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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gardenergirl on June 26, 2005, at 20:44:26
I've been getting progressively worsening pain at the top of my heel, at the bottom of my foot arch. I've looked online, and this seems like plantar fasciitis. Anyone else ever get this? Any good ideas for dealing with it before needing to get into splints?
I know this is cheap of me, but I'm trying to hold off on seeing my GP until I need to have my thyroid checked again. It's not only the copay, but the time it takes out of my day, waiting in the waiting room when he's always so late. sigh
Thanks in advance,
gg
Posted by Jen Star on June 27, 2005, at 22:52:15
In reply to Plantar fasciitis---Ouch!, posted by gardenergirl on June 26, 2005, at 20:44:26
hi GG,
I have PP in my left foot! I was having bad pain in my arch and heel, so I went to a foot doctor.He did an Xray on the spot with a special "footsie" xray machine that you step onto like a little scale - very easy and showed me that I have a bone spur growing out of my heel. It was kind of awful to see it there on the Xray.
He said that my plantar fascia is too tight, and coupled with the spur, it's causing me pain.
He prescribed custom shoe inserts for my shoes. They take a mold of your foot and make custom soles just for you! I wear them in my gym shoes ALL the time, and they do help. I'm also supposed to stretch my calves extensively for 10 minutes EVERY morning to limber up that tendon, and to stretch the calves 10 min. before and after exercise. If the pain is really bad, I'm supposed to swim and do non-weight-bearing exercise for a while.
He said losing weight CAN help, but does not always fix it, b/c thin people get PP too. But in my case losing weight might help, so I'm trying.
So - I'd recommend going now before it gets worse. My other doctor said his wife had it so bad that they had to wheel her in the airport in a wheel-chair for a trip b/c she couldn't walk!
hope your feet feel better soon. :)
JenStar
Posted by Jen Star on June 27, 2005, at 22:53:51
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! » gardenergirl, posted by Jen Star on June 27, 2005, at 22:52:15
whoops, I was calling it PP when I should have used PF. I guess I was thinking of "Plantar Phasciitis" or else giving it a potty-name because I hate it so much. :)
J
Posted by gardenergirl on June 27, 2005, at 23:38:03
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! » Jen Star, posted by Jen Star on June 27, 2005, at 22:53:51
Thanks for the giggle. I think it is PP, or maybe CC?
At any rate, you've convinced me. I'll go to the doc. Did you start by going to your GP or did you go straight to the foot doc?
And were the orthotics expensive? Did your insurance cover them?
Thanks,
gg
Posted by Jen Star on June 28, 2005, at 0:30:27
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! » Jen Star, posted by gardenergirl on June 27, 2005, at 23:38:03
hi GG, I was already at my doctor for a "regular" checkup, and I was not going to mention it, but then I said I had foot issues and he referred me to a foot doctor. I'm glad I did. I was just going to suffer with the pain, but the inserts really helped me!
The orthotics were very pricey. For the first time, when they make the mold and the inserts both, it costs about 500-600$. I had to pay 100$ and my insurance covered the rest. Apparently some insurance companies pay each year for another pair; I'm not sure if mine does. I will need to check. Also some insurance companies may cover less than that. I have United Health Care but I think it also depends on your employer, too.
Future pairs of orthotics should be cheaper, because I already have the foot molds and can just send them in to get new orthotics made. At least that's what they told me! But I think it will still be a few hundred dollars. (yikes!)
They also said that they make orthotics to go in dress shoes and some that even go in sandals. AND they can make special shoes that mold right to your foot - custom made shoes! Those are more expensive and I didn't go that route; I just got the inserts b/c I could put them into different pairs of shoes. Even though mine are for gym shoes, they fit into the loafers and black shoes I wear for work/etc. I don't wear heels or sandals to work so I didn't get a second pair for those kinds of shoes. I might in the future, though.
Anyway, they work great & I really recommend them. With those and the daily stretches, my foot pain is mostly gone!
Let me know what you decide!
JenStar
PS - with United Health care I don't really need a referral from my primary care; I can make apptmts to see specialists at will. But I usually go to the PC anyway b/c the office usually recommends good specialists that they trust. Sometimes I just call my doc and ask for a referral over the phone.
Posted by gardenergirl on June 28, 2005, at 6:49:48
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! » gardenergirl, posted by Jen Star on June 28, 2005, at 0:30:27
Thanks for all the info. It's good to know that you can get orthotics for sandals, too. That's about all I am wearing right now, so the arch supports I got at the drug store are useless.
