Plantar Fasciitis?

[Starr W.]

I've looked at all of the responses and didn't see this mentioned -- you shouldn't walk around barefoot much -- always wear slippers or crocs or something with good arch support..

Ooops forgot, that was the first advice I got from my pod. and have followed it ever since. Just wish I could find somesort of watershoe with some support.

 

[disney-super-mom]

The gout thing is a good point. However, gout *usually* affects men more than women.

I say usually because I actually had a gout attack (classic, big toe pain) when I was 19 years old, and I'm a female! It was not due to uric acid buildup, though. My levels were normal. It was a complete freak occurrence. It hasn't happened since, but my father had a couple episodes a few years back, and it was his whole foot. So, yeah, worth checking out, but Plantar Fascitis is a much more common cause of heel pain, especially if the pain goes away with the proper shoes. Gout pain will not be alleviated with orthotics or the "right" shoes.

Right.

I just thought it would be good to get tested. You know, just to rule it out, regardless of whether your a woman or man, whether you have classic symptoms or not. That's all. Just a suggestion.

 

[BabyFu18]

Yeah I never walk around without shoes, but my doctor advised me against wearing slippers for lack of support (so I just wear my crocs flip flops around the hosue). I'm still on the search for a pair of slippers that are supportive enough for me to wear around the house.

As for the gout thing, I'll talk to my doctor about it. Actually my father has had trouble with gout before, but I never thought it would be something I needed to look into (but I will).

I went and tried on shoes, and since my doctor recommended new balance and nike I tried both of those (both seemed uncomfortable to me in various styles). I tried on some asics and those felt the best to me, I haven't purchased them yet though because my arch straps haven't come in yet and I want to be able to try on shoes with both my insoles and my arch straps.

 

[disney-super-mom]

The most comfortable (and I mean very comfortable) shoes I've ever found are Sonoma shoes. I bought mine at Kohls, on sale for $35.

I'm not sure what other stores carry Sonoma shoes, but here's the website if you want to take a look at their line.

http://www.sonomaoutfitters.com/istar.asp?a=3&dept=47&class=05&sortby=&numperpage=16&pos=0

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Been there.
. . . Had that.
. . . Don't have it anymore.

1) Like most folks, hurt like Heck.
2) I would get up from sitting and need 20-30 steps to walk normally.
3) I looked like a geek getting off a ride at WDW!
4) Had all sorts of treatments, pills, exercises, shoe inserts, special shoes.
5) Finally went to a Doctor Sanchez in Orlando.
6) A quick set of xray's and two steroid shots in the heel (not much needle pain).
7) Within a week, never felt pain again ! ! ! ! ! ! !
8) Four years later, still no pain, no awkward walking, no nottin'.

NOTE: I had previous doctors give me the leg splint to wear at night, exercises, frequent office visits, and all sorts of other "witch doctor" cures. Two shots and about 20-yrs of pain subsided!

 

[carrieb]

I had PF in both feet 10 years ago, considered myself ok - just to have my right foot start up last month! I'm usually very good about wearing my orthotics - but I hated putting them in my snow boots (I was afraid the orthotic bottom was going to separate from the vinyl top) and now I'm paying the price!

My pod, Dr. Lisa, is great - since my trip is right around the corner she gave me a cortisone shot, sent my orthotics back for 're-surfacing' and set me up with removable slide-on arch supports- and a prescription for a new pair of running shoes.
I'm back doing my stretching and icing. Dr. Lisa is a great proponent of icing - 20 minutes twice a day or so, it does me wonders.

Also she told me about Naot - they do sandals that are orthotic compatible! You pop out the footbed that comes with the sandal and you put your orthotic in - it doesn't change the profile of the shoe at all - they look a little Birkenstock like. I think I'll probably get a pair later on since barefoot is not going to be an option for me this summer.

Good luck!

 

[carrieb]

Really good arch support is the key. I wear my tennis shoes with the good arch support and I found Keen sandals really work for me.

Which Keen sandals are you using? Toes covered or toes uncovered?

 

[Schmeck]

I'm taking notes for my mom, who was just diagnosed with PF - what great info, thank you all!

 

[lovetoscrap]

I am also a severe, untreatable PF sufferer. I have been through it all, night splints, shots, custom orthotics, Physical Therapy, Ultrasound, and ultimately 2 surgeries. Unfortunately, like the OP I waited way to long to get proper treatment and have ripped my PF several times in both feet and nothing has worked. I am in Pain Management now as the last resort to just make my days bearable.

I am now pretty much disabled just because of this stupid condition. I can't walk more than a few feet without extreme pain. I rented an ECV before but as of this month I have bought my own--it is the only way I can get out of the house pretty much. I am 38 and other than this I would be in great health, but instead I am confined to an ECV and a cane and am in pain most all the time.

I don't know where you live OP, but I have read great things about Z-coil shoes http://www.zcoil.com/ . I haven't tried them because there isn't a dealer near me but I may travel to the nearest one at some point to try them.

I highly recommend that you get the cortisone shot(s) about a week or 2 before your trip. For the last few years those got me through my Disney trips. In fact all the shots that I got were before a Disney trip. Unfortunately they stopped working for me but with any luck they can work for you.

