To fear that plantar fasciitis pain is going to stay forever?

[whatishistory]

I've been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis by my GP. It started a week ago completely out of the blue and I'm in so much pain that I can only hobble around the house. I didn't get any help, other than to take anti-inflammatories. She said it can be permanent. AIBU to really fear that this is going to be for ever? I'm hoping people on mumsnet may be able to offer a glimmer of hope.

[logosthecat]

I've had it too, so I have literally felt your pain! It is horrible and debilitating!

I got some of those rubbery lacross balls and rolled them round under my feet while I watch telly (my kind of exercise). It really did help and has ensured it hasn't come back.

[DearTeddyRobinson]

It's not permanent. I've had it, you just need some stretches, a physiotherapist will advise, or else look on YouTube for calf stretches

[AnthonyPandy]

Walk barefoot ie no shoes or slippers as much as possible in the house to strengthen your muscles and it will go.

[DontBuyANewMumCashmere]

My mum had it a year or two ago, was in agony and couldn't walk. She used to roll cold bottles of water under her feet.
It went, eventually, but I can't remember how long for, sorry.
Hope you feel better soon OP

[IvyWall]

There's a current thread in style and beauty on PF

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2698296-Plantar-Fasciitis

[whatishistory]

Thanks for the suggestions. I left the appointment quite upset at being told it can be permanent and not given much advice to limit the pain. It's comforting to know its gone for some people.

[fruityb]

Barefoot as much as possible in the house or anywhere you can. Do the stretches, I used a tin of beans and rolled that back and forth under my foot.

It's unpleasant but it does go. Make sure all your shoes have good arch support in as well.

[blackheartsgirl]

I've had it for 7 years in both feet. My left foot is a lot better but it's still painful in my right foot and all I can do is hobble around in the mornings. Stretches really do help but walking barefoot makes everything much worse for me.

[Migrant2]

My Physio banned any barefoot walking at all. Trainers on at all times. Massaging the foot and also the calf as that can be the true root of the problem. Frozen water bottle to roll under your foot and lots of calf stretches. Rest. Mine went and I'm back to running. Good luck!

[AvonCallingBarksdale]

God don't walk barefoot - EVER!! I've had it twice. It. Will. Go. Eventually. Get some Fitflops to wear as much as poss. Do the stretching exercises every day and lose weight if you need to. It's horrid but it will go.

[RevoltingPeasant]

OP get to a decent sports physio. I have this and I found either calf stretches or downward dog position really helped.

[Wolfiefan]

What a crap GP! YY to rolling bottle of ice under foot or chilled can.
Trainers, fitflops etc can help.
LOTS of calf stretches. Eg stand on stairs with heels hanging off and drop them back.
Massage feet.
I would go back and be asked to be referred to physio to be shown exercises.

[MammaTJ]

Oh good grief! What poor advice from the GP.

I have had it three times and had a cortisone injection each time. It was like magic!

[greedygorb]

I had it. Was awful. Went to doctor and physio and did the stretches and it never seemed to improve. Then I read a thread on here and got myself a stretching board like this one-
//www.healthandcare.co.uk/home-fitness-accessories/physioworx-stretch-board.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwrIa9BRD5_dvqqazMrFESJACdv27GQOCIlYwIzNqPNg9QQKLj7BDN8U2CEsfmmqiq_BPJZRoC--rw_wcB
Two weeks later I was basically cured. If it starts up again I take ibuprofen, ice packs and use the board for a week or so and then its fine. Losing weight and running seemed to have sorted it.

[FiveFullFathoms]

I've had it. It was pretty bad for about 18 months but it gradually got better and is gone completely now.

Get a referral to a physio if you can. I was given a set of exercises to help and orthotics for my shoes to support my foot.

I wore trainers or crocs most of the time as they supported my foot and were comfortable. Walking barefoot was unbearable.

[Unicorntrainer]

Best advice my GP gave me was to get foam wedges. Look for memory foam heel cushions on eBay. Don't waste your money on expensive -useless- athlete's heel cushions. These honestly help beyond belief.

[Flumplet]

I've had it for about a year now (this time around) i had it before a couple years ago and it went away after a couple months but this time its hung around. Agree with the stretches although this time ive had limited success, and i've invested in some Sketchers Go Walk which have been a dream. I find walking bare foot to be agonising so avoid at all costs. I also rub ibuprofen gel in to my foot.

[whatishistory]

Thank you for the recommendations. The GP mentioned Physio but said that it would be a long wait and didn't say anything else. I didn't think about going private somewhere. I've found a sports Physio locally so will give them a try. I've also ordered some insoles that had lots of good reviews on Amazon. I'm willing to try anythino.

Thank goodness I can work from home at the moment as I don't know how I would manage just walking to the bus stop.

[Hockeydude]

I've also had it. Walking barefoot on a hard floor is the kiss of death IME. I wear trainers or shoes with a nice cushioned/rubbery sort of base and I haven't felt the pain for years.

Shoes like ballerinas with thin/no cushion soles will increase the impact of your foot on something like the pavement. Get shoes that will absorb the impact.

[whatishistory]

hockey, I suspect this has been caused by me walking long distances in flat/thin soled ballerinas all summer. I wish I'd known....

[baringan]

I have had it for nearly 2 years. I had a cortisone injection two weeks ago and am now completely pain free. I am not expecting it to last forever but am now being able to do the exercises in the hpe of curing it. I had an ultrasound guided scan and he said the plantar fascia was swollen to ten times its normal thickness. Lots of people warned me off the injection but I can honestly say it has been amazing and started working the day after.

[Thecatgotmytongue]

I have this too. In the past it has cleared up with stretches, scholl inserts in my shoes, not walking EVER in flat shoes or barefoot ..

It came back because I wore flat boots all winter. Now I only wear birkenstocks, all the time, and it's bearable.

[Dontyouopenthattrapdoor]

Barefoot walking is really bad advice.

Downward dog stretch.
L- shaped night splint (£15 on Amazon)
Foam heel cushion
Stand on bottom step and allow feet to slowly stretch down off it, heels to floor.
Frozen water bottle to ice it.
Look into memory foam trainers- sketchers do them.

I've had it pretty badly. I'm also a physio. That's what worked for me.

[Babyroobs]

I had this a year or so ago. I bought some insoles and it is loads better. i still get the occassional pain usually when i go from sitting to standing but generally it is much improved.

[whatishistory]

Thanks. I've got an appointment with a Physio for 4pm. It's £40, but I don't care.