Plantar Facilitis and Disney in 2months:advice?

[firstwdw]

Anyone have any magical cures on how to heal plantar facilitis once and for all?!! Or how to cope with all that Disney walking??
I've tried Superfeet inserts, Heal that Pain heal cups, Dr Scholls inserts, PT who used ultrasound and massage, stretching, soaking in Epsom salts, rolling on a tennis ball, rolling on a frozen water bottle. Currently undergoing Graston Technique which seems to help-I was practically pain free but the PT suggested I "test" it for 2 weeks without the treatment and it came back. She is suggested a night splint now. I also recently had my ankle and foot adjusted at the chiropractor (they were very out of alignment so I'm hoping that helps).
Any other ideas?!?!?!?!

 

[Cubicleprisoner]

I went though PF for years and took several Disney trips with it, so I feel your pain. If Cortisone shots have not worked for you, then you should speak with your podiatrist about the Topaz procedure. This procedure is done in an OR and involves a needle that is attached to an ultrasound machine being inserted into the affected area 36 times (in a grid pattern). The point is to forcibly swell the tendon into stretching. Neither Cortisone or Topaz worked for me and I ended up having the surgery on both feet (not at the same time). I feel better now. Good luck!

 

[spacecanada]

Active Release Therapy, compression socks, rolling the foot on a golf ball (or tennis ball to start), and taping the foot at night all worked well for me.

The biggest help I had was from Active Release Therapy (a specialised physiotherapist), where they found the deep rooted cause, which was actually in my hip and ribs, and as they fixed that my foot loosened up. They worked a lot on my foot too, of course, to release the tension, but releasing the cause was key to my long term recovery.

Now, at the mildest foot discomfort or tension, rolling my foot on a golf ball will get rid of the tightness and let me move on with my day. Catching and treating it early is essential. As are high quality shoes.

 

[firstwdw]

Thanks……What type of office did you go for Active Release Therapy? Seems that is mostly in Chiropractor's offices around here…..but probably worth a try. I found a nearby chiro office that does ART, Gastron and cold laser therapy. It's a sports rehab center. My insurance only covers 12 chiro appts but I'm hoping that will help. I will call Monday morning. I'm assuming if I've been with the current physical therapist for 10weeks, then it's time to try something new if she hasn't helped….how long did the ART take for you???

 

[bidnow5]

This doesn't work for everyone but for me Crocs work great I started wearing them and now thats all I wear They have a lot that look like normal shoes now. Several others on this board also use them. I hope you find something that works I haven't had a problem in over 3 years

 

[firstwdw]

This doesn't work for everyone but for me Crocs work great I started wearing them and now thats all I wear They have a lot that look like normal shoes now. Several others on this board also use them. I hope you find something that works I haven't had a problem in over 3 years

Did you do anything to get rid of it other than wearing crocs??? What style of crocs? Do you know why the crocs work……what is it about them that helps I wonder? This may be good for walking to and from the pool. I've never had crocs-my feet are narrow so I worry they won't fit correctly and cause more issues but I suppose it's worth a try. Thanks!

 

[bidnow5]

All I did was start wearing them I have a bunch of different styles I don't know why they work for me and like I said there are a lot of others here that say they didn't work for them

 

[sleepingbean]

My mom was advised to wear very sturdy soles at all times and she eventually had surgery. For Disney, I advise using a wheelchair or scooter as needed and not over doing it!

 

[spacecanada]

I had Active Release Therapy at a specialised physiotherapist. It took approximately one month of frequent visits to get my foot and calf completely pain-free and another year (less frequent visits) to get the rest of my body back in alignment, including my ribs and hips that were causing a myriad of other symptoms I would have never guessed were linked. I switched to their office when my previous (traditional) physiotherapist kept treating symptoms over and over and never finding the cause.

Oh, and I was also told to go barefoot indoors and wear toe socks and it made yet another HUGE difference, as my toes could move freely, which relieved some stress on my foot, particularly when running. Toe socks with compression are still one of my favourite things to wear after a hard run or if I am on my feet all day at work. (injinji socks are awesome!)

Crocs never fit me because I have narrow feet. They were banned in schools and hospitals here due to health and safety risks, so I don't know if they would be a good option based on that. Certainly worth asking your physiotherapist about it if they have helped others. Mine recommended barefoot, proper fitting running shoes, and winter boots with fitted soles (not flat) to allow the foot to move naturally.

