Can't shake Plantars Fasciitis

A friend was just short of surgery for PF, when he tried Active Release Massage...it cured him.  Here's a blurb about it:

What is Active Release Technique?

Active release is a soft tissue technique developed Dr. Michael Leahy, who is an engineer, and chiropractor. When a muscle or tendon is injured an adhesion (scar tissue) forms between the fibers. This adheres the tissue impairing the oxygen and blood supply to the muscles. This process deprives the nerves of oxygen and establishes a cycle of chronic, recurring pain. Active release allows a certified practitioner to break up the adhesions with their thumbs while the muscle is stretched. The treatment is safe and effective. Thousands of world champion athletes have discovered the benefits of Active Release.

I have had PF since last October on and off. It started when I relearned how to run more efficiently. I got it about 2 weeks later...went from heal striker to forefoot landing. Strange as most PF folks who switch to forefoot landing cure their PF. How do you run?

I went from PF for about 6 weeks to then running for 6 weeks gradually building up then it came back along with Achillies tendonities which I have had 3 bouts of it. Now the PF is less of an issue and doesn't hurt much but the numb calves scares the crap out of me.

I did Active Release when my achillies tendoinities first came up along with my second bout of PF...did it help? I'm not sure as I started PT shortly there after. It improved but didn't go away 100%.

Did you stop running for the last year? 

_{I struggled for years back in the late 80's early 90's.  finally got a surgery where they nipped the plantar fascia and released the tension.   ahhhhhh.  I walked out (in a walking cast) with less pain than i walked into the hospital.'}

_{good luck}

My husband has PF as well (he isn't an athlete), he went to PT, but biggest improvement came from wearing Birkenstocks all the time when awake. He has the Birkenstock inserts that are $90 that he puts into his regular shoes. We got him some dress birks that he wears when he travels or does trade shows that he is on his feet all day.

I suffered from plantar fasciitis right before my first marathon.  I made a foot stapping using the technique below and it went away within two weeks.  I reduced my running slightly and used the strapping the whole time.  I ran my marathon 3 weeks after the treatment with no problem.  Hope the link helps at least....

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_5/192.shtml

Just the other day, I was reading in a medical journal that this issue can and has been treated with some type of Laser Surgery. Their are many type of laser systems, and this one I saw that people were being treated with just a few sessions (some insurances cover it) and was back to normal in no time. (ie. 4-6 weeks) and had no recuring problems. Try searching in "treatment"+"laser"+"plantars fascitis" and see what that gives you. I'll try to find which journal I saw it in.

Good luck.

ATW,

   I went back and found the article. If you check out the August 2007 issue of "Runner's World Magazine" and go to page 46, you will find the article. The article is labeled" Light-Footed Can a lasre therapy cure heel and arch pain?

This person was back running in three weeks from 0 to 8 miles a week, which is not that bad.