I remember United Health Care. I used to deal with them when I worked in rehab. Loved (ha!) having to get all those referrals. And they only approved six visits at at time, even when the case was so complicated it was obvious it was going to take much longer. Love those insurance companies. I'll have to check my coverage.
Last question, I think. Do anti-inflammatories help? I was thinking of taking some ibuprofen.
Thanks.
gg
Posted by Jen Star on June 28, 2005, at 10:27:06
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! » Jen Star, posted by gardenergirl on June 28, 2005, at 6:49:48
hi gg,
anti-inflams (so he told me) can help a BIT, but will not fix the issue. He told me that the orthotics and stretches would be much better. But in severe cases, they will actually inject something (steroids? Mega-anti-inflammatories?) directly into the fat pad of your foot to help reduce the inflammation & swelling on the spot. However, I did some reading on the internet and found that that procedure can be risky, b/c if the Dr. does it wrong, it can actually make the damage WORSE. Luckily I didn't need that!I did take Advil though, to help with the pain. I think it helped a bit.
good luck!
JenStar
Posted by 10derHeart on June 28, 2005, at 23:36:39
In reply to Plantar fasciitis---Ouch!, posted by gardenergirl on June 26, 2005, at 20:44:26
Hey gg,
Well, finally something on this board I can help with a little. Yeah!...but not that you have the dreaded PF. I am an old veteran of this. Have had it in both feet, twice in the left. Was even on crutches for a while (though I rarely used them - maybe one and just hopped around a lot) It's very painful and annoying.
With me it flared up with differnt combinations of gaining weight, starting a new/different exercise program or simply walking/running too much.
I agree with everything already said...except I ultimately had steroid shots (cortizone, if I recall) in both feet (years apart) and they were very successful for me. Now maybe the docs painted a rosy picture, but 2 podiatrists told me the worst that could have happen was it wouldn't work at all. The best - a nearly instant cure. Both times for me, it was the latter. No kidding.
I can't remember the second one as much, but the first time I had been doing all the other stuff - meaning stretching, ultrasound treatments (helps the inflamation and feels WONDERFUL), rest, ice, wearing a brace at night that holds the ankle flexed to keep the tendons lengthened (when I could stand it - brought on more insomnia!) - and really, the heel pain was only improved like 50% at most. So, I had an injection. Within maybe 3 hours all pain was GONE and didn't return for like 7 years - and then just mildly when I lived near the beach in Cali and started run/walking on the sand too much! It was truly like a medical miracle. I remember jumping around, trying to hurt my heel and I couldn't. I had been suffering almost every day for 1.5 to 2 YEARS and poof! Cured!
So....I don't doubt it's true someone should be experienced - I can guess the injection of the steroid itself might disrupt something if placed in the wrong spot...causing more inflamation....more pain...etc. Best if it ever came to that to really question the doc's experience, for sure. Had a wonderful podiatrist who injected me...he was gorgeous, too, so I tried to look into his eyes to distract from the shot pain (hurts and stings...but was so worth it) I was being a bad girl ;-)
Anyway, I know you've self-diagnosed at this point, but it sounds right. Maybe a bone spur as well, or instead of, but a foot doc should be able to differentiate from x-rays, maybe another type of scan, hands-on exam (free foot rub!)and mainly, your symptom reporting. PF is very common, and more with women (big surprise, right). Question - is it worst first thing in the morning? That first step out of bed? Staggering and limping to the kitchen or bathroom? If so, that's a dead giveaway. A tip they give and I swore by - is DON'T do first morning walking barefoot - ever. Use firm sandals (thick soles with lots of support, but that *give*, too) or at least slippers. The cords that run the length of the foot that are tight and pulling (root cause of the condition), are shortest then. They really need babying by careful walking, or better yet, stretching exercises in bed before walking. Why this can get so chronic for people like me, is that we actually re-injure the spot on the heel over and over each morning. And so it goes.
Ortho inserts are awesome. They feel good and take the pressure off a lot during the day. I had two pair. Making them is even fun - you get to sink your feet into foam and wiggle around. Yes - I am easily amused! I was in the USAF the whole time, so it was all free to me. Can't provide any insight on the $$ or insurance parts.
I've rambled all over here. I probably know some more good and useful information, but organizing thoughts seems impossible today. Please, if any questions come to mind, ask. Promise I'll try to make sense and be a bit more brief.
PS: I think there are a lot of options, and most work for people before ever getting close to the injection point...or surgery! I was mostly too undisciplined to keep up with a lot of the stuff they wanted me doing daily...so I said, "bring on the needle!"
