Can anyone stand another plantar fasciitis thread?

Hello - I have battle PF for some time.  While my solution is going to sound too simple - - please consider it.  I didn't believe this would work but it has/does:

http://www.thesock.com/

for 34.95, you really don't have much to loose. 

...and if you are wondering; no, I don't work or know anyone with the company - I'm just a big runner with PF and a one time customer.  Best wishes with your injury recovery - PF sucks!!!

Thanks John for the info about The Sock.  I've heard others speak highly about it.  Worth trying for sure.

Sue, thanks for reminding me about stretching.  I need to do that more (although I am doing good stretching at least once daily).  It's good to have that reminder!  Gets me motivated to do it.

I do have another question though.  When can I start running again?  The foot is feeling much better and I would say about 50-75% of the day I am pain free.  Even when it does hurt, it is not so bad that I feel like limping.  The pain is just sort of there like a dull ache.  Mostly I feel it when I am just sitting (like when I am at the computer) or if I stand still for long periods.  If I am walking or exercising, I am fine.

Everything I have read says it could take 8-12 weeks (sometimes longer) to recover.  Do I need to not run for that long or can I start doing light runs once or twice a week?

Thanks!

No, I can't.  There is a lot of great advice/info in this forum.  Icing, stretching, special socks, and pain relievers.  This stuff is all great, but all you are doing is treating the symptoms.  Have you realized after 5-6 years of doing all this, that you still have the problem.  If you want to get out of this viscious cycle, you need to treat the problem, not just the symptoms!  I have treated triathltetes and runners at the Boston marathon, and IM Lake Placid with similar issues and other common over use injuries with the tpmassageball.  These products have helped to treat, eliminate and prevent common over use injuries.  Go to the website www.tpmassageball.com  to read and understand more about your problem, and how to get rid of it.  Feel free to pm me, or ask others on this site if they are using it.

I would also advise to start some core strength training once the pain has gone away.  I have been working with a trainer on core strength, and have noticed much less pain and stifness after workouts. 

Bryan

I haven't had the problem for 5-6 years.  I had one episode somewhere around 1999.  Lasted a few weeks.  Went away and I have never had a problem one time with it until now.  Actually the last time, it went away without much hoopla at all.

I know the issues, but I am still in search of the answer to my question which as of yet, no one has answered.  I used to have a great sports medicine doc years ago, but haven't needed him for anything for a long long time.  I know doctor's (I am a veterinarian).  I know I can not call him for one question of this sort because I won't get past the front desk without being able to make an appointment..  I was just hoping for a simple answer or what others have done.  I can ask the question again.

Can I do light runs if my pain is almost gone, but still there a little bit?  Or do I not run at all until I am pain free?  And if I don't run at all until pain free, how long do I need to be pain free before running?  1 week? 2?  a month?  I know that with some injuries, there is no problem exercising through the pain as long as it does not make the problem worse.  Other injuries, any pain is a big no no for exercise.  I just don't know which category PF falls into.

I hope none of this comes across as having an attitude.  I certainly don't mean it that way.  All I am doing is searching for information. 

Oh and as an update, the past two days have been almost totally pain free.  Just a little bitty bit in the morning that goes away quickly as I start walking around.  My new arch supports are doing a good job.  I am doing a lot of specific strengthing exercises and stretching of the appropriate areas.  Those two things seem to be helping the most.

Thanks!  Diane 

Sorry, I got the time line wrong.  As far as running goes, if you don't have too much pain,  or if you know for sure you don't have any serious issues, keep running.  In a lot of cases, plantar can be caused by loss of elasticity/dorsiflection in your posterior tibialis.  When this happens, the posterior tibialis tightens and pulls on the attachements in the bottom of the foot.  This is what causes the symptom or pain.  So they're may be a simple way to get rid of your problem, and it's easier than you think.  Go to www.tpmassageball.com and click on the virtual therapist.  You can ask Tania, I helped her get rid of her shin splints!!

Bmac

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Thanks everyone!

Yep, I read the stuff on barefoot running.  Some sources say you should never go barefoot if you have this, but my feet actually feel better if I am barefoot.  I have been doing most of my strengthening exercises in my barefeet too.  (Although there are a few I do with my shoes on.)

I just got The Sock yesterday.  Wore it for the first time last night.  Foot felt very good this morning.  I've been walking 5 miles at least once weekly so today I ran 2 of the 5 miles.  I made sure I ran on the dirt road that is kind of soft.  The foot felt fine during the run, but I do notice it is a little sore tonight.  I will not run again until it starts feeling better again.  I am hoping that with all I am doing that I can run at least once weekly for a couple miles.

Thanks again everyone! 

Diane