Plantar Faciitis anyone?

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I developed this last autumn after wearing Birkinstock sandals all summer (they're not cushioned at all and I acted recklessly).

I have to wear trainers all the time (including in the house because we have wooden floors) and it's getting me down.

I take ibuprofen for the inflammation and rub Piroxicam gel into the heel area. The GP has referred me for physio, but exercises don't help (I've been doing them for a while now).

I bought a pair of Skechers Shape Ups from Amazon because somebody at work recommended them - they do seem to put less pressure on the heel.

I'd like some MBTs, but will have to save up.

Does anybody else have this and what do you do to relieve the problem?

I have recently bought some gel heel pads they are bliss.

I've had it twice, it's really bloody painful. Gel heel pads did help a little but in the end it was the physio that did the trick. They gave me some exercises but also a course of ultrasound treatment which worked a treat. They also gave me some good advice about what kind of shoes to wear for work as I'm a midwife and it was the long shifts on hard hospital floors that did it to me (totally enclosed, slight wedge heel so not too flat, lots of support). Haven't had it for a couple of years now do their advice seems to be working

I had plantar fasciitis about 18month/2 years ago. It was agony, I couldn't walk anyway without limping when it was at its worst.

I paid for physiotherapy with a local physio who I have used before for other complaints. She was great: diagnosed it correctly and treated it.

What exercises have you been told to do?

The physio gave me a simple set, which was to run the affected foot over a ball (tennis ball) to massage the muscles and also to scrunch up the foot/toes and then stretch my foot out. These exercises really helped my recovery and to keep on top of the problem. I still do them if my foot gets sore.

Heel/arch supports essential for me - I even swap them into my wellies when I do the gardening. I found Birkie sandals a godsend. Fitflops also good as they have arch support and a big/wedge heel.

Hope that it does get better soon.

I was treated by an osteopath for mine- a combination of exercises, manipulation and acupuncture. After I had spend 3 months almost crying every night and living in fitflop shoes for almost a year, it took about 10 treatments to be cured. I am still fine 14 months later.

I hope you find something that works for you.

Mine cleared up completely after I started using Scholl insoles. They are good.

I have this as part of an overall muscle condition I have. I deal with it in a number of ways:

• Take your time when first getting out of bed in the morning, as the initial weight on the feet when you stand can cause miniscule damage in the fascia, thus damaging any healing process that's been going on whilst you sleep.
• Use a pedi roller (got mine from Boots, cost around £4) is basically a ribbed, rubber foot roller that is placed on the floor, and rolled back and forth with (preferably) a bare foot. This helps to gently stretch and relax muscles.
• When sat relaxing - or in bath - gently massage feet. *Take the weight off your feet whenever you can in order to rest them.

I've got this along with other tendon issues. I've had it before too and ended up having a steroid jab in the bottom of my heel as the main problem was the inflammation which I couldn't resolve myself as I have kids and trying to rest your foot with little ones running around I'd near enough impossible! Totally sorted it and that was about 3/4 yrs ago. It's now flared up again so trying all other avenues before the jab again as if is quite painful and a last resort.
Hope you get sorted asap.

I have this, alongside many other complex joint and tendon issues in my feet and ankles. I have seen many physios and a specialist foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon. The specialist and the majority of the physios have told me to veer away from the rocking sole shoes. I did try the MBTs but they were no good for me. If shoes are a big issue, try proper running trainers, the ortho was the one who suggested this. I got fitted in a running shop and haven't looked back, best £100 I have spent. Cushioned insoles are also another option. I second Eccentric on her suggestions especially with regards to getting up on to your feet slowly, even if you've been sitting.

I had this a couple of years ago after a marathon walk in shit trainers. The thing that really helped me was rolling a tennis ball under my foot/ along the arch. I went on to run a 1/2 marathon a year later do it does get better. It's agony, you have my sympathy, hope its better soon.

I have this too, I've had it for years with no relief. Though I will try some of the suggestions on this thread.

Good luck getting it sorted, it's bloody miserable.