My best advice is to find a PODIATRIST that knows exactly how to deal with this. Even if your regular doc is great, you need a specialist.

Good luck.

 

[BabyFu18]

I have heard about the z-coil shoes but heard they were better for arthritis than anything else (my mom is looking into them for her arthritis. As for the cortisone shots, my doctors really don't want me to get the shots if it's at all possible to avoid them (I have several other illnesses that's why).

 

[Blackunicorn]

Footsmart.com has lots of shoes and orthotics and they'll recommend ones for plantar fasciitis. I haven't seen anyone else say this--get a ball of a comfortable size to roll the bottom of your feet on. For me, it's a golf ball. Stick it in the fridge if you want some cold relief. It really does help and it breaks up scar tissue. (Or am I the only one who has scar tissue in their arches?)

I went to an actual "prescription" shoe store, sent by my podiatrist. I would definitely recommend someplace where you can get personal service--even a running shoe store, someplace where they will still actually fit you. You didn't say what caused your plantar fasciitis or what shape your foot is. What makes you feel better will really depend on things like having a high or low arch or whether you pronate or supinate. Lots of people also don't realize that shoes come in sizes wider than normal and wide. (I wear a 6EE) I was told to make sure to get a shoe with LOTS of support, that you can't bend in half. I wear Dr. Brooks. (BTW, if your feet get cold easily, don't get the breathable fabric, go for the leather uppers.) Don't be afraid to try on different shoes to get the right ones. They're going to cost enough moola that you should get your money's worth.

BTW, I have heard really good things about the shoes with the springs in the heels, and they're highly recommended by the shoe store where I do business. But they're even more expensive than the shoes I buy! I guess you have to balance price against how comfortable they're going to make you.

I'm a long-time sufferer with plantar fasciitis. I don't know if I waited too long to get treated--I have a history of thinking I'm a big wuss if I seek treatment--or if I'm not able to be cured because the cause (very high arches) never go away. I have lovely arch supports from my lovely shoe store, and I do my stretches every day or I pay for it, and standing for extended periods of time is out of the question, but for the most part I'm fine if I watch myself. Please, please seriously consider renting an ECV. It makes a *world* of difference, and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. If you're in tears from the pain at the end of the day, you won't be having a good vacation.

ETA--ooh I forgot. You don't have to give up your excercise, but you can switch to low-impact machines. The stationary or recumbent bike is good, and 24hr fitness swears that the eliptical machine is low-impact. (I have my doubts) Water aerobics would be good, too. I'm amazed that your doctor okayed the treadmill, though. Make sure you stretch before you do any excercise, and I mean your special plantar fasciitis stretches!

 

[SueM in MN]

and 24hr fitness swears that the eliptical machine is low-impact. (I have my doubts)

i can say for sure that eliptical machines are low impact. For a while, the elipticals were all I could do because of a knee problem. Your feet never come off the footplates, so there is no impact. When your legs bend, the machine moves so that you are not having the 'pound-pound' of your foot coming on and off the ground like you do in a treadmill. The impact/action is very similar to a bike, it's just that you are standing up rather than sitting.

 

[lilheathen]

I have PF too, and have to wear shoes that won't bend in the middle, with inserts, and can't walk far either (I also have FMS as another poster wrote). I am renting a scooter for my entire Orlando vacation, because the PF makes it hard to walk, and spine problems make it hard to stand.

Your age doesn't matter in the slightest (I am 39). If you're in pain and can't find relief with a better walking shoe before you go, by all means rent a scooter (also known as an ECV). It's silly to put yourself through that kind of pain when you can rent a scooter. You will enjoy your trip FAR more.

Also, with PF, never wear Crocs! My podiatrist was adamant about that. They're so big in the heel especially that your foot will have no stability, and that is key for patients with PF.

Good luck!

 

[tazdev3225]

I have had PF for over 3 years. It is complicated by severe bone spurs in both heels. I bought crocs recently because the inserts for my shoes did nothing. I've tried different brands of sneakers with very short term relief. I also do not look like I have a disability but I will rent the ECV when I am in Disney because I know that I can't walk around for that amount of time. If you are in pain get the ECV because you are down there for fun not pain.

 

[kayleighnik]

I've had plantar fasciitis - along with neurological/myofascial pain - for seven years in both my feet.

I have had 9 physiotherapists, two different hospitals, steroid injections, medication, night splints, insoles, taping, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, ultrasound therapy, plaster casts...the list goes on. Anything that is usually used to treat it - I've had it. The injections and the acupuncture actually made my condition worse..so they had to stop that. They don't - however - want to operate due to being only 20 - WHY exactly that is a problem beats me, but they won't. Instead, I see the pain management clinic..who is looking at other reasons as to why I might be experiencing so much pain...The physiotherapists and orthopaedic clinics have literally given up and told me to accept it. That's hard to accept for a 20 year old who used to be able to dance for 15 hours a week...The lack of acitivity led me to putting on four stone as well.

