Just Diagnosed With Plantar Fasciitis.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2003

I have been treated for that too, and it hurts! I now flex/extend my feet and legs (separately) BEFORE I get out of bed. Then I do stretching exercise for a few minutes. So far this has prevented TX for 2-3 years. Before that, I needed steroid injection into fascia. The shot hurt like the devil but magically all pain went away immediately. If on my feet a long time I put ice in ziplock bag, place bag on floor and put foot on bag (with shoe off, of course). THis relieves inflammation. Good luck

Shamrock, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2003

Originally posted by NRSKarenRN
Get thyself to a good podiatrist--someone who treats athletes STAT.

Steroid injection, Taping of foot+ ankle, hydrotherapy, stretching exercises with band along with orthotics and New Balance sneakers halped resolve that problem for me. Still do foot exercises and aqua therapy to keep it in check.

Hope your feeling better soon...

The above is exactly what helped me. For me, taping the foot and the orthotics are a must when walking on any hard surface. It still comes and goes. Hang in there.

Kayde · Sep 10, 2003

Would someone be able to explain the excercizes. I developed this a month ago. The intense pain has gone. Now the continued soreness. Just like described by others. Hope to do the suggestions I have read and it will go away.

Agnus · Sep 10, 2003

ooouch. I personally found something that really helps me. I have had the same condition and the one shoe I finally found that will keep me feeling my best (especially standing all day), is Bergenstocks I have 2 pair for nursing and 2 pair for off duty. I rotate my shoes daily no matter what.

When I wear another type of she I really feel the difference.

jadednurse · Sep 10, 2003

I feel your pain cheerfuldoer...literally. Though it's been MUCH better since I've been off work the last 6 months. The icing, stretching, switching to 8 hour shifts and Z-coil shoes (Nike) have helped though. Hang in there!

PremmieRN · Sep 11, 2003

I also have PF. I have tried everything from new balance, dansko, nike.etc.......... I have had mine for over a year now. The steriods, antiinflammatories, ice, and stretching did nothing for mine. The two things that have helped me........ massage and Klogs- (the brand name shoe). The Klogs have a super cushion in them that helps my feet pull off a 12 hr shift with no problem. It is worth a look. Walk around the store for a bit in them and see if you think they will help.

live4today, RN · Sep 11, 2003

Great suggestions everyone! Thanks! :kiss

I have a sheet of foot exercises the doc gave me to do frequently. I'm also going to make an appointment to have regular foot massages until my feet are better. Never had a foot massage before, so guess pampering them for the "HEALTH" of it would be a good thing to do. Must protect my feet. Can't do without them. Our feet take such a beating in everyday life. Poor things.

So far the shoe lists I'll be checking out...at your suggestions...are:

New Balance, Bergenstocks, Nike's Z-Coil shoes, and the brand name shoe Klogs. For someone who HATES to shop, I'll have to get an early start Thursday morning with the shoe shopping mission.

I've never been to a Chiropractor before. Does health insurance cover that?

The doc told me to ice my feet by putting a bag of "peas" on the floor and placing my feet on top of the "pea bag" for a certain amount of time.

There is also a "floor towel exercise" he gave me. Lay the towel on the floor, then pull it upwards with the toes of each foot curling the toes under.

Another exercise is placing the sole of the foot against the shin of the opposite leg, rubbing it up and down the shin of the leg in a curled fashion.

Then, there is the flexed position of the foot exercise.

I'll do anything to rescue my feet from all this discomfort.

When I step out of bed in the morning, it hurts sooooooooo bad! It takes about five minutes after standing up in the morning for me to be able to walk on my feet without walking in a "crippled like fashion".

The shoes I spent $52.00 for called "Truffles" at the nursing uniform shop a month or so ago were a waste of money. I want my money back!

The silicone pads called STRUTS the doc gave me yesterday didn't do a thing for the comfort of my feet. He said he may give me a brace for my feet to wear at night, but let's hope it won't come to that. I hate being confined by anything when I sleep.

Six years ago, it was my right shoulder that took me out of nursing. Now today...it's the FEET that might do it! :crying2:

SmilingBluEyes · Sep 11, 2003

OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWeee So sorry Renee! Hope you are feeling better soon!

obeyacts2 · Sep 11, 2003

I have been going thru this myself. I have discovered the best for me is the Dr Dscholls from WalMart..they are a tennis shoe with a gel insole. It has made my life much more bearable and the price is right.....esp for this 8.00/hr CNA.

Laura

Agnus · Sep 11, 2003

I always got out of bed in the a. m. and felt like the bottom of my feet were convex round. Since the Bergenstocks I no longer have that.

I hope you find a shoe that really works for you

live4today, RN · Sep 11, 2003

Can you guys tell me where to buy Bergenstocks? I went to JC Penneys today...they didn't have any. The salesperson heard of Bergenstocks, but said the store never sold them.

After looking over the shoes you all mentioned thus far, I was not as happy with the "feel" of the inner shoe as I was with the EASY SPIRIT walking shoe. Sooooooo...I asked the salesperson which shoe she felt was the BEST shoe for the type of job I do because her sister also is a nurse, and also has Plantar Fasciitis, and loves wearing the Easy Spirit walking shoe. I tried a pair on, and they felt great! So, I bought a pair. The salesperson told me to walk around in them at home on carpet to try them out for size and comfort, and if the shoe didn't pass the comfort test, to return them. So, I'm sitting here at my computer icing my feet with a bag of peas before I prance around in my EASY SPIRIT walking shoes. Anyone ever try EASY SPIRIT walking shoes? :)

purplemania, BSN, RN · Sep 11, 2003

The bed exercise is simple: flex and extend toes several times. Then stand up, place both hands on a wall, put one foot behind you, bend knees. (I bounce up and down a few times) This will stretch the ligaments. Change to other foot and repeat. About 10 repeats per foot will get you going.