Plantar fasciitis--it's killing me!!

CHATSDALE · Aug 9, 2007

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 · Aug 9, 2007

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, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2007

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 · Aug 9, 2007

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!!

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2007

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, LPN · Aug 9, 2007

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 · Aug 9, 2007

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, PhD, RN · Aug 10, 2007

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 · Aug 10, 2007

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!

Ms Kylee · Aug 10, 2007

Stretch! I had a cortizone shot and my podiatrist told me to buy Reeboks and only Reeboks. He also recommended that before I get out of bed in the morning to interlock my fingers around the arch and stretch the heel out. Took about 3 days for the pain to go away, but it has been gone for over 10 years now.

JennaRN1006 · Aug 10, 2007

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?

Oh my gosh -- I so can relate. I had to see a podiatrist for mine!! He made orthotics for me...kind of like insoles and they helped so much. I wear them with my nursemates, and luckily, it has helped. Every once in a while I have a flare up and I will see my podiatrist and he gives me a steriod injection. Also, try some stretching exercises before getting out of bed...strecth and release your calf and try rolling your foot over a tennis ball. Hope you feel better soon!

Jen