. Have already got it written down to try again on Monday - don't know if they are incredibly short staffed or what but they just keep trying to give you telephone appointments! The sports injury specialist I did look into online but I was wary, but now I don't think I've got much to lose, so I'm looking into that this eve and seeing if I can find anybody reputable.

[Barmaid]

Until you can see someone, Ill vote for a tens machine. Mine has been a godsend. 

[Patsy33]

Good luck, Smow. You've been through enough pain. Good advice for you on here.

 

[Toorak]

What is wrong with a telephone appointment? I would have thought it was preferable if your mobility is so impaired. Then, if they think it's necessary the GP can arrange a face-to-face.

[Smowball]

Telephone appointments are very difficult when you want to actually show your doctor something - sometimes trying to explain symptoms isn't easy.

[barry1010]

Smow, my GP never wants to look at anything during a telephone consult, I just tell him the problem and he either tells me to see how it goes, issues a prescription,  makes an appointment,  arranges xray etc or refers me to a consultant. 

He doesn't expect me to strip off and bend over whilst holding the phone.

[Smowball]

That's my whole point Barry! - you can't show something to your doctor so he can actually look at it and get a clear idea of what the prob is when he's just on the phone! 

[Patsy33]

I feel your frustration, smow. Its not the same as Doctor looking at troubled area. Hope you can get it sorted soon.

[ladybirder]

You're lucky Barry that your doctor will make an appointment with you when you are on the phone.  At the surgery where I am IF I manage to speak to a doctor he/she tells you to phone and make an appointment, doesn't book you in while you are on the phone.  So back to pressing buttons, waiting in queues, nightmare.  

[windywillow]

Our surgery sent a link for us to attach a photograph of a mole on my husband's back. Having looked at the photo, the doc decided it needed further investigation.

To be fair, this was at the height of Covid. I did wonder though, if it was a sign of things to come.

[jourdain2]

I'll back-up naomi, Fri 14.16 I think it was. Sports injury physio. would be your best bet.