 

[paisleys]

Fit Flops. I had Pf and couldn't believe when the podiatrist told me to get Fit Flops at Macys. They worked and are since the only shoes I wear at Disney, years after getting over pf
. They are unbelievable!

 

[gilesmt]

This doesn't work for everyone but for me Crocs work great I started wearing them and now thats all I wear They have a lot that look like normal shoes now. Several others on this board also use them. I hope you find something that works I haven't had a problem in over 3 years

This is the main thing that worked for me also, crocs. I had $600 inserts made and it did nothing, I have been wearing crocs for about six years and never have pain anymore, but doc says I still have tightness.

When in Disney, I also go to see Johnny twice, he is at the magnolia spa at sof, I am told anyone can use the spa, but you do have to walk to it, from poly walk towards the road and across and then up the path to shades of green. If you walk they will not ask for ID or anything. It takes about 5 to 8 minutes not a bad walk.

Johny gives Swedish messages for 50 minutes for $75, he gets my hips, back and feet all working well and I am ready for another four days. I usually go 13 days to wdw, with Johnny I feel great every few days and then can make a few more days. Well worth the Monet and he always helps my feet.

Pm me if you want the number.

 

[Andianna]

This doesn't work for everyone but for me Crocs work great I started wearing them and now thats all I wear They have a lot that look like normal shoes now. Several others on this board also use them. I hope you find something that works I haven't had a problem in over 3 years

Yup crocs combined with a scooter makes the pain less by the end of the day.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Anyone have any magical cures on how to heal plantar facilitis once and for all?!! . . .

1) Yep.
2) Had that.
3) Got is fixed.
4) Haven't had it again.
5) After several doctors, got a good foot-doc.
6) I took two steroid shots in the heal in the same visit.
7) Within three days, no more pain at all.
8) That was 12-years ago !!!


NOTE: This might be right for everyone. My symptoms were: would sit for
even a short time (like on a ride or after golf), and would have pain when I
stood up. I would hobble for 50-100 steps before the pain began to lessen.
After the shots, no pain, nada-nix-nope.

 

[brownhaired_girl]

1) Yep.
2) Had that.
3) Got is fixed.
4) Haven't had it again.
5) After several doctors, got a good foot-doc.
6) I took two steroid shots in the heal in the same visit.
7) Within three days, no more pain at all.
8) That was 12-years ago !!!


NOTE: This might be right for everyone. My symptoms were: would sit for
even a short time (like on a ride or after golf), and would have pain when I
stood up. I would hobble for 50-100 steps before the pain began to lessen.
After the shots, no pain, nada-nix-nope.

Been there. Done that also.
About 6-7 years ago when we were building our barn, I was working on uneven ground in sandals (no arch support). I dealt with the pain for years. In the morning, I would hobble for the first 5 minutes. I work as an OB nurse and am on my feet for 12 hour shifts. Every time I sat down to chart for more than a few minutes the first many steps would hurt, it was exhausting. On two separate occasions I got steroid injections before I went to Disney to get me through the trips. The injections would last about 6 months. The injections are in the heel where the plantar fascia attaches to the bottom of heel bone.
About a year ago I soaked my feet in some VERY hot water with Dr Teals peppermint foot soak (from Walmart in the foot area). I believe this is essentially epsom salts with some peppermint added. I'm not sure this would be any better than plain epsom salt, or plain hot water. ( I understand all the literature says to use ice.)
After soaking quite a while I rubbed my feet with a peppermint foot lotion. I expect any lotion would work. When I massaged my feet it felt like Rice Krispies in the bottoms of my feet. It was actually a bit creepy feeling. To the best of my understanding, when there is injury to your body there is sometimes small calcium deposits which occur. I think warming the plantar fascia and then massaging allowed some of these calcium deposits to break up, which allowed my body to clear them. I could feel and massage the swelling at the bottom of my heel also. After years of pain my feet were at least 90% better after a week of soaking/massaging. Cost <$10. Time one hour a day 7 days. I soaked one while I massaged the other. I was painful again about 2 weeks ago, one soak and massage and it was better. This is not like the nice little massages that one gets when you go to a spa. The goal is to break up the swelling.

