Why do my feet hurt and what is Plantar Fasciitis ?

This is a topic that I’ve had a LOT of experience with. For those that have had foot pain, relief can’t come quick enough ! There are so many debilitating types from Gout, Diabetic Neuropathy, Neuroma, etc. I’ve had Plantar Fasciitis myself for years. It is excruciating at times. The pain comes usually the minute you step out of bed in the morning. It feels like a hot knife stabbing me in my heel over and over, as well as a burning sensation ! One morning I just woke up to it. I thought to myself, there was nothing in particular I did the day before. Besides getting out of bed, anytime you rest, are in a car for an extended period and get out, it begins all over again ! Yikes ! It’s peculiar that once you’re walking for a few minutes, it’s eases up. But don’t get too used to that feeling !

Our feet are made up of tissues, muscles and bones that can become damaged easily if the foot is not cared for. At the bottom of the foot is a thick, fibrous band of tissue called the fascia that runs from the heel to the toes and provides support to the muscles and arch of the foot. When the tissue becomes overly stretched, it produces tiny tears which result in pain and inflammation. That’s how it begins.

Men can develop this ( I know a few ), but more often women, and those that are older, overweight folks tend to have this symptom. Also those on their feet a good part of the day, runners, athletes, restaurant workers, or just those with unusual walk are more at risk. I found that about 2 million people in the U.S. have this condition, so we’re not alone. What generally happens is we compensate by walking differently which creates new knee, hip and back problems. Oy vey !

There are ways to fight this:

1. Primary care physician or foot doctor. They can prescribe ibuprofen, or NSAIDS for at least 2/3 weeks to help with inflammation.
2. Steroid injections- and I’ve had several of these, are injected into plantar fascia at the most painful point. The doctor numbs you with a spray, but still you feel this !!!! It gave me a little relief for a few weeks and sometimes no relief at all.
3. Athletic tape gives support to your foot and makes it less likely to move it in ways that stretch and add to injury. This didn’t work for me.
4. Stretching exercises- facing and with hands on a wall, stretch. Some use a roller or tennis ball under the foot and roll away.
5. Shoe inserts, heel cups, night splints or boots can help. I purchase only the Best known shoes, sandals and inserts otherwise you will go through Sooooo many and end up buying the more expensive but proven shoes etc. I found a store Happy Feet that is much more than Happy ! It’s a Life Saver !! They have Birkenstocks, Kenshol, and more sandals that have literally saved my life !
6. Surgery-last resort if the others fail. You will be on a outpatient basis and will have to stay off your foot wearing a boot or split.

After spending several years taking ibuprofen, steroid injections, accupuncture, and many over the counter orthopedic inserts, I found a light at the end of the tunnel. That was at the Happy Feet Store. I was at my wits end ! I couldn’t do all the things I loved to do, dancing, and simply taking walks was extremely painful. Don’t let something that can be taken care of easily stop you from enjoying your life. It’s too precious to wait it out. Thing is I played that game WAY too long ! If you want to try something that works and you will see why, I’ll provide the link below:

https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100122896-13715564

Here’s to doing the things you love to do pain free !!