My painful feet - please help

[QueenMabs]

I have osteoarthritis in my right big toe causing hallux limitus (diagnosed by podiatrist/surgeon about 10 years ago) then in my left heel I have planter fasciitis (diagnosed by me and google)

I've had spells of PF before usually after a long day sight seeing in flat shoes but it goes within days. This has been since September

Walking is become a bind and I'm hobbling like a crone as I my toe doesn't bend and my opposing heel is intensely painful. I think it's worse as it's like opposing foot parts.

I think it's PF : intense pain in sole heel area, worse first thing and after sitting . It came in after a day walking in very flat sandals. On Sunday after wearing converse on Saturday, I couldn't get out my bed had to walk in side of foot.

Can the GP do anything?

Anyone any advise Please?

Get yourself some Sketchers or other footwear with decent internal support & the problem will go away. I used to have it terribly bad & now I have no issues.

I have arthritis in my big toe. Sketchers are too soft for me. I had insoles made by a podiatrist which have really helped and he recommended shoes which have the right shaped sole for me (fit flops, brooks ghost trainers). I also mobilise mine with exercises and treat with ibuprofen gel and deep heat when especially bad

I suffered badly with plantar in my heel. I saw a sports physiotherapist. He manipulated it which did hurt (but in a good IYKWIM as in I knew it was helping) and used ultrasound (painless). Within 2 sessions it was 90% improved! Definitely call a sports physio and have a chat before booking in.

You need to wear orthotics but in the mean time get Arch Support Sketchers, Birkenstocks or Fit Flops which all have built in arch support humps. They take a little getting used to. Start with an hour or two a day and build up.

A podiatrist can help, the GP will prob just look at you a bit helplessly. Or a sports physio. Someone with some knowledge about feet. I pay £30 per half hour with my podiatrist. The initial session was an hour thus £60. She made me insoles and gave me exercises once gait assessed and problem/s identified, just to give you an idea of cost - which will vary wildly no doubt (Ludlow area)

I had pf for 9 months before I sought treatment,
I bought arch support insoles and well fitting trainers, which I wore all the time
Used hot and cold foot baths twice a day alternating for approx 5-10 mins
Stretching exercises especially the calves which were tight and probably the cause
I would say I'm 90% better but will carry on treatment to improve my flexibility (I dropped the foot baths)

Oh, and I had a foot brace at night which may have helped but I only used for a week or so (from Amazon)

It seems as though you need to be reassessed by the podiatrist really for a proper diagnosis and advice, they will be a lot more help than the GP is likely to be as it is a specialism and they will have the necessary equipment and capability to make you an orthotic if one is deemed suitable, provide exercises and assess your gait.

Depending on where you are and what your local NHS trust is you may be able to self refer, otherwise the GP can refer you if you meet the critera I'd suspect there would be a long wait however so if going private for a few appointments is an option then it's probably the better (and quicker) route.

Ultimately you need to stop wearing flat soled shoes, sandals and converse are some of the worst possible offenders.

I've found these quite good:
www.amazon.co.uk/Bunion-Corrector-Hammer-Toe-Straightener/dp/B07FPP9N2H/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2C35Z1SGWSZAV&keywords=toe%2Bseparators&qid=1672942701&sprefix=toe%2520separators%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-9&th=1
also birkenstock sandals, the ones with the cork footbed, I wear mine as much as I can

Yep I went private, asked around, a few people said oh you must go to see Diana she is marvellous. Not her real name!

Ah thanks everyone really appreciate the replies.

I have managed to get an appointment with the physio at the GP tomorrow. See where that leads to

I do need to wear trainers but I wear skirts and dresses for work and would look a bit daft as mine favourites are neon pink and black so I need some all black ones!