I have had a problem with plantar fasciitis since last April. I went to the podiatrist at my job, got a pair of orthotics and one cortisone shot, and had short term improvement. It did not last long, because I was not very compliant with the exercises, the orthotics got kind of ruined, could not fit inside of each nursing shoe that I purchased and also, I could not tolerate the naproxen. Basically, my insurance does not cover orthotics, but my podiatrist friend (because he knew me), figured out a way to obtain them under my coverage by saying he ordered night splints. These orthotics were not of the highest quality, so, while they worked great, they are winding down, so to speak.
Anyhow, we have a 'no sneaker policy' at work, unless we have a note from a physician. While I was on vacation, I decided to see a podiatrist outside of the job under my plan, and this guy was phenomenal. He carefully illustrated what needs to be done to heal, and it is really working. He asked me to bring in my previous orthotics and wanted to see the shoes that I regulary wear to estimate what I needed. I am currently taking a series of shots (he told me he felt that I need cortisone shots once a week for one month), ordered an xray so that he can assess if I have other issues, and while he told me that my orthotics are basically good, the ones that he would cast would be more tailored towards the natural grooves of my feet. They are $250, and I feel this will be worth the money, so, I left him a deposit and they will be ready in two weeks. He wrapped my feet (which feel like heaven) and instructed that I restart wearing the orthotics I have until I get the ones that he casted me for (my feet feel like HEAVEN...and I want to marry him...told my husband it is over between us...LOL). He also showed me some shoes that can be purchased, but they are expensive. I do plan to get them eventually, but, I have to save for these things.
My current orthotics do not fit into my nursing shoes, so, I have lily white sneakers that REALLY look like shoes unless you look closely, got them for $21. With my feet wrapped, the orthotics and my sneakers, I am literally dancing around at work, I am so happy that the pain is gone! I KNOW that the orthotics that were casted by this man will be EVEN BETTER!! I am walking for 1/2 hour a day now and my quality of life has greatly improved. I want to eventually purchase some shoes from the brands he suggested, however, first, I know they will be expensive. Secondly, I intend to go to the store to see them, try them on, maybe get measured, or whatever, because if I have to pay that much money for them, they had BETTER feel like clouds (like they do, now). I know that with these sort of shoes, you have to wear them in before you wear them to work all day, because they have to adjust to your body. I want my money's worth...but to me, if I can wear sneakers, for cheaper, why should I not?
Each person that saw my sneakers asked me where did I get my SHOES from, and I just told them they were a gift (they really could not tell that they were sneakers that were purchased from a PayLess shoe store for $21). Fast forward to a meeting that was held with one of my sorry nursing administrators. She is known to have 'pets' (you know the ones that don't work and flaunt it) that go to the stores for her, buy her food and coffee, etc.... Her male pet of the month has on a pair of white sneakers. When I sit before her, she asked me if I had on sneakers, and I did not lie and said "Yes" and she goes into a speech how they are not part of policy to wear. Her 'pet' looks at me and smirks and I look dead at his feet.
I then told her that I am getting treated for my feet and as soon as I get orthotics, I will then have to see which shoes can properly accomodate them. She tells me to get a note (which I intend to do on Wednesday), but also says "There are shoes, you know that can be used for this purpose as well" in a snide manner. I say to her that I am aware, but they are horribly expensive, that I am already paying for orthotics in an installment plan and currently, I was wearing what comfortably fits my feet with the tape and orthotics that are almost damaged. Also, I told her that this way, I don't have to take naproxen, which literally made me have gas, caused heartburn and nausea. I told her that the nursing shoes that we normally purchase do not last long, do not accomodate special needs, and the shoes for special needs are expensive. She just rolls her eyes at me as if to say "That's YOUR problem".
I do plan to get this note, immediately. However, I think that this whole thing is insensitive. First off, she has her pet trailing behind her boldly wearing sneakers and smirking at us. Also, as an LPN, I do not make the salary that the average RN makes. I am working on dealing with the problem as effectively and economically as I can. Most RNs I know cannot readily afford these sorts of shoes...we all have bills, etc. If a cheap pair of sneakers and orthotics solve the problem, then WHAT IS THE ISSUE??? I am more effective at work, I am sure I am more productive. Also, even when I actually obtain these new orthotics that I know will fit better, what if I still have problems getting nursing shoes that will accomodate them? Most of us are walking around in literal tears because of our feet. How insensitive can these people be to make you spend money that you do not have immediately in order to slave yourself to the bone for these thankless demons?? 