To get around Disney in July 2007 I had to take my crutches - they're red! - and also rent a wheelchair...This was a LIFESAVER. The first day, we went to Epcot and within a couple of hours - and multiple rest stop and medication - my Mom and brother literally had to carry me back to the hotel. I think I was in tears near enough the whole way back. The second day, we rented a wheelchair and it was fantastic...absolutely brilliant. My brother (11 at the time) thought it was great *** it meant I had to go wherever he wanted me to!

I live in Skechers...I love them. I have five pairs and don't know what I'd do without them. They are perfect for my feet, especially as my arches have completely collapsed and any pressure there is agony, so I can't really wear trainers that have archers built into them...they're normally in the wrong place for me. But Skechers are great. They also look fantastic! Reeboks are also good for me too..

And try some crocs - I've been wearing mine around the house and they're doing a world of good!

Kayleigh

 

[I Love Donald]

Footsmart.com has lots of shoes and orthotics and they'll recommend ones for plantar fasciitis.

My mother just told me about this catalog. I am just about to place an order.....they have everything. In fact, several people have recommended Footsmart.com. My ankle underwent a terrible sprain years back from platform type shoes & uneven pavement. The result of that sprain caused flat foot on my other foot w/ tremendous heel pain. Last time I was in Disney, I was in agony. I'm hoping that doesn't happen again. We took a day in the middle of our trip where we just relaxed at the hotel so I could rest my aching feet. It was awful.

Good luck in finding help for your problem. I always say that Disney would be perfect if it weren't for aching feet.

 

[7165red]

I love Donald, I agree with you. I have had PF and it was never corrected, een to many drs. I went to WDW once with good feet and n ow it's agony ut I still go and do what I can. What really hurts is I can't wear a nice dress shoe. I never knew so many people suffered with similar problems with their feet steming from PF.

 

[darcyt]

I am so sorry to see so many fellow sufferers. The aggravating thing is that the solution is not one size fits all. I had PF a few years ago, went to a podiatrist several times, got orthotics, she wrapped my foot, gave me stretches to do, etc. It did no good.

The thing that worked for me is wearing Birkenstocks in the house (I'm very rarely barefoot). One forum I read had several people who got the plastic birks to wear in the shower, so they wouldn't even be barefoot then. I had to start with birks soft footbed because the regular ones killed me, but now the regular ones work best for me. I tried almost every brand of tennis shoes and sandals, but the best for long distances have been Skechers Premium (with a Dr Scholl arch support). The premium (and I think, the energy) are very cushy and that's what worked for me. The flatter, cuter ones don't cut it! I walk several miles daily and have no problems at WDW. I was limping and in lots of pain a few years ago, so it's been a miracle for me. I bought some croc flip flops after reading so many raves, but the arch is way too low for me, so I only wear them to and from the pool.

Good luck with finding the right combination of things to help you.

 

[cinderella73]

Hi everyone. It was comforting to read the posts on here as I developed the very same thing 3 weeks ago. I had no idea what it was and just thought it would be gone by now! From the looks of most of your posts it can last a long time.

I dont have medical for myself right now ( just the kids) . I have no idea what a poditrist (spelling?) will run. I might try the inserts someone mentioned at Target . Hopefully I can find them. I will check out the Nike's and other shoes mentioned as well.

This is really painful! I was hoping to be cleared up before WDW in Sept. But I guess it takes some time to heal.

Last year when I went to WDW I had some bizzare inflammation of both knee caps and the muscles around them. Had a TON of pain and high sed rate but no clue as to what it was. I refused to get a wheel chair but getting out of rides was embarrassing for me. I am only 34 and felt like a little old lady.

Hopefully I get this healed up before this next trip ( oh the power of positive thinking) . I read somewhere that the shots in the foot were iffy because the area could get infected. Is this right? Did anyone hear anything like that? I will try some of the stretching exersizes in the meantime .

Hope you all feel better soon!

 

[wowsmom]

This has been an interesting read...I seem to be suffering from PF as well.

I'd been wearing nothing but Crocs for about a year and then started exercising on my Gazelle - yes, in my Crocs - they were all I had. Well, my heel pain that used to be an occasional "spent the day at Disneyland" kind of pain became more of a daily thing.

I've switched to New Balance walking shoes with Super Feet inserts (which have helped a lot), bought a pair of Birkenstocks (soft footbed - I wear them when I can't stand to have sneakers on my feet) and only wear my Crocs when I get out of bed/get ready for the day.

Some days, my heel feels a lot better. Other days, when I've been standing or walking a lot, my heel actually throbs. I have found that icing it helps when it's that sore. My sister (who has/had PF) said I should ice it daily, but I always forget. My other sister (who had PF) had to have her foot taped for 6 weeks, but that solved her problem.

Tomorrow (after much stalling!), I'll be calling to make a doctor's appointment to have this checked out and see if anything will help.

Thanks to everybody who has made suggestions based on what worked for them!

ETA: Interesting side note for me...I've been having back pain for years (we're talking 8 years or so - recently diagnosed as arthritis and bone spurs) and since switching to wearing the New Balance all the time, my back pain is almost gone (unless I really overdo it and stand too much). Go figure!