Posted by gardenergirl on June 29, 2005, at 11:40:00
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! (long!) » gardenergirl, posted by 10derHeart on June 28, 2005, at 23:36:39
Thanks for all the great info. I saw the doc yesterday, actually a different doc as my usual GP was called up to Iraq! :(
Anyway, he said my pain is not quite in the usual spot for PF. It's more above the heel in the arch of the foot. So he had me get an Xray to rule out any foreign bodies in my foot. He asked if I had injured it, and I said that I am such a klutz that if I did, I wouldn't remember because I'm so used to injuring myself in stupid ways. :)
At any rate, I was telling my hubby this on the phone (he's out of town), and when he heard "foreign bodies" he got confused for a moment, probably because we had just been talking about the Iraq war. I think he was thinking, irrationally of course, that there was a "body" in my foot. I laughed and laughed, and when I was telling this to my friend Racer, we started doing the "Horton Hears a Who" routine: "We are HERE! We are HERE! We are HERE!"
So obviously it doesn't hurt so bad that I've lost my sense of humor.
Sigh.
Hopefully it's not a Who with a little spear jabbing at my foot. I'm on an anti-inflammatory now, and he showed me some stretches. Told me not to wear the heels I was wearing, sigh. I need to get (gasp!) sensible shoes. sigh
Oh well, an excuse to wear gymmers to work. 'cept I hate shoes and socks. Sandals or loafers to work are so much better for taking them off between clients.
Thanks again,
gg
Posted by Jen Star on June 29, 2005, at 13:28:46
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! (long!) » gardenergirl, posted by 10derHeart on June 28, 2005, at 23:36:39
hi 10der,
I'm glad you got better! It's good to hear a personal success story, esp. about the injections. It makes me feel better -- if I ever DO need one, I know that you were OK on it and hopefully I would be, too. :)JenStar
Posted by Deneb on June 30, 2005, at 0:12:14
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! » gardenergirl, posted by Jen Star on June 27, 2005, at 22:52:15
I thought maybe my feet ached from standing around at work because I might have flat feet, or protonation. I tried some Dr. Scholls inserts that are supposed to correct this, but they make my feet hurt even more!...At lot more actually. What is wrong here? Did I just waste my money? Why would the arch supports make my feet hurt even more??
Deneb
Posted by gardenergirl on July 1, 2005, at 17:13:17
In reply to Re: Sole Inserts, posted by Deneb on June 30, 2005, at 0:12:14
Gosh, I don't know. Could they be not placed well in your shoes? Wrong size? Do they make the shoe feel too small? I had to take the regular insoles out of one pair of shoes to put the Dr. Scholl's insoles in.
I hope you find some relief!
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on July 1, 2005, at 17:14:27
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! (long!), posted by gardenergirl on June 29, 2005, at 11:40:00
Okay, no foreign bodies in the old tootsie. Guess it is PF, or perhaps some other strain or inflammation. I think the ketoprofen is starting to have an effect--that or doing the stretches. It feels better today. Yeah! :)
gg
Posted by Jen Star on July 1, 2005, at 23:32:18
In reply to Re: Sole Inserts, posted by Deneb on June 30, 2005, at 0:12:14
hi Deneb,
it could be a lot of things! (Sadly!) GG had some good comments. I too have noticed that if you wear both soles -- regular and special -- it might be too much sole for the shoe; usually I take out the regular one.The other thing may be the shoes. If you have bad shoes, it might be that catching up with you, and possibly the inserts are not enough to help -- therefore the feet are getting worse despite the soles.
I'd make sure you have a brand new pair of running shoes that are wide enough in the toe box and have good support. Gym shoes wear out really quickly and it's important to get new ones.
Another thing (I think gg mentioned this too) -- if your natural arch doesn't like up with the arch in the shoe, even the insert won't prevent long-term pain. Many people with small feet have problems fitting their arch to the shoe arch, esp. if they have high or low arches. If you plan to be on your feet a lot, can your insurance cover "real" orthotics? Lots of people without plantar fasciitis wear them. In fact, when I got my "foot molds" made at the foot doctor, ALL the nurses & assistants wore them and said they are GREAT. None of them has any "real" foot problems yet apart from generalized foot fatigue after standing all day.
If you're been standing or walking a lot lately, and didn't before, your feet haven't gotten acclimated. Rest with your feel elevated above your head, rub them, etc. Invest in a foot massager machine (about 30-40$ USD) in a Walgreens or Target or typical all-purpose store. Those can help relieve foot pain.
good luck!
