Exercising w/ Plantar Fasciitis?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I have plantar fasciitis. Go me! :( I went to a podiatrist awhile ago and he gave me one of those HORRIBLY PAINFUL shots in my heel - never again! The shot took the pain away for a few weeks but lately my heel is starting to hurt again...

The BIG problem I have is that I am in desperate need to lose weight and with my heel hurting my cardio is seriously lacking...What can I do to lose weight and not hurt my heel? :(

I tried spinning today and it hurt....running is horrible...elliptical hurts my heel too...

Which anti-inflammatory should I take?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

While we're not supposed to offer medical advice, I'd highly recommend you get a referral to a physical therapist. I have bilateral heel spurs and haven't had to have shots in over 10 years. The therapist showed me stretching exercises, using ice on the bottom of my foot and buying proper shoes to alleviate pressure and I'm in great shape with pain (I actually don't have any!) I wear Z Coil shoes for work (which for me is the biggest problem,working) and since I"ve switched...no issues. Good luck to you, there is help out there. And once you get on a plan, you should be able to resume your excercise schedule.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Z coil shoes? I've never heard of those...I think finding comfy shoes will make a big difference...I'll definitely look those up. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Orthotics? They can make a big difference for some.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in chemical dependency detox/psych.

I found that Mayo had some great advice on this, as I have suffered from this condition in the past:

http://mayoclinic.com/health/plantar-fasciitis/DS00508/DSECTION=lifestyle%2Dand%2Dhome%2Dremedies

There's a button under the lifestyle section that gives you foot stretching exercises. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I feel your pain, I've got the same problem. In addition to stretching exercises, I've found that swimming can work wonders as a cardio alternative because it's a full body work out and doesn't put additional stress on the feet. If you're not a strong swimmer (Lord knows I'm not), get a flotation belt and then "run" through the water - it's a killer workout, but it's effective.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Skecher Shape-ups! They saved my feet!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.

This is what worked for me.

Scheduled anti inflammatories

Stretching every morning. The towel stretch I did before I got out of bed, even. http://www.plantarfasciitisbraces.com/plantar_fasciitis_stretching_exercises.html

Working out on the bicycle. NOT spinning because that requires standing up. Use the recumbent bicycle.

Losing weight.

Losing weight was key really. After a 40 pound loss, my pain went away. I had been in pain for a year and a half.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment