Comments on: PF and new orthotics

By: Orthotics Manchester

Orthotics Manchester — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:27:36 +0000

I am sorry to hear of your problems with Plantar Fasciitis. You may benefit from a trip to the Podiatrist. They can carry out a Gait Analysis which will enable them to manufacture custom made orthotics to fit your shoes. If treated early (i.e. within 3-4 months of the onset of heel pain) Plantar Fasciitis can be treated effectively by wearing orthotics. I hope you find a solution!

By: Geoff C

Geoff C — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:45:37 +0000

PW,
I’ll have a look at Runner’s World and dig out the relevant threads. It’s hard to judge progress with these well cushioned shoes indoors, I can hardly feel a thing until I walk outside on hard surfaces.
I was surprised that my GP didn’t at least refer me to the visiting physio who comes every week, but I don’t feel inclined to press the point.

By: Peewiglet

Peewiglet — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:37:22 +0000

Commiserations

Have you asked over on the Runners’ World (UK) forum for suggestions? I used to read it regularly, and there were lots of people over there with PF and AT (my own problem), and lots of good insights into what does and doesn’t work. Well worth a try, I reckon.

Meanwhile, keep on with the exercises.

Oh, and incidentally: I wasn’t surprised to read that your GP wasn’t terribly helpful. Unless she’s a runner/very active walker herself she probably has very little idea about this sort of condition. I don’t mean to sound disrespectful towards GPs, but I really think that most of their experience is precisely what it’s described as being i.e. general. If you have a university or college within travelling distance with a good sports department you might strike lucky and get hold of a really good physio willing to see you on a private basis. After years of searching for somebody to help with my AT I finally found a bloke who used to be a/the head physio over at Liverpool football club, and he was very helpful.

Very best of luck with it.

By: Geoff C

Geoff C — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:48:51 +0000

John,
The course of tablets have had no noticeable effect, much as expected. I’m continuing the various exercises and my suppleness is improving a lot.
I think the softer footbeds like Gaitway and Sole are the way forward now, perhaps supplemented under the heel by an extra cushion pad. I’ll make a note of the Army online shop, a good price and service there.

By: John Austin

John Austin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:09:07 +0000

Hi Geoff

You have my sympathy - PF is painful. I had the problem with my right heel last winter and it took about 3 months for it to go. I used ibuprofen gel on the heel and sole of my foot and found it more effective than taking the tablets. I tried most of the exercises, some of which I could not physically do. The best was to lay down, clench your toes, angle your feet forwards and hold the position for a minute then relax. You can feel your calves and hamstrings tighten when you do this. I also bought a pair of Sole mouldable insoles which have helped. The Army Physical Training Core mail order shop sells them for for £21 which is quite a saving over the usual price.Their web address is https://www.ekmsecure8.co.uk/ekmps/shops/aptcprishop/index.asp A very nice lady on the end of the phone took my order, didn’t ask if I was in the army, and the insoles arrived the following day.