The Medics Approach

Posted , 4 users are following.

I think that most visitors to this site are PF suffers but there may be a few who are not.

We all know the excruciating pain and often debilitating effect it has and worry it causes. Today I am pain free apart from stiffness in my left ankle but wearing new shoes was worried about walking too far today. I am not a wimp but simply could not afford a PF flare up as I am visiting friends this weekend.

I am in the UK and think that here medical folk just don’t give PF the attention it deserves. OK, it is not life threatening, and your foot won’t fall off (although you may wish it would!) so really just get on with it.

How much work time is lost due to PF I cannot estimate but I think that worldwide it is tremendous.

This non-threatening condition really deserves a higher profile because of the effect it has, not just on older wrinklies like me but on much younger people like those who have posted.

2 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    How long did it take for you to become pain free? Did the shoes help?
  • Posted

    Thank you. 

    I do wonder where in UK specialises in research into this. I wouldn't mind offering my feet for this if it helps others as well as me. With the push to being fitter this is predominately a sporting injury. This is going to be a big problem. Both my duaghters run so I fear for them. 

    I did did read another blog where someone tried acupuncture. Has anyone else had success. Even if it lessens the pain enough to try to swim or walk a bit I would like that. 

  • Posted

    I had a course of acupuncture administered by a sports physiotherapist.  Each treatment became more painful and I had no rleief from the agony I was in with the plantar fasciitis.  I bought some Aircast Airheels online and for me they were a lifeline.  If away from home I always take them with me - just in case.  I wore them for many months before I felt confident enough to go without.  I am in the fortunate position of being able to wear trainers or good quality walking/hiking shoes on a daily basis and I believe these help, also.  A chiropodist told me yesrs ago that trainers were the best unisex shoe ever invented because of the support they give the instep.  I also have a night splint that I wear occasionally when I feel my calf muscles are tight.  These, the achilles tendon and the plantar are all connected.  I also believe that once it is possible to walk pain free again it is a good idea to walk regularly but take care not to overdo with walks that are much longer than the previous day's.  

    Hope some of these ideas might help anyone else plagued by this agonising condition.

    • Posted

      Hi Katlin66, 

      thanks, I wondered as much as the physios tried deep tissue massage and ultrasound which were just about bearable during but after really had adverse effects, such as sweats, pain and nausea. Perhaps inflamed it more. 

      Do do you know anyone whom had a rupture of it. It seems to be the big reason not to give steroid injections or operate but living with the pain is making me feel if it ruptured or was removed at least I could be pain free. 

       

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