Anyone know about plantar fasciitis?

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

I'm pretty sure I have got PF in both feet, it's self-diagnosed but is exactly like the description of PF - sore heels, especially after resting, etc - and I have had the same thing before too (though not as badly).

When I had it before it seemed to disappear on its own after a while, but this time it's been over a month and still not gone. It does now seem to be getting better gradually, I have not had the real swearing-and-limping thing for a week or two, but it's still niggling away and I'm still having to be very careful about footwear or walking too much to not bring it back.

What I would really like to know is:
a) Is there anything I can do to stop it niggling on and finally get rid of it? I am already doing foot/calf stretches when I remember, and trying to wear soft-soled shoes and not go barefoot round the house (hard floors). I'm trying to avoid too much standing/walking, and obviously avoiding running or other hardcore exercise, but I found that too much rest seemed to make it worse if anything though, so I also try not to spend too long on my backside. Is there anything else I could try though?

b) What exercise can I still do without making it worse? I have put on loads of weight and feel like I need to start some serious exercise, but obviously some things are out! I guess no running for now, but what about things like swimming or cycling? Would I be able to get away with Shredding if I wear good shoes? (It does have a bit of jumping around, but not loads).

Thank you!

I had it in onefoot for a year before it went gradually then six months later, got it in gthe other. Think I tried everything above, apart from those involving needles. I think it goes when it's ready but the key is to manage it while you have it.

Five minutes of calf stretching before getting out of bed takes the edge off the pain home bargains sells a purple battery operated coke can shaped massager which I found helpful for the pain. Scholl busy feet or orthoheels make shoes bearable. I need even more arch support though to walk comfortable so have extra silicone arch supports stuck into most of my shoes as well. It's a bit trial and error to see what feels best. Another tip is to really stretch and flex the feet if you are sitting down for long periods. A couple minutes every ten or fifteen minute helps.

Unfortunately, I didn't find my podiatry visit that useful and the blue peter stylie orthotic they made for me gave me blisters and didnt help. They were all friendly though.

Totally flat shoes or high heels are agony. Hotter do quite supportive if rather boring shoes. Heavenly feet are the most amazingly comfy shoes, not that pricey and thet do ome styles that are at least funky. Good luck..

have a look at footcare4me.com They have various orthotics and arch support insoles which can help-quick delivery too

I think I've finally cracked it after nearly two years of it. I'm not able to take ibuprofen due to bp being too high and have had orthotics made by a podiatrist. I wear fitflops or similar, I loved the Asda's own shaper sandals in the summer, then I got myself a pair of MBT's they were fipping fantastic, and I finally found myself pain free. I have now treated myself to a pair of fitflop boots and will recommend them till the cows come home. I've not used my orthotics for over three months now. Stretching is a definite must do.

Well the good news is it is definitely getting better, I still have to be a bit careful about standing in the wrong shoes etc but I'm having much less bother with it lately. I think the soft insoles helped too even though they are just cheap standard ones, not special ortho ones.

Going to try the shred again as soon as my latest evil cold eases off a bit, and then if that is OK then maybe in a few weeks I might even dare to try some classes at the gym again (am on a temp/trial membership, so don't want to miss the chance to try them out).

Hope everyone else still suffering gets better soon as well!