So, here I am again. Posting my haphazard medical discoveries on my blog site. I must say that I have a lot to write about, since I first started on this journey a year ago.
I would rather write about the fun stuff in life – the happy-go-lucky times when all is right within my world. But I find myself once again learning more and more about God’s grace and mercy, through these tough times. There’s just something about suffering that brings us closer to God.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Right now I am learning to live with plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis). Or as I like to call it, “Plant-your-fashion-iris” (This was what I called it before I could pronounce it). This foot crippling dysfunction causes tremendous heel and arch pain. When taking the first steps out of bed in the morning, the pain can be mild to extreme, depending on how much the plantar fascia is shortened. Because the plantar fascia (a thick band of
Plantar Fascitis
tissue) runs across the bottom of the foot and is attached to the heel bone and toes, it can cause excess or stabbing pain when it is tight. Upon the foot limbering, the hurt usually declines, but may reoccur after standing for long periods of time, or after getting up from a seated position.
Treatment
When I started dealing with this last year, I bought new walking shoes to help alleviate the stress. That has proved beneficial for my walking, but it didn’t take the pain away when I rested. I tried shoe inserts, as instructed by my doctor and massage therapist. Upon stepping off of the “foot diagnoser” in front of the insert display at Sports Authority, a store worker quipped, “You have flat feet!” I would say that I felt like a “heel,” but that goes without saying at this point. She then asked me if I needed inserts for cushion or for support. I told her that I had plantar fasciitis. She grabbed the appropriate inserts and placed them under the insoles in my tennis shoes. I then wore them the rest of the night and again in the morning. I remember waking up in the middle of the night and hurting in places I never knew I could hurt! I began to think that I would just have to put up with the pain until my feet get used to it, but then I remembered the pain and never wore them again.
I did eventually see the foot doctor, and he told me to try Super Feet insoles, to help form my arch and take the pressure off of the fascia. The inserts I was given at Sports Authority were not the right ones – way too short for my feet (no wonder I was in pain!). About six months later, I entered into Fleet Feet Sports and purchased a similar type called Sole. I have used them for three months now, and they are wonderful! Such a huge change in the way my feet feel – virtually pain free!
There are other treatments to consider, such as using a tennis ball to roll under your foot. This will help stretch out that wretched nerve. Also, you can purchase a night sock to wear. This will straighten your fascia nerve and keep your toes from curling at night.
If you are having severe foot pain, try some home remedies, but most of all, I encourage you to seek a podiatry doctor for advice.
All in all, Plantar Fasciitis can be painful and very trying , especially when it nearly disables your walking. But as with most medical conditions, it can be treated, and over time, healed.
Yvonne Olson 