OT: Plantar Fascitis

[PeterPan09]

I have worn different shoes and the latest that I found that work are shape ups by Sketchers. I was a doubter but they really took the weight off my heel and arch. Love them.

I'm using those too and they do work very well.

 

[rn4val]

I got inserts from the good foot store that are semi ridged plastic that I but in the tennis shoes and after a couple of weeks the pain goes away. I am a nurse and on my feet alot. I even went to a podiatrist and he made hard plastic inserts but they didn't help at all. Try going to a good shoe store and asking what they have

 

[HillPete]

I am a huge fan of FitFlops. They roll your gait forward so your heel is not impacted as much. They haven't done a thing for my butt, however, my heels are super happy! They have new styles lately that include closed toes and boots. I haven't tried those out at all (I usually buy the styles on sale at Nordstrom Rack - much cheaper!). I also have a pair of heel cushions (Dr. Scholl's from Target) that I take with me when I try on new shoes. They fit great in my Nikes for days when FitFlops are not an option.

I also stretch every day. I like the exercise where you stand backwards on the steps and let your heels hang down. It seems to work the best for me.

Good luck!
--Hillary

 

[Mrs D]

My PF has been greatly helped by using orthodics. I have both custom made (by a podiatrist) and non custom ones. For the non-custom you can get them at a local running store or a Dick's Sporting Goods. I would recommend Super Feet.

I would also advise using a good supportive shoe, like a good running shoe (I like Asics) or a good casual shoe is Keen.

Hth!

Forgot to mention while my leather Keen Mary janes were close to $100 they are 3 yrs old and in awesome shape!

 

[Splat25]

I'd had Plantar fasciitis in both my feet and they get worse off an on depending on my foot abuse (remodling, etc) and shoes I'm wearing. They are much better with "superfeet" inserts that gives great arch support to any closed shoe. I had a particually bad flare up a running event last summer and needed to see the doc and have some physical therapy to get me ready for my 10 day disney trip in October. It worked out and I found out that using my old Keens worked great for the parks. Also, you will want to start taking larger doses of ibuprofen 2 days before you go and all during your trip to keep inflamation down. I think I was taking 1000mg in the morning and 1000mg in the evening per my doctors orders during my stay. Also - to prevent blistes on my feet, I use runners powder in my socks before heading into the parks....AWESOME stuff.

 

[wishspirit]

Okay....95% sure I have this. I literally spent the summer barefoot and pregnant and my feet are paying for it.

Does anyone have some good recommendations for shoes that are kinda attractive but don't break the bank??

Especially shoes for touring WDW?

I wear orthotics in all my shoes- but I try and wear trainers (running shoes) or proper hiking shoes as much as I can.

Sandals- I swear by Birkenstocks. They take a while to break in, then you're in heaven! So much arch support!

Hope this helps!

 

[starwood]

I went to a podiatrist who did an MRI and couldn't find anything. He sent me to an orthopedist who did an MRI of my back and didn't find anything significant (besides gallstones!). They think I have Plantar Fasciitis AND Achillies Tendonitis. I'm thinking of trying the Sketchers shape-ups. I used the Dr. Scholls inserts but they really didn't help much.

 

[jpeka65844]

Thanks all for the GREAT ideas!!! My FIL used to work for a company called AccuStep that makes custom orthodics and I'm getting measured tomorrow for a pair. I also bought a pair of Dr. Scholl's heel inserts for some of my less supportive shoes.

In the meantime, I've got a pair of Shapeups on order and once tax money comes in, plan on rounding myself up some new shoes. I was fitted for Danskos some years back but my vanity prevented me from buying them. (They're so CLOGGY!) but their website has some super cute new styles so I think I might try them after all.

I didn't realize so many people had this problem! Thanks for all your help!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

This is such a good thread! I am pretty sure I have this in my left foot. I was doing a LOT of walking last summer in really poor tennis shoes, and my left foot has hurt ever since. In December, I finally got some Shape Ups and the pain relief was immediate. I wore regular tennies once after that and the pain really came back, so I practically live in my Shape Ups (even wear them to work).

I haven't been doing any of the exercises, though, or any other treatments, so I'll be taking notes on all of your experiences. So, I'm benefitting from this thread, too. Thank you!

 

[Quin]

I developed PF about a year ago. A couple of low-budget alternatives to the Sketchers & FitFlops are TheraShoes (and TheraSandals, made by TheraShoe) and the RocknFit rocker shoes. I found both at K-Mart but am sure you can get them other places too. The TheraSandals are like flipflops, while the other two come in a variety of sneaker styles. All have high internal arch supports and the rocker bar/heels. Wonderfully comfortable for all-day walking.

