katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,448
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
|
Post by katybee on Aug 10, 2014 18:44:08 GMT
I never knew I had it until yesterday while I was reading the thread on foot pain... I just thought I was getting old.
I have all of the classic symptoms... Extreme heel pain when I wake up in the mornings or after I have been sitting for a long time. It's worse after I have done a lot of standing or walking. I also have a lot of the risk factors-- I am a chubby teacher.
So I know I wear terrible shoes. Super cute--but bad for my feet. I like to wear sandals because my feet sweat a lot (TMI???), especially here in Texas. And my toenails are cute! When it gets too cool for sandals, I tend to wear ballet flats.
So with school starting up in just a few weeks, I'm really nervous that it's going to get worse. I'm going to see a doctor, of course, but I think I know what he's going to say: lose weight, wear good shoes, do stretches, ice, take painkillers... Right?
So let's talk about shoes... Are there shoes that offer good support and are cute at the same time?? And that don't make my feet sweat? I wear a lot of A-line skirts and capris this time of year. We are even allowed to wear walking shorts when it's really hot....
Please help me find some cute comfortable shoes!
|
|
|
Post by stampnscrap1128 on Aug 10, 2014 18:54:22 GMT
I like Orthaheels shoes (and have severe PF pain in my left foot).
|
|
|
Post by Sassenach on Aug 10, 2014 18:57:49 GMT
I have it too and the stretches really help. Anytime I'm sitting or laying down I stretch my foot up to pull on the calf muscle and it helps. I don't have special shoes yet but I just wanted to say good luck on finding some.
|
|
|
Post by bluepoprocks on Aug 10, 2014 18:59:45 GMT
I second the Orthaheels. They have a good variety of sandals. I have had Planters fasciitis for about three years and they are the only shoes I can wear that help. I have a pair of Orthaheel flip flops I wear all day when I'm not working. I keep them by my bed so when I get up I can put them right on.
|
|
katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,448
Jun 25, 2014 23:25:39 GMT
|
Post by katybee on Aug 10, 2014 19:02:11 GMT
I like Orthaheels shoes (and have severe PF pain in my left foot). That's what I was afraid of.... Those shoes are just NOT me. I can't wear them. Surely there's something a little more modern looking? (I don't mean to offend anyone who wears them... They're just not my style...)
|
|
|
Post by bluepoprocks on Aug 10, 2014 19:04:03 GMT
My doctor recommended freezing a bottle of water and rolling it under my foot a few times a day. It does help. I have seen here where people roll a tennis ball under their foot. I didn't try that one so I can't say how it works.
|
|
LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
Jun 26, 2014 23:17:22 GMT
|
Post by LeaP on Aug 10, 2014 19:07:10 GMT
I had it. I ignored it until I could barely walk then I hobbled into the doctor. The doctor gave me two simple exercises to do twice a day. I supplemented with yoga. The good news is that it is completely gone. I can walk miles and wear any kind of shoe. The bad news is that it took a long time (nearly 8 months). Anyway, I hope that you have a speedy recovery.
|
|
Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
|
Post by Nanner on Aug 10, 2014 19:09:29 GMT
I have two pairs of Abeos and one pair of Orthoheels. The Abeos feel better, but I still have pain in whatever shoes I wear.
I have going to my chiro and she's been doing the Graston technique on my feet. It worked for my bff - hers has not come back since, but it's not working so well on me. It is a bit, but not enough to make much difference. I also, on my chiropractor's advice:
roll a tennis ball under my foot, then a frozen bottle of water. stretches, by putting my toes on a stair and moving my heel downward towards the next stair down stretches, as though I am using my toes to pick up something from the floor.
Maybe some of the above will help you?
|
|
|
Post by cropaholicnora on Aug 10, 2014 19:18:48 GMT
My ex-bf had it and did a course of acupuncture. I don't remember how many sessions it took, but he's completely cured.
|
|
|
Post by shevy on Aug 10, 2014 19:21:53 GMT
It really is about the shoes. To heal, you need to adequately support the footbed and allow the facia to relax and rest. Each time you wear bad shoes, it reinjures and progress you've made towards healing.
