Yes, I know. How fascinating. But it’s on my mind every single day, so you’re going to hear about it, too.
What hasn’t worked:
- Anti-inflammatory ointment
- Anti-inflammatory meds
- Regular daily stretching exercises (I’m sure they’re helping somehow, just not for pain relief)
- $250 of copays seeing a foot specialist
What IS working:
4. Icing. I was icing for 20 minutes, as the doctor prescribed, but Sifu Carrie (of White Lotus Kung Fu fame) told me to watch the swelling and ice only until the swelling has gone down. Her method is working much better for pain relief.
3. Superfeet shoe insert: I have the lime green ones for high arches. These made my feet feel better almost immediately, and I’ve worn them every day since I got them. (Sadly, I only had one pair of shoes with removable insoles, so I’ve kinda one-note in the fashion department.) Ultimately, they haven’t helped reduce the swelling, but they do take some of the pressure off.
2. Stretching device used in the morning. Mornings are terrible. My foot curls up and I hobble around for an hour before it loosens up. Now, before I get out of bed, I use this little thing to stretch the tendons a bit and am now able to walk almost normally. (Some people prefer the boots and nighttime stretchers, but not me.)
1. Taping!!! This is the huge breakthrough of last week. Sifu Carrie sat me down and showed me how to tape my arch. The relief was almost instant! The next day I woke up, hopped in the shower, and actually forgot that I had plantar fasciitis for the first time in almost 5 months. AMAZING! I still have some bad days, but the swelling has gone down tremendously, I’m having far more pain-free moments, and it’s cheap! I tape my arch every morning, feel mostly fantastic throughout the day, and sometimes leave the tape on overnight. Such a simple solution, and it has changed my world. I’m not sure how this would work for people without really high arches, but for me? The heavens have opened up. I can once again envision life without pain. Not there yet, but I can see it on the horizon.
And that, my friends, is the plantar fasciitis update. Aren’t you glad you stopped by my journal today?
Oh, YAY! I'm glad you're feeling better – and I'm not surprised that Sifu Carrie could help. Woo! Here's to walking pain free!
Thanks, Christine! I hope you feel better soon, too. Good luck tomorrow!!
You might consider ancupunture. That worked wonders for me for a different muscle issue, but I actually toe my plantar fascia in college and remember the pain. If I get plantar fasciitus, I'll be headed straight for my acupunturist. :) I hope it goes away completely soon!
Ooh, good idea about the acupuncture, Lindsey! I love acupuncture for almost everything — I'm just lacking a good acupuncturist right now. You've just inspired me to renew my search!
Ouch. I hope you feel better. I keep seeing this rest thing that people keep prescribing for pain management. I think it's a fad.
And, yes, tape IS better than sliced bread.
May your foot feel better. Take care! Hugs!
Thanks, Paul! HUGS!!
Oh, I have that too.
Hi Jenn,
I hope you are getting better. But if you need any advice at all please feel free to go to our podiatrist run forum.. at http://talk.foot-care.org
Have a great weekend!