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Hi everyone! I have been having pain in the inner arch and outer heel on and off for a year. When it is bad (after walking alot) it is quite severe and has me reaching for tylenol. I got new orthotics and it seems a LITTLe bit better, am doing the stretches/strengthening as well (heel lifts on the stairs) but I seem to be stagnating with getting better. My podiatrist today suggested having cortisone shots - which is covered through my health care plan - and if all else fails, a surgery where they cut a band in the fascia ($2200 and not covered). I am curious to know how many people here have had good results with cortisone injections? Online, it seems to suggest that it has mixed results and can make the problem worse by weakening the area. Also, anything else that works well? I am only 47 and have been active my whole life, I cannot imagine having to stop walking for good (besides, I am a teacher so have to be on my feet haha)
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christophe77444 christina24161
Posted
It took a month before the pain dissappeared as soon as it had come but even up untill then I was able to walk and work with bearable pain.
I can now walk 10 miles before any pain and it is my Knees that hurt not the PF but I do carry on with the calf stretching exercises as that can only help unless your pf is due to injury where only rest and time will give relief.
Surgery is a last resort whick can make it worse as can injections which work better for joint pain, I have them for my knee and they do give 2-6 months pain relief but the knee is a big joint so the cortisone stays in the joint better than in the pf which is tissue so it dissipates quicker.
lillyderrah christina24161
Posted
Hello Christina,
You should check your walking gait and make sure it's correct. False walking gait can be a big contributor to your pf since you're on your feet a lot so that would be my first advice for you. If you have a lot of pain at night after being active all day you can use ice and take some NSAIDs to relieve your feet, but they're just for short-term, just like the cortisone shots. What proved to be effective for pf in both long and short term are the exercises and stretches, there are so many kinds of exercises "for plantar fasciitis", but my suggest for you right now is beside the common fascia and calf stretches, add some hip flexor exercises and arch strengthening exercises, too.
About the surgery, it may get better, but it's risky and does not guarantee anything and even make things worse. So I would consider it a very last option after trying all of the non-invasive conservative treatment methods.
I hope these would help and good luck to you!