I'm 5 months in to trying to heal mind fully. Each time I do domething stupid and try to go barefoot or walk too much with good shoes even, I reinjure them.
|
|
pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
Jul 12, 2014 21:58:10 GMT
|
Post by pridemom on Aug 10, 2014 19:28:07 GMT
Orthoheel makes a great orthotic. It helped my PF subside.
|
|
|
Post by eebud on Aug 10, 2014 19:33:12 GMT
I like Orthaheels shoes (and have severe PF pain in my left foot). That's what I was afraid of.... Those shoes are just NOT me. I can't wear them. Surely there's something a little more modern looking? (I don't mean to offend anyone who wears them... They're just not my style...) Can you post a photo of the type of sandals you like to wear? I also like to wear orthaheels. I do have one pair that I really don't like the looks of much but the pain relief is worth it. I have a couple of other pairs that don't really look any different than most of the sandals out there. For non-orthaheel sandals, my podiatrist recommended Yellow Box. They have a nice support that has worked well for me most of the time. The Orthaheels are still much better but sometimes I want something a bit cuter and the Yellow Box has been good for that.
|
|
moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,255
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
|
Post by moodyblue on Aug 10, 2014 19:33:56 GMT
You've already got advice about the stretches and icing, which did help me. I also always stretched before I got out of bed in the morning and tried to flex my feet before I got up if I'd been sitting for a while. I still do those things now, years after I had PF in both feet.
You can also get night splints or braces that keep your foot flexed. Those help some people.
As far as shoes, anything that is totally flat - like many of the sandals young teachers in my building wear, and ballet flats - are not going to give you any support. Some people find relief with certain brands of shoes, but none are perfect for everyone. Some use orthotics to help. Unfortunately it can be a trial and error process, and sometimes you have to be willing to spend a chunk on good shoes and maybe wear some that aren't your favorites while you are healing.
It does take a long time to heal, and that can be stressful. I have a friend who really thought she might have to retire early because she was in so much pain. I had a flare up in one foot a year ago when I was starting the school year after I wore a pair of very flat shoes on a day when I was up and down the hallways more than usual because I was moving into a new room. Won't make that mistake again!
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Aug 10, 2014 19:41:40 GMT
I had PF but it was years ago and I don't really remember what cured it. It did take about a year to go away, though. I had two young kids, had moved into a new house with no carpet and all hardwood floors, and it was Christmas time. I didn't sit down for a week and then I regretted that!
Wear shoes ALL. THE. TIME. Even (especially!) in the house. I have a pair of Timberland thong sandals that I lived in then. You need to cushion your heels. I have a pair of ballet flats that are cushy--they are Born's, which is a good brand. Some say Birkenstocks are good, others say they are bad. Some say Crocks are good, some say bad. See your dr, get his/her advice, do some research, and find some good shoes that you can wear without wanting to hide in a closet.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 8, 2024 18:26:11 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2014 20:02:41 GMT
I'm another one that wears Orthaheels almost constantly. My PF was almost unbearable. I'm now to the point that I can wear - and walk in for hours - other shoes on an occasional basis.
They do make Orthaheel inserts (both full and half) that can be put into other shoes, so perhaps that would work. I use them in my Converse and boots. I don't think they are quite as good as the true Orthaheel shoes, but they allow me to wear those shoes comfortably. I'd never make it an hour in Converse otherwise because they are so flat.
For what it's worth - I've done the exercises, ice packs, night splints, even chiropractic and nothing worked until I wore Orthaheels every single time my feet hit the ground - I even splurged and bought hard soled Orthaheel slippers for the winter.
