Plantar Fasciitis - when to go to the doctor?

UPDATE:

I saw the podiatrist on Tuesday.  I actually have a bone spur in addition to plantar fasciitis.  After talking with me and checking out my foot (which was feeling really good that day), he had his nurse do an xray.  While I waited for his return, she put it up on the light box and I could see it without it being pointed out to me.  

I chose to get a cortisone shot.  I was told to wear my sneakers over my Birks.  I was encouraged to continue the 800mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours (which is hard because I don't take on new habits well, but I'm trying to do better).  The nurse made me temporary arch supports out of adhesive tape and thick adhesive pads.  They are removable.  I need to continue other things like massaging, stretches and icing.  I go back on the 30th.  I could get another cortisone shot at that point and we'll talk more permanent orthodics.  Either ones they have premade in their office or custom ones made from casts.  It will all be up to what it costs.  I'm in my deductible phase and I'm using $900 of my HSA monies next week for two crown replacements.  The custom orthodics may have to wait.

In the meantime, I'm to try and do whatever it is I want to be doing in an effort to see if these steps are getting us anywhere.  


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I have a pretty good flare up going on in my right foot.  I'm familiar with it due to having had it in my left foot 10 or so years ago.  Through use of Birkenstock shoes, ibuprofen, icing, flexing/stretching, using a tennis ball to massage my foot before getting out of bed, and some use of a night brace, it finally went away.  

I don't know if this round is worse or I'm older and it hurts more or what.  I'm having as much pain going up the back of my heel as I am at the heel itself.  If I push too much, I can get to where walking becomes almost impossible.  

I can't remember if I did physical therapy back then or not.  Thanks to my lovely "insurance" that's not likely to be something I can do right now because of the deductible not being met yet (we start in June, not January).  I have some HSA money but I don't want to chew it up in PT right now with 9 months in the year to go.  

I also know it takes a long time for healing to occur.  I've been dealing with this since mid-July this time around.  I think my patience is thin because I had big plans for training with a couple of my horses this fall after losing much of the summer due to excessive heat that neither the horses nor I needed to be out working in.  

I'm going to re-double my efforts to rest, ice, take meds, massage, stretch and use the damn brace at night.  How long should i give it before finally seeing a doctor.  And do I see a podiatrist or an orthopedist?

Signed,

Hobbled in Maryland