Plantar Fasciitis
 

A few months ago I got into a rather lengthy discussion with Jurassic Referee regarding what exactly constituted a "foot" on the court. I just re-read that thread and had to chuckle.

Ironically, a few of the 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles and 107 ligaments that form my left foot ARE KILLING ME! :( :(

Specifically, I am suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. Anyone have some advice on dealing with this. It doesn't hurt much while I'm running on the court, but HOLY COW within a couple of hours after I stop running GAWD IT HURTS. The first few steps in the morning almost bring me to tears.

I had it a few years ago. Didn't go away until I rested it completely between basketball and football seasons.

See your doctor and don't listen to any of the idiots on here, including me. Each case is different.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010201/467.html

What JR said - make an appt with your PCP.

Treatment needs to be tailored to the specific case. Typical treatments include some combination of exercises, custom orthotics, night splints, physical therapy, etc. depending on the specific nature & severity of the problem. OTC NSAIDs & ice will help with pain & swelling.

Do not ignore it. I know one guy that did & wound up with a compression fracture that sidelined him for a whole season.

If you'll look at the bottom of the thread, you'll find that there have been long discussions on this subject. Some good information available. I know, I wrote some of it. :)

No sense writing it again. ;)

I had an appointment with PCP back in the 60s. http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...ool_shades.gif

See a podiatrist that specializes in running sports. Definitely worth the extra cost, because he/she will know exactly how to treat your specific case. Your PCP will dink around with basic standard things which may or may not be useful, and then refer you anyway. Well, yours may not, but mine did. I wished I'd gone to the specialist right from the beginning.

Ditto to all of the above. One thing I have found that helps me is called a "pro-stretch". I keep it in my game bag.

https://plus37.safe-order.net/cgi-he.../a/b.cgi?p=pro

Good point Juulie. In todays health care environment the PCP usually needs to be the initial point of contact, but most will give an immediate referral if asked - especially if you go in having already done all the basics (rest, ice, exercises, NSAID's, etc.).

Absolutely nothing I tried worked to correct my plantar fasciitis. I finally went to an orthopaedic doctor who gave me some cortisone injections that in 2 days did the trick. If I have to get that every 6-12 months, so be it, because nothing else has worked.

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.... :)

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

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.

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

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.

I had it for about 18 months...I know exactly what you mean. First, resist any type of surgical procedure...it will get better and go away.

The first steps in the morning were like broken glass. I kept two tennis balls at the foot of my bed and would roll them under my feet for about 3 - 5min each morning before taking my first steps...that really help break-up the scare tissue that formed overnight. I purchased some high-end inserts for all of my shoes that helped some.

I would soak and massage my feet 3 or 4 times per week and though I had to scale back from playing basketball or running I kept on walking short distances...painful at times but it really helped me to eventually punch through.

Keep stretching the feet and rolling things like tennis balls under your feet...the occasional Advil helps. Today I play basketball 3 - 5 times per week and it hasn't returned in over 4 years.

Best of Luck...Ouch!