JenStar
Posted by Jen Star on July 1, 2005, at 23:32:50
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch! (long!) Update, posted by gardenergirl on July 1, 2005, at 17:14:27
gg, I'm glad you're feeling better! Good news!
JenStar
Posted by Deneb on July 4, 2005, at 0:17:06
In reply to Re: Sole Inserts » Deneb, posted by Jen Star on July 1, 2005, at 23:32:18
Thanks JenStar for all your great advice.
My feet are hurting a lot less now after working for several days. I think I'm getting used to standing now. I think my feet have gotten used to the arch supports too, maybe I just had to break them in. I have pretty small feet I guess (size 6), but I think the inserts are supposed to fit size 6 to 10 or something. My toes are getting less numb as well. I bought a new pair of running shoes, they are pretty comfy.
Deneb
Posted by alexandra_k on July 4, 2005, at 1:37:15
In reply to Re: Sole Inserts » Jen Star, posted by Deneb on July 4, 2005, at 0:17:06
Hmm. Well now I get why I'm almost crippled in the morning. I didn't know the muscles tightened up. I can even walk barefoot a little - but almost crippled in the morning. Have to walk along the hallway with my arm up against the wall just to get outside for that first cigarette.
I didn't know orthotics were so expensive! I got some molds taken but never managed to get in to pick them up... I really should try and do that. I didn't know that they helped a lot either. Didn't have much faith... I find it hard to get comfortable shoes too. I had fairly wide feet in the first place but now both my arches have collapsed and if I wear shoes with arch support my feet cramp around it. Have discovered skateboard shoes. Nice flat soles and wide toes.
:-)
Posted by kath on July 14, 2005, at 16:39:50
In reply to Plantar fasciitis---Ouch!, posted by gardenergirl on June 26, 2005, at 20:44:26
My experience was that YES - you CAN get better. I did no many things, I'm not sure what helped - probably a combo of them all.
On getting up in the morning (or before getting up off the couch etc) roll your bare foot on a golf ball firmly.
I went to a massage school where I could get less expensive massages. There, I was given hot wax treatment, where they dipped my feet in hot wax, let it dry, repeated it about 8 times, wrapped my feet in plastic wrap for awhile, then massaged them....felt wonderful.
They suggested alternating hot & cold footbaths.\
Had acupuncture done by my chiropractor, who also hooked up alternating current to the needles. I'm scared of needles so had to take a valium before going! had my husband drive me & chiro iced my feet first.
I also had inserts made (not expensive orthotics) by a place called "SuperFeet". They were great. I could even go skiing with them!!!!!
Eventually I got better.
Good luck - I know it REALLY hurts.
PS - I also thought I'd never be able to walk in bare feet again, cuz I was only comfortable with my inserts, but eventually I was back to normal & that's about 6 or more years ago.
Kath
Posted by Jen Star on July 19, 2005, at 13:20:16
In reply to Re: Plantar fasciitis---Ouch!, posted by kath on July 14, 2005, at 16:39:50
hi Kath,
good news that you got better! :)I just went to the dr. again to get my new molds made! Very exciting (in a foot-ish sort of way.) My old ones are getting raggedy and kind of gross, and luckily insurance covers the new ones 100%. Wow. My feet have been getting bad again lately b/c I'm wearing sandals a LOT for summer and have not been wearing my sensible shoes with the inserts. So I can tell that the inserts REALLY help, for me. I'll have to start getting better about wearing them all the time.
I've heard that some of those "do it yourself" mail-in foam insert thingamajs are actually pretty good, too. I may try one of those as well, just to have a bckup set of inserts.
take care!
JenStar
Posted by Butterflylady1224 on September 6, 2005, at 21:45:38
In reply to Plantar fasciitis---Ouch!, posted by gardenergirl on June 26, 2005, at 20:44:26
Hello Everyone! First of all, I would like to say that my heart goes out to all of you with PF. I have had it for about 4 years now. Although mine is much better thanks to inserts made by my doctor and cortisone shots, I remember the pain very well. Besides the pain, not wearing sandals has been very hard for me. I used to live in sandals and since I was diagnosed, I have worn nothing but tennis shoes. I haven't quite gotten used to wearing tennis shoes with everything, so my outfits seem to be limited. This bothers me, but the alternative (being in pain) is not worth a temporary fashion statement. Anyway, if anyone has any questions I would be ore than happy to answer them. HAPPY FEET TO YOU ALL!!!!
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