Occupational health- can they help?

[QueenMabs]

I've got a mild problem that is causing me pain at work.

It's plantar fasciitis. Can Occupational
Health help. I've had no time off but in pain and wearing trainers but would rather wear formal Shoes!

Occupational health assess you and suggest to your employer practical and reasonable adjustments to help you at work.

What are you hoping to gain from them? Desk move nearer to a door so you don't have to walk as far?

I don't see what Occy health can do for you.

You can contact your GP and discuss options with them. You can get insoles and find some exercises online. You need to wear shoes with decent arch and ankle support, not just any trainers. I actually find boots more comfortable. I also have plantar facilities and Achilles tendinitis. I have some insoles and do some light exercises with a textured ball and a stairs step.

Do you mean occupational therapy? I think your best best would be a podiatrist via GP or privately

Thanks everyone. I'm a teacher so it's a really active role where you have to be quick on your feet.

I was sort of hoping they could advise me how they could make it easier for me at work. Maybe a foot rest advise, on footwear and a dress code I don't know (that occupational therapy isn't it?) I feel really daft wearing trainers and skirts/dresses but don't want to go and buy loads of trousers and a black trainer because of an unavoidable medical problem. Or will they provide access to this?

I've seen the physio at the NHS and he said my trainers good. Adidas bounce plus with a gel heel inserts (that do no good whatsoever).

Might by some special sock things see if I can heal it a bit quicker?

In a previous employment I had where the dress code was a "formal shoes" for a smart look heels or flats. And we were on our feet all day also.

The only thing we could do for an employee was allow them to wear black trainers/black sketchers go walk. Basically alter the dress code for them. Wasn't much we could do.

We did let her sit down whenever she needed to and take breaks more, but we did that more as just "a team" than anything formally written down.

As the manager I'd obviously not send this employee to walk to the other end of the business and back, but that was more just out of understanding and compassion.

Could you look for like formal looking orthopedic shoes? Would that help?

Sorry OP it must be painful for you.

You are entitled to self-refer to OH and yes, of course they can give advice. That is what they are there for. They would prefer to advise on how to avoid time off than after you had had time off. The problem with your condition is that there is no such thing as perfect advice because every cae is different. But OH is there to be used, so use it.

I found Scholl orthotic insoles to be really helpful.
The other thing was calf stretching exercises - you can google these.

Thanks everyone great info- @Quveas this is what I was hoping for really - advice that I didn't know already!

@MoscowMules I'm
A but stumped as to what they can do too but this sounds a good approach.

@Almostlegible I'll have a look at calf
Stretching this sounds good as my leg feels tight. And I'll Check out the insoles although I do have some.

My problem is worsens as I have PF in the left for and arthritis in the toe in the right so I'm terribly unbalanced!
.

The physio at the NHS surgery told me ibuprofen 3x per day for two weeks then if that doesn't work it's naproxen for two weeks. Then he'll see me again.