Anonymous wrote:Plantar fasciitis can become an ongoing, chronic problem if not treated appropriately. Typically it is very painful with the first few steps in the morning and following rest.
Anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Naprosyn can help to relieve the inflammation of the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues. New running shoes can improve cushioning of the heel. Gentle calf stretching can also relieve the pull of the plantar fascia.
If these conservative measures do not help, you should see your local podiatrist who may recommend orthotics, prescription strength medication or a cortisone injection.
In my Toronto Ontario podiatry office I also offer extracorporeal shockwave for people who do not want to take pills or have injections. It is a very effective sound wave treatment which does not have the side effects associated with pills, cortisone and surgery and can even help someone who has been suffering for years with heel pain due to plantar fasciitis.
For more information please go to http://www.footcare.net/shock-wave-therapy.html
Sheldon Nadal D.P.M.
Anonymous wrote:
What helped the most: ... birkenstock sandals instead of slippers or being barefoot, and stretches.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Check out http://www.heelthatpain.com I got heel cushions for my shoes that have worked wonders, plus a little boot that I wear to sleep. I've also made an effort to stretch (rolling my foot over a tennis ball is the best one for me), and I always wear shoes, even inside our home, which I didn't use to do. Crocs work well for that.
I've also started running in very cushy shoes and save the light ones for racing.
My heel pain flared up mid-November, and I treated it very aggressively. It still aches at times, but I can still run and walk as usual. I think they can take a long time to get better if you don't treat them.
OP: Just wanted to thank you for the heel cushion suggestion. They just arrived and it's the first time I can kind of walk in 10 days. Hoping they relieve the pressure enough that my foot can heel quickly.
One other tip to share: My heel has hurt alot when I drive (it all started after a long drive). I read somewhere to raise the seat of the car as much as possible to relieve the pressure on your heel while you drive. Has helped alot!
Anonymous wrote:my heel has been hurting for several days. fits the description of plantar fascitis pretty well so i assume that's what it is. been limping for 5 days now, doesn't seem particularly better. trying ice today, can't really find any shoes that are ok.
how long does this usually take to get better?
Anonymous wrote:Check out http://www.heelthatpain.com I got heel cushions for my shoes that have worked wonders, plus a little boot that I wear to sleep. I've also made an effort to stretch (rolling my foot over a tennis ball is the best one for me), and I always wear shoes, even inside our home, which I didn't use to do. Crocs work well for that.
I've also started running in very cushy shoes and save the light ones for racing.
My heel pain flared up mid-November, and I treated it very aggressively. It still aches at times, but I can still run and walk as usual. I think they can take a long time to get better if you don't treat them.