Question for those of you with Plantar fascitis...........

Calico

Calico

Cathlete
I have been on anti-inflammatories, done the stretches, oral steriods and 2 cortisone shots. I am scheduled to have orthotics made in early April, my question is, after having 2 cortisone shots the 2nd one got infected and was really hurting thus I thought that it didn't do it's job. Now that the infection is healing my heel feels 90% better. I do have a foot mechanics problem which attributes to the PF my foot rolls out because my big toe sits lower than the other toes. If I am feeling that much better (barring after I just did a premix of KPC I don't start to feel real pain tonight) would you go ahead with the orthotics? We are having to pay for them out of pocket since the insurance doesn't cover them.:eek:

Thanks for any input!!:7
 
Hello,

Sorry to hear of your tough luck. I can relate since I had recurring plantar fascitis UNTIL I got my orthotics. I had to pay for them also and I only use them in my workout shoes. BUT I haven't had any problems since, so you really may want to go ahead with them.

Hope this helps...and good luck!
 
RE: Question for those of you with Plantar fascitis.......

Hey, Annette:

Even though I'm lucky enough to have good insurance that paid for my orthotics, I'd have gladly paid out of pocket for the relief I've gotten. The pain is not completely resolved, and I'm anxious to get back to the doc and find out what steps I still need to take (no pun intended), but the orthotics have been a godsend.
--Ann
 
RE: Question for those of you with Plantar fascitis.......

I also paid out of pocket and do not regret that. I think the orthotics really helped the healing process. I used mine for a good three years before the foam finally started wearing out. IMHO, especially in the beginning, keeping your feet in proper alignment will help you heal faster. I don't need them anymore for every day use, but I also wear either Dansko or Birkenstocks often.
 
RE: Question for those of you with Plantar fascitis.......

If your foot is not rolling properly I'd get the orthodics. Not only will they help prevent a re-occurance of your plantar fascitis, but they can also save your knees in the long run. That's awful that your cortisone shot got infected I'm glad you are feeling better.
 
RE: Question for those of you with Plantar fascitis.......

Orthotics didn't work for me but then the military made them so I think they were cheapos. I had surgery three years ago and haven't had a problem since.
 
Hi!
Orthotics have worked for me! I haven't had a problem since. I also was on celebrex for a time, which probably helped too.
Celebrex is an anti-inflamatory drug and is usually taken by those who suffer from arthritis. But it worked for me!
Jen
 
I'm picking up my first pair of orthotics today. When I went in to get casted for them, they hadn't gotten a pre-approval from my insurance. I told them to go ahead and do it, because I was going to want them either way.

Since I stopped running and got the C shot I haven't had any pain. But, I know once I start running again (which I love) that it will come back. That's why I'm going ahead with it.

Why is your podiatrist taking so long with the orthotics? I didn't have nearly the pain as many people, and at my first visit I got the shot and he said we'd be casting for orthotics the next time.

Andrea
 
I was trying everything possible before getting the orthotics. Plus we had to see if the insurance would pay for them and that took a week. Then by the time we found out they wouldn't pay I had to wait then til April to get an appointment for the casting. At the time of my last appointment I didn't make another appt. because everything was pending what the insurance said. And now I have to wait a little while. Thankfully the lady did say that you get your orthotics back in just 2 weeks whereast the paper they gave me said 6-8 weeks so that is good. I don't have to wait as long once the cast is made.

Let me know how you like them and how they work for you!

:)
 
calico,

I'd say they're worth every penny!!! Orthodics have made all the difference in the world with my PF. I also paid out of pocket for them, but I know that I'm saving my feet and legs from further injury in the future. I also invested in a pair of Dansko clogs to wear when not wearing my cross trainers...they're expensive (about $100 a pair) but also worth every penny!!

Good luck. PF is not fun and very frustrating. I always took walking pain free for granted before PF (but with orthodics and Danskos I'm back to almost 100% pain free :). )

Becky
 
Sigh . . . I'm remembering when I hadn't even heard of Plantar Fasciitis.

Orthotics help a lot, as do cortisone shots. The pain is quite manageable with these 2 things.

However, if I do anything with my step, the pain comes flooding back. It's very frustrating to do my Cathe tapes without my step!
 
just adding my 2 cents...

i went to a physical therapist last year with pf. running had made it worse, even though i'd had problems for years. i went to a place that specializes in sports medicine. they determined the cause was over pronation (rolling my foot in). after painful massage, exercises, orthotics and six weeks off any exercise i was back better than before.

the orthotics have been great, and i also invested in the running shoes my pt recommended. he also said i had weak ankles, hips and toes and a tight IT band and calf. i find if i slack off doing my exercises to keep those areas strong and my stretches the problem starts coming back.

i also started wearing NOTHING but birkenstocks. now i can't stand to wear anything else.

i'd shell out my own money for orthotics any day.
 
Hi jcm,

Just curious: I have the same problems as you stated above and also went through weeks of PT and massage. I also overpronate and have very tight calves and IT bands. What brand of running shoes was recommended to you? I wear Asics or New Balance, but if there might be something better, I'd love to try it out!!!

Thanks,

Becky

PS: I love the Birkenstocks, but Danskos also feel great on my feet (for another option, if you are looking!).
 
my running shoes are the brooks "ariel" the physical therapist recommended - with the orthotics. they are for serious over-pronators and i love them.

went out tonight and i actually wore something other than birks - some heels. my knees ache!

i was just amazed when i was in physical therapy how one little thing being off can lead to other problems you never thought of. a lot of people over-pronate, but i never would have thought of weak ankles/toes and a tight IT band on one side. he explained to me how all this is connected and it really made me appreciate how a good sports PT can diagnose a problem. like i said - for me it's all in the shoes i wear all week and whether i've kept up on my weekly exercises.

i've heard good things about dansko. when my PT said to go with birks i was bummed because they always seemed so "hippy." but they do have some styles that arent so bad and once you've experienced that kind of comfort - fashion be damned!!
 
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