Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

[HAVEY]

I have suffered from plantar fasciitis for almost a year. I have had a 3month course of acupuncture and sports massage which helped but I still get pain in both heels daily. It is not the stabbing pain that I had before (which I would describe as hot screwdrivers being stuck in my heel) and is more a stiff, aching feeling. I don't know what else to try - can anyone suggest anything to cure it? I don't wear flat shoes and stretch my feet regularly. Thanks

[Ethel]

Have you tried cortisone injections? Not a cure, but if it means you are able to continue to exercise the feet without pain then that would be a huge benefit .

[bensmum]

Doesn't it drive you mad! I have also had this problem for about 1 year now and I've tried all sorts of things. I spoke to a podiatrist off the record a few weeks ago and she suggested that I go to my GP and ask him to refer me to a podiatry clinic. She reckons my problem is that I walk over on both my heels so before I go to the GP I am trying the ortha-sole inserts for my shoes. These seem to help a bit but I get problems at weekends when I slop around in my old shoes.
It could be that cortisone injections might help and if the pain continues I may have to try that.

[HAVEY]

Thanks for these answers, I forgot to mention that I wear the insoles too and they help, but when I wander around the house in bare feet it aggravates it. When my feet get cold I notice it gets worse too. It is an awful problem and it really gets me down at times. I think a podiatrist is the next place to go. Thanks again!

[riskman]

Havey
I have had two lots of cortisone this year, the first brought the pain threshold down from 7 to 9 to 4/5 but only lasted a couple of weeks before increasing again. The second lot have brought the pain down to 1 to 3 depending on how much walking I do (I can manage 3k now!). The inserts have helped me and I try to do the stretches everyday. In late May I was shuffling around with a walking stick like some very old gent. Now at least I walk upright. Please see your doctor and get some xrays or MRI scan if required. Hope this helps...

[puzzled54]

Just read an article that said someone with this condition was helped by wearing crocs. Mail on Sunday You mag, page 135.

[joannie10]

I got the cortisone injection about 2 years ago - made a huge difference. I am not pain free but dont feel it is enough to go back for more injections or physio. some times it flares up but I know the stretching exercises to do and that really helps.

[midagetrolop]

I had this problem a few years ago, you have all my sympathy, it took about 18th months to get rid, it went gradually. I used to use a towel to stretch my feet, by wrapping it round my toes and pulling upwards whilst sat on the bed every morning and evening, also standing up and my toes and if you understand this, its hard to explain, walking across the floor pulling my self with my toes, all exercises given to me by my podiatrist, I also had orthotics which helped and I still use them sometimes, but it is very painful, good luck. PS. Trainers were prescribed also.

[HAVEY]

Whoever suggested crocs was right - I have been wearing them for the last two weeks and have noticed a definite improvement in the amount of pain I am feeling. Would definitely recommend them to anyone with foot pain, particularly plantar fasciitis.