Plantar Fasciitis

[Splute]

Glad to see the posts. I have only had this a couple of times, but it is nice to know that it is common and can be treated. Just assumed old age was taking over....

[ATXCoach]

When I had it about 5 years ago, I was poor and didn't want to pay a doctor. I talked to several people who all had different opinions of course. Rest wasn't an option. Orthodics (the cheap drug strore kind) didn't work. Finally someone suggested taping. I researched on the internet and found several sites that all show the same way of taping. It took a couple of weeks to completely go away, but the pain in morning was much less after taping. You may want to give the taping a try, if for nothing else then as a stop-gap treatment before you see your doctor.

Just my $.02

[ChrisSportsFan]

Seeing a Dr is going to be your best option. There are some "at home remedies" that will help. I have had a very severe case in the past and still deal with it from time to time. Here's what I usually do and it helps alot:

1. Ice every morning and evening.
2. Take something for the swelling.
3. Stretch my heal every morning and evening.
4. Wear different shoes with more support.

So often I think officials over wear their shoes. Since our shoes are only worn in the gym, you don't get the usual signs that your shoes are worn out when in fact, you have broke down the support and cushioning. Probably, between the ice, reducing the swelling and stretching, you can "help" your condition but I would also take a good look at your shoes. I usually have several pairs that I am rotating.

[dave30]

Tim Duncan fought through it a couple of years ago. I think it took the off season to get better.

[Texas Aggie]

I don't have PF (achilles tendonitis, instead) but my wife had PF. The cortizone shots do work long term, though short term for her, they were burning and otherwise painful. The doctor told her that happened in the minority of cases, but if you are going to get a shot (not a bad idea, btw), do it a couple of months before the season -- at least.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

I don't have PF (achilles tendonitis, instead) but my wife had PF. The cortizone shots do work long term, though short term for her, they were burning and otherwise painful. The doctor told her that happened in the minority of cases, but if you are going to get a shot (not a bad idea, btw), do it a couple of months before the season -- at least.

The shot hurt like hell when it was administered (and I do very well with shots, too), and my foot hurt for about 2-3 days, but afterward, it was fine.

[finnref]

Some tid bits from a retired ref and orthopedic surgeon. Option 1 is surgery. FORGET IT. Option 2 is cortisone injections. They work sometimes. But in my experience they did not work if not accompanied by rest. Therefore option 3 is rest. I call it relative rest because no one can stay off the foot. Ways to rest. Do not walk or run as much. Refs do not wish to do this. Therefore, space your games. Wear well cushioned shoes even off the court. Insert some well cushioned sport orthotics which may be $60 a pair. You do not need expensive custom made ones. The orthotics should have an arch support. It should be modified so that it is slightly more towards the heel of the foot and not well forward under the arch. By having it adjusted more to the rear it tilts the rear heel of the foot to the outside and takes pressure off the inside of the heel where the plantar fascia attaches to the bone. You can do this without moving the arch support. Just take some firm foam rubber or felt and tape it under the orthotic on the inside of the foot as an extension of the arch support to the rear. Some call this a medial heel wedge.This will not cure immediately. It will take 3 to 8 weeks depending on the severity and how well you can give it RELATIVE REST. It gets better usually in stages. First some good days, then bad etc. You are not cured till you are pain free for 3 weeks. Then keep wearing the cushioned orthotics when you ref. Hope this helps.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

I don't have PF (achilles tendonitis, instead) but my wife had PF. The cortizone shots do work long term, though short term for her, they were burning and otherwise painful. The doctor told her that happened in the minority of cases, but if you are going to get a shot (not a bad idea, btw), do it a couple of months before the season -- at least.

OK, there are a couple who recommend the cortizone shots - let me weigh-in on the other side: DO NOT DO IT! If you get one and it help and the pain doesn't come back - great. If it does come back do not - DO NOT get more shots. I had some problems with PF and eventually achilles tendonitis. I've had a good bit of shots (2 or 3 per year). Everytime I would get one the doc would say that these are not good long term because they cause the soft tissue to weaken. But they still shot me every time.

I remember the day that my achilles tendon snapped - I was umpiring a college softball game and it wasn't pretty. It was April 29, 2006 and I'm back in therapy to get some strength back. I can officiate but I still have some physical problems. My first basketball game after the injury was horrible! You do not want to risk this type of injury.

That's my 2 cents . . .

[Jimgolf]

See a good reflexologist. It may not cure you, but it feels pretty good anyway. And the metaphysical mumbo jumbo can be very entertaining.