[kat911]

Originally Posted by Pedi-ER-RN

I have the same thing and Crocs have made a HUGE difference in the pain. I never would've believed that a 30-40 dollar shoe would help the pain. I was previously buying Merrell's and Birki's. Give Crocs a try.

I agree completely about the Corc's, as a nurse for 28 years I have tried many; different shoes and nothing really helped my feet until I put on a pair of crocs. That is all I wear now. Between plantar fasciatis and achilles tendonitis I was miserable. For 30 bucks the croc's are worth trying. You have to find what works for you. For some the right shoe, for some an orthotic insert will work. I tried the podiatrist and everything he did helped some but not long term. Taping, new balance shoes $$$, birkes$$$, boot,, etc. Nothing worked until Croc's. Good luck. Oh don't go barefoot, find a good shoe and wear all the time!

[Jolie]

May I ask what type of healthcare provider you have been seeing (primary MD, orthopod, or podiatrist?)

The reason I ask is that I know of literally a dozen people who have plantar fasciitis and other types of heel pain, and without exception, those who have seen podiatrists have had the best treatment results. I don't mean to bash any healthcare provider because all have their strengths and weaknesses, but for this particular problem, I strongly believe that most medical and surgical physicians are ill prepared to treat it. Podiatrists, in my opinion are the specialist to see for this problem, and most seem to have an excellent non-surgical track record of treatment.

[LearningRN]

I've gone to a podiatrist. Thanks again for the replies... Will this ever go away though? I've heard that it may be permanent...

[shmily]

I had it for a couple of years. It was horrible! I did not see a PT or a podiatrist though. I tried several different shoes, then I went to roadrunnersports.com and found the "perfect" shoe for my build and arch type. No more problems going on 3 years!!

[cannoli]

You might want to do a search, there have been a lot of other threads about this. One poster recommended this site

http://heelspurs.com/index.html

I think those stretching exercises help, done before getting out of bed in the morning, and before getting up at night to use to bathroom.

[pammyrn]

i've also suffered a great deal from heel pain..wore dansko's working 12 hour shifts..saw my podiatrist,he took xrays,determined i had heel spurs/plantar fasciatis,received a cortisone injection and shoe inserts,worked great for about 5-6 months,just recently pain returned went back to my podiatrist received a 2nd cortisone injection did'nt relieve pain for a few days was also fitted for orthotics {$300.00} best money i ever spent..maybe you should see a different podiatrist does'nt sound like your doc was too helpful.also suppose to do stretches to feet/heel regularly and use ice packs when having increased pain..per my doc i am to wear supportive sneaks at all times {housecleaning/lounging around etc}..

[judyblueeyes]

I use the taping method on heelspurs.com and have had excellent results.
I used it inconsistanly and had the pain come and go. I'm now in week 2 of a 4 week taping program and am feeling hopeful that I can cure the problem.

I hardly gave my sore foot a second thought this week which hasn't happened in a long time.

[scrmblr]

I slept in a brace every night for 3 months. It holds your foot in the flexed position. Doesn't let your feet "drop"

stretching. Heel cord stretches. standing on the step and letting your heel drop...But, I'm sure you have been doing this in PT.

Aleve, good shoes, my brace, stretching, and orthotic inserts worked miracles for me.

Best of luck!

[chaosRN]

Originally Posted by LearningRN

Everyone, thanks for your kind responses. I've tried zcoil shoes, birki's (which helps), corral calcium, soy milk, stretching, massages, icing, and now PT. In reponse for the reply to tvccrn. My feet pain isn't enough to warrant the surgery which is very serious and has more adverse effects than good (according to the doctor). So the trade off isn't worth it. Please pray for me... What experiences have you all had? What was worked? Thanks again for your time...

I was dx with plantar facitis (sp?) a few years ago. Mine may not be severe because it comes and goes. A few of my coworkers also have it. I can't tell you what will work for you, (see your podiatrist), but I'll tell you what has worked for us. We all agree that having high arched shoes (whatever the brand) feels best. I'm going to buy Dansko shoes next. People love them & say they have high arches. I think with shoes it's a trial and error thing. I love my crocs, however, I can't wear them for more than one 12 hr shift a week.

I keep a tennis ball in a zip lock in my freezer. Some mornings, if I wake up with painful feet or after a long 12 hr day and my feet are tired, I take the tennis ball and roll it to the front and back of my feet (sitting down of course). You know, step on it (sitting down) and roll it on your feet over a towel or something. (It's frozen, cold, slippery, like ice) My podiatrist recommended it. Works for me, not some coworkers.

Please go back to your podiatrist and tell him/her how this is affecting your life. There is something that will help make your feet feel better. You (along with your md) just need to find it.

Good luck & happy feet!!!

[LearningRN]

Hi again everyone and thanks again for your kind replies. Is this permanent? How do I know if I'm getting better? I would expect that everyday I'll experience some time of relief or gradual reduction of pain, but I don't. It just feels like the same old pain. As if I'm not getting better. Is this normal? Thanks again everyone. Also, whenever I go to a podiatrist they seem to dismiss me because my pain isn't as bad compared to other people who have it but the pain is enough to keep me from walking 12 hour shifts or from walking around in a grocery store. Please help... I need your prayers...