Other than that, dose up your anti-inflammatories a few days before you go to Disney, make sure you do your stretching (a few good stretches before I get out of bed in the morning eliminates the massive pain I used to get on those first few steps), and see your doctor if the symptoms worsen.

 

[Susan R]

My Mum was diagnosed with this and from her experiance I realized that I have the same issue. She is in her 70's so most of the exercises usually reccomended were not good for her. He doctor suggested that she take a can of soup and "roll" her foot on it making sure to put as much pressure as she could on her foot while she was doing it. She was very doubtful that it would work but within a week her feet felt better. Now when I complain about my feet she askes if I've rolled my feet lately I even have a can of soup under my desk at work to use on my feet while I'm working at my computer. Has made a world of difference!!!

Susan

 

[disneydizzy2]

I went to a podiatrist for this same thing. I ordered the expensive inerts, they did nothing. I started wearing Crocs. They were a lifesaver( and vacation saver). I now wear them in the house 99% of the time becuase I disconvered the tile floors were an issue, and it is so much better. I also keep a tennis ball next to the edge of the bed. It works bettter for me. Lastly the podiatrist mentioned "the extra weight I was carrying was not helping" UGH! So I worked hard and lost 50 in a year. I choose to think it was the Crocs tho......

 

[jpeka65844]

OP here!

The Shapeups arrived and I'm not convinced. They basically put your center of gravity forward OFF your heels which could help but it then puts a strain along a break that I had a few years ago. I don't know if I just need some more time to get used to them.

I have some Keen Newports which, for now, are what I'm living in. I've sworn by them for 6 years now and wish I could wear them with anything I own. Maybe I should go to that brand for more shoes!

My Croc flip flops wear like a dream until I take them off. I can't seem to wear any other style of Crocs, though. I need them so big they look like clown shoes and aren't stable on my feet.

The search continues.....

 

[ILuvMulan]

I wear orthotics in all my shoes- but I try and wear trainers (running shoes) or proper hiking shoes as much as I can.

Sandals- I swear by Birkenstocks. They take a while to break in, then you're in heaven! So much arch support!

Hope this helps!

Same here!! I love my Birkenstocks and I wear orthotics from my podiatrist in Brooks running shoes. Both are expensive but worth every penny. There is nothing worse than painful feet. Just a word of friendly advice... take care of it as soon as possible. I put off going to the doctor for over a year and am now having problems with my hips because of how I walked to compensate for the pain in my feet... whatever you do don't put it off. Take care of yourself.

 

[sceavis]

Try some new balance with Roll Bar Technology worked great for me

 

[starwood]

I got my shape-ups Friday and from the minute I put them on I felt the pressure lifted off my heels. I'm wearing them exclusively now and the foot brace on my left foot at night. I am determined to clear up my left foot and then start working on my right foot. WDW in 2 and a half weeks. Hopefully I will be able to walk without agony this time.

 

[wishspirit]

I got my shape-ups Friday and from the minute I put them on I felt the pressure lifted off my heels. I'm wearing them exclusively now and the foot brace on my left foot at night. I am determined to clear up my left foot and then start working on my right foot. WDW in 2 and a half weeks. Hopefully I will be able to walk without agony this time.

If they do hurt at Disney- don't be a martyr! Get a wheelchair if you need it! Nothing worse than ruining a Disney holiday by being in real pain!

I hope you feel better soon! xxx

 

[starwood]

I've done WDW and Disneyland with this problem. I just feel like such a wimp if I get a wheelchair and I know DS will never let me live it down. It just takes me a little longer to get from place to place. I also spend a lot of time on my favorite ride - a bench.

 

[MeganFyne]

I do the stretches every night and when it gets really bad I soak a piece of flannel in castor oil, heat that up (microwave is fine, not too hot) and wrap that around my foot with some plastic wrap.

I also wear Dansco shoes at work (work in a restaurant, no one's looking at my feet) or crocs (when I'm at the hospital - also a doula and THAT is really some being on your feet!)

I think I spend LESS time on my feet at Disney World than when I'm not on vacation! At least after standing in line you get to sit down while you're on the ride!

 

[jpeka65844]

Got two styles of Danskos today. They're looking a little more pleasing to the eye lately.....

Hope they do the trick!