 

[suz_cute]

Have you tried acupuncture? My friend was getting ready to have surgery because her PF had become so painful and she exhausted all treatments without any relief. I suggested she go see my friend who is an acupuncturist who studied in China. She's now pain free and doesn't need surgery. It's certainly worth a try. She saw reduction in pain in her first visit. It took her about a month to be pain free.

 

[pugdog]

Been dealing with it in both feet for about 6 years. First the right foot for 2 and now the left foot since then. I have tried alot of what has already been said but Crocs are the best for me. The left foot is getting better and I hope later this year it will be gone. Since I started to work out that has really helped. I think mine might also be a part of the back/leg issue too.

 

[firstwdw]

Been there. Done that also.
About 6-7 years ago when we were building our barn, I was working on uneven ground in sandals (no arch support). I dealt with the pain for years. In the morning, I would hobble for the first 5 minutes. I work as an OB nurse and am on my feet for 12 hour shifts. Every time I sat down to chart for more than a few minutes the first many steps would hurt, it was exhausting. On two separate occasions I got steroid injections before I went to Disney to get me through the trips. The injections would last about 6 months. The injections are in the heel where the plantar fascia attaches to the bottom of heel bone.
About a year ago I soaked my feet in some VERY hot water with Dr Teals peppermint foot soak (from Walmart in the foot area). I believe this is essentially epsom salts with some peppermint added. I'm not sure this would be any better than plain epsom salt, or plain hot water. ( I understand all the literature says to use ice.)
After soaking quite a while I rubbed my feet with a peppermint foot lotion. I expect any lotion would work. When I massaged my feet it felt like Rice Krispies in the bottoms of my feet. It was actually a bit creepy feeling. To the best of my understanding, when there is injury to your body there is sometimes small calcium deposits which occur. I think warming the plantar fascia and then massaging allowed some of these calcium deposits to break up, which allowed my body to clear them. I could feel and massage the swelling at the bottom of my heel also. After years of pain my feet were at least 90% better after a week of soaking/massaging. Cost <$10. Time one hour a day 7 days. I soaked one while I massaged the other. I was painful again about 2 weeks ago, one soak and massage and it was better. This is not like the nice little massages that one gets when you go to a spa. The goal is to break up the swelling.

This is VERY interesting because I've been soaking in HOT epsom salt water and then rubbing-same Rice Krispies sensation you are describing and then rolling on a theraband foot roller and it seems to help a lot. I also started acupuncture and apparently no energy is getting to my foot which may help explain why it's not healing.

I tried a new chiropractor today…..and now I'm completely confused. They did a foot scan and told me nothing looks too bad but I have high arches and probably need $200 custom orthotics called Foot Levelers. They adjusted my heel, then did a laser treatment, graston technique, taped my foot from my toe to my calf and put me on a very strong foot vibrating machine. I'm getting the impression they are treating the symptoms but not really the cause. And they tried to sell me pricey sandals made by a company called Sole. I think I might cancel the next appt. It just seemed to be a bit much and they really pushed the orthotics.

I have an appt with a podiatrist in a few weeks and will have him provide insight on my arches since he sees feet all day long.

I also just started increasing anti-inflammatory foods-google anti-inflammatory smoothie-kale, spinach, fresh ginger, berries…..hoping that will help too!

But I think Crocs and some birkenstocks and continuing with the hot water and epsom salt foot soaks may be better….not sure…….all these different practitioners need to work together instead of having separate ideas of what the issue is! I am so confused!!!!!

-thanks everyone! 60 days till Disney……may rent a wheelchair if I get desperate…..I've had this for 6months but from the sounds of it, it can last for years!

 

[Tigerlulu]

Oh, and I was also told to go barefoot indoors and wear toe socks and it made yet another HUGE difference, as my toes could move freely, which relieved some stress on my foot, particularly when running. Toe socks with compression are still one of my favourite things to wear after a hard run or if I am on my feet all day at work. (injinji socks are awesome!) Crocs never fit me because I have narrow feet. They were banned in schools and hospitals here due to health and safety risks, so I don't know if they would be a good option based on that. Certainly worth asking your physiotherapist about it if they have helped others. Mine recommended barefoot, proper fitting running shoes, and winter boots with fitted soles (not flat) to allow the foot to move naturally.

This!!!!! Injinji toe socks and vibram toe shoes! Lifesavers for me. Expensive but worth every single penny.