ETA: Also, as someone else said, it can take a LONG time to heal. The first time I had it was years ago and it resolved in only a few weeks. It has flared off and on since then taking progressively longer times to heal (which may or may not have to do with the fact that I'm older each time and everything takes longer to heal - LOL). This last flare? It took a year to resolve to the point that I wasn't at least occasionally in pain. A full freaking year. And I was in physical therapy part of that time for an Achilles injury and a lot of the stretches and splints are the same, so I was definitely working on my PF at the same time.
|
|
|
Post by evelynr on Aug 10, 2014 20:27:57 GMT
I had it, but now its gone. I also wore orthoheel sandals, and I got a couple insoles just from the store. I think its the dr. scholls machine that you stand on and it tells you which insole you need for your foot. Stretching several times a day helps (kind of push on a wall while extending one foot back at time with flat heels). It is painful, but the nice thing is it does go away (not many ailments you can say that about!)
|
|
|
Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Aug 10, 2014 20:34:01 GMT
I used custom orthotics and a night splint to help mine. Although I didn't wear the splint at night. I put it on in the evening and hobbled around on it, even though you're not supposed to be able to walk.
I think there are differences in PF based on differences in people's feet. For instance, I have flat feet-- NO arch to speak of. So the splint and orthotics help me because they push my foot up into an arch. The hard part is finding shoes that the orthotics fit in.
I am glad you're going to the doctor-- one "complication" I was surprised to find was that I had a bone spur in my heel. That actually wasn't causing me any pain, but they can, and I think they usually need surgery to shave them down.
|
|
mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
Jun 27, 2014 19:58:15 GMT
|
Post by mlana on Aug 10, 2014 20:50:57 GMT
About 15 years ago, I was diagnosed with Plantar Facitis. At the time, the pain in my foot was so bad I was avoiding all unnecessary walking, which meant I was gaining weight. When I finally went to the dr, she used a two pronged approach to the problem.
First, she recommended Spenco orthotics for my shoes. She told me to take the support that came in the shoe out, add a Dr Scholls gel and put the Spenco on top of that. She gave me some exercises to do that would gently stretch the tendon and help relieve the tightness. She told me to do flex exercises before I ever stepped out of bed in the morning so the tendon would be flexible and hurt as bad. I was to put my shoes on as soon as possible and was to take them off only when I was icing my foot or going to bed.
Second, she explained that the tendon was inflamed and needed about 6 weeks to recover. I was to take NSAIDs regularly and keep the foot elevated and iced. She also recommended the frozen bottle for those times I was sitting at my desk with my feet hanging down. I was to avoid any long walks or heavy walking, especially on concrete, for the immediate future.
I did what she said and t worked. I wore Spenco inserts for more than 10 years, stopping only recently. I bought my last pair from Zappos, but I never bothered to put them in my shoes. At some point I developed chronic tendinitis, possibly bursitis, in my right heel, but I no longer have any pain from the PF. I still do my exercises, though, and they help with the tendinitis as well.
Marcy
|
|
msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
|
Post by msliz on Aug 10, 2014 20:56:40 GMT
I don't mean to hijack ~ it's a relevant question: What types or brands of athletic shoes are good for someone with PF I had PF in the early spring, but it's been gone for the most part since summer started. I stretched almost constantly, and I've been barefoot most of the day this summer and trying to strengthen my arches. I'm nervous about fall though because I want to make sure my shoes are right for me. My boots did me in last winter.
|
|
|
Post by shaniam on Aug 10, 2014 20:58:34 GMT
One thing I did that really helped me was airrosti (sp?) therapy. It was very painful but it did relieve it. They also taught me some stretches to do with bands, a foam roller and a lacrosse ball.
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Aug 10, 2014 21:02:00 GMT
I like Orthaheels shoes (and have severe PF pain in my left foot). That's what I was afraid of.... Those shoes are just NOT me. I can't wear them. Surely there's something a little more modern looking? (I don't mean to offend anyone who wears them... They're just not my style...) You need something with good arch support. You've had some good suggestions about exercises etc but don't do too much stretching before you get a diagnosis of PF confirmed.
|
|
|
Post by utmr on Aug 10, 2014 21:02:01 GMT
I don't mean to hijack ~ it's a relevant question: What types or brands of athletic shoes are good for someone with PF Personally, ASICS. New Balance are also good.
