[marilynmom]

I work 12 hour shifts in the PICU and now I have Plantar fasciitis and it is killing me!! I know I need new shoes desperately (any ideas? This is one thing I'm willing to invest in next week when I get my student loans), but what else can I do to get better and relieve the pain? No I'm not asking for medical advice, just your personal experiences with this common problem in nurses.

I take ibuprofen but that doesn't seem to help. How long does it take to heal based on your experience?

[CHATSDALE]

my dt was put in a boot, worked 12 hour shifts dragging boot eerywhere. did good
i was put on heat therapy and it helped but it took awhile...i know the pain you are having. esp that first step to the bathroom in the am

[trainer2070]

Night splints, Ice, 3/8" heel lift and increase the flexibility of the calf muscles, using a foam roller over the fascia and the prostretch device helps alot. I also tape my arch, but not everyone knows how to do so.

[nursemary9]

Hi

Do I ever know exactly how you feel.
I am just now getting over this horribly painful condition.

It started for me at the beginning of April. I tried several different new shoes first, with no help.
When I saw the MD--my Primary, she gave me a set of exercises to do--plus told me about the roller--said I could use a simple rolling pin, if nothing else.

I used an arch strap that I purchased & also a pair of heel lifts specifically made for PF.

I faithfully did the exercixes---a number of times per day. Every time I sat down, I did them.

I had absolutely no faith in them----yet they REALLY did help--it just took a while.

If you'd like, you can PM me & I'll tell you where I got the strap & lifts.

[Icare4u2]

Yup, know exactly what you mean. I invested in good shoes and inserts in the shoes especially for plantar fasciitis. Mine had all but disappeared until I went back to working the clinic. That first step to the bathroom is a killer, 4 sure.... Good Luck!!

[NREMT-P/RN]

Dansko - may take a little time to adjust, but the ONLY footwear that I think (IMHO) that will work over time. I have 4 pair - and I am rarely out of them. No problems or pain from - PF, knee, back, hips or otherwise since.

Okay, so they are not Christian Louboutin's. But anytime I'm feeling kinda blue over the lack of "sexy shoes'" - I just take a look at my duty boots and then the Dansko's are a bit more appealing. Plus, any nursing job that requires Louboutin's is going to raise RED FLAGS (and not just because of their awesome red soles) in my opinion!

Good Luck

[ktwlpn]

I went through it for almost 3 years.My family doctor injected me several times which did help but only short term.When he finally referred me to a podiatrist they fit me for custom orthotics which I faithfully wore for a year and then stopped.Of course the symptoms came back-I continued to wear them for another 2 yrs and I have had no further problems.I am careful to buy shoes with good arch support and I replace my work sneakers every 6 months...

[Freedom42]

I could barely walk on July 1, and I've made tremendous progress since seeing an orthopedist. I've got plantar fasciitis, a heel spur and tendinitis in my right foot. Here's what's working:

Sleep in a splint
Ice the foot 2x a day for 20 minutes
Take Alleve every 12 hours
Physical therapy 2x a week, including foot massage (excruciating) and ultrasound
Do all of the prescribed stretches religiously. I do them morning, noon and night -- literally!

I keep a golf ball near the computer and roll my bare foot on it whenever I'm studying. When I'm not using the golf ball, I use a frozen bottle of water.

Nothing unusual here, but my point is that I've been a fanatic about taking care of my foot for the past few weeks, and I've made real progress. I sympathize: The pain is terrible.

[llg]

I've been treated twice -- by 2 different podiatrists -- once with custom orthotics that I wore for about 3 years and another time with cortisone injections. My insurance covered it both times and both treatments worked very well.

Stop trying to treat yourself and get yourself to a professional who can properly treat your condition! There is no need to endure so much pain when there are effective treatments available.

[mom4josh]

I've had several nurses tell me they found relief with the Z-coil shoes. Ugly as heck and very expensive (about $150 I think), but apparently they work!