Help with plantar faciitis - daytime boots?

I have the orthotics now (18+ months, need new ones), have been taped, shot up (ouch), and my pod says we just keep going the orthotic route, even though I am a speaker and spend most of my time on my feet, AND I like to walk/run for exercise, and the orthotics only delay the pain, not relieve it. My pod has not recommended any stretching or anything other than orthotics. I'd like to do something to get ahead of it, and I've seen these boots you wear during the day, like a ski boot, for 3-6 weeks that keep the ligament stretched and immobilized. Has anyone ever used them with any success?

Help with plantar faciitis - daytime boots?
My trainer recommened two stretches:





When you first wake up, sit up and with your leg straight or almost straight, grab the ball of your foot and gently pull back. The idea is to stretch out the ligaments from the heel to the toes. Do that for about a minute for each foot.





Then stand on a ledge -- like stairs -- so that you can balance on just the balls of your feet. Then slowly lower your heels a little. This is the same idea of the first stretch, just a little deeper. Stay in the lower position for about a minute.





Hope this helps!! Good luck!
Reply:For most people, the condition improves within a year of beginning conservative treatment. Your doctor may recommend wearing a splint fitted to your calf and foot while you sleep. This holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight so that they can be stretched more effectively. Your doctor may prescribe off-the-shelf or custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) to help distribute pressure to your feet more evenly. You state, however, that you are using this method. A physiotherapist can instruct you in a series of exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and to strengthen lower leg muscles, which stabilize your ankle and heel. A therapist may also teach you to apply athletic taping to support the bottom of your foot. If these methods fail, there are other options which include corticosteroids, extracorporeal shock wave therapy and finally, surgery.


Hope this helps


Matador 89
Reply:Plantar Fasciitis can take up to 6 months to heal so the pain will be delayed and not relieve it for quite some time. Sounds like you have a very bad podiatrist. :( The boot is a removable cast like this:





http://www.dme-direct.com/images/XP_walk...





My ortho surgeon was a former ballet dancer who swore by them. I hated it and didn't find any benefit at all. The heel is higher than your regular shoe so you're lopsided and off-balance all the time and it made my foot hurt worse.





They recommend you sleep in the boot because we relax our feet and the fasciia muscle during sleep. I wore them for months. Unfortunately it's very cumbersome, your feet get sweaty, and the velcro flaps scratch you.





My condition was so bad they had to put me on crutches for awhile. Between the anti-inflammatories and quality shoes, only minor flair ups now and then. :)





1. Google some stretching exercises you can do in the morning. You can also try physical therapy.





2. Take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofin (Advil) or aspirin about an hour before you head out to do any activity or errand. Gives it time to kick in. Do *not* take ibuprofen and aspirin together! Pick one. Chondroitin by itself may also work as it's an anti-inflammatory you can take with anything.





3. New Balance makes excellent shoes to treat specific issues. You'll can find suitable model suggestions here: http