There is a brace that you can sleep in that stretches out the tendon (? whatever it is that hurts) and really helps. It was about $15 on Amazon and the relief was amazing.
|
|
|
Post by houstonsandy on Aug 10, 2014 21:02:57 GMT
I have a pair of Orthoheels sneaker type shoe and some Naots. The Naots come in a variety of styles, but they are pricey! I regularly look for them in my size on ebay. I know....wearing someone elses shoes....yuk factor. But they have removable cork liners that you can get new ones of if that skeeves you out. I also use the liners that look like little footies to cover the old cork liners. I have found some great deals on them on ebay. Its worth a try if you don't want to shell out nearly $200.00 on a pair of shoes. (I get them for under $30.00 easily). In fact, I'm bidding on a pair of cute clogs now for under $20.00, and I have my eye on some mary janes with a $35.00 buy it now option.
|
|
|
Post by moveablefeast on Aug 10, 2014 21:11:22 GMT
For athletic shoes - I wear a pair of Saucony with an Aetrex insole. I over pronate and need a nice firm shoe to correct it.
I can't do ballet flats anymore. Even with an insert. Just need more structure. Clarks, Merrells, some other brands.
For me, I can't exercise away bad shoes. It is all shoes for me. If I wear unsupportive shoes for half a day I have a flare but if I wear good shoes I can go weeks at a time pain free.
|
|
|
Post by femalebusiness on Aug 10, 2014 21:16:44 GMT
I've had this and so has my husband. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it will take months and months to heal. A year is not too long to get back to normal. The best advise that I can give is to figure out what caused it and then stop doing that. I got mine from step aerobics and my husband from standing on a ladder for a long time.
Putting your feet on the floor in the morning is a bitch. It sometimes took me several trys before I could leave them down and walk. It does get better eventually. I feel your pain!
ETA: Definitely wear lace up shoes at all times until you heal.
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Aug 10, 2014 21:31:37 GMT
I have a pair of Orthoheels sneaker type shoe and some Naots. The Naots come in a variety of styles, but they are pricey! I regularly look for them in my size on ebay. I know....wearing someone elses shoes....yuk factor. But they have removable cork liners that you can get new ones of if that skeeves you out. I also use the liners that look like little footies to cover the old cork liners. I have found some great deals on them on ebay. Its worth a try if you don't want to shell out nearly $200.00 on a pair of shoes. (I get them for under $30.00 easily). In fact, I'm bidding on a pair of cute clogs now for under $20.00, and I have my eye on some mary janes with a $35.00 buy it now option. I agree about Naots. Great shoes! Also Naturalizer might be worth a look.
|
|
|
Post by lindah on Aug 10, 2014 21:34:05 GMT
I had it years ago when I was a working nurse. It does take a long time to get rid of &, once it is gone, it is recommended that you never go barefoot as it could return. Mine has not, tho I do go without shoes on occasion. Hope you can get some relief soon!
|
|
Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
|
Post by Nanner on Aug 10, 2014 21:34:38 GMT
I should say that I also have custom orthotics, which I wear in my shoes about 90% of the time. The other 10%, I wear either the Orthoheels or the Abeos (preferred).
I have always gone barefoot in the house, but now I am wearing (OMG - never thought I would EVER wear them because I hate them) - CROCS. They apparently have pretty good support, and my feet feel better in those than they do in my Orthoheels or Abeos. I will not ever go outside in them though!
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Aug 10, 2014 21:35:45 GMT
I don't mean to hijack ~ it's a relevant question: What types or brands of athletic shoes are good for someone with PF I had PF in the early spring, but it's been gone for the most part since summer started. I stretched almost constantly, and I've been barefoot most of the day this summer and trying to strengthen my arches. I'm nervous about fall though because I want to make sure my shoes are right for me. My boots did me in last winter. If you've had problems with PF may be worth going to get shoes fitted so you know whether you need a netural shoe or something with more support. I have moderate over-pronation and wear Mizuno for running. They're a great shoe.
|
|
caro
Drama Llama
Refupea 1130
Posts: 5,222
Jun 26, 2014 14:10:36 GMT
|
Post by caro on Aug 10, 2014 21:54:01 GMT
Croc flip flops are great!! The ones with the double heel or looks like a double heel. I don 't wear them everyday unless I have pain. Clark's flip flops are also good for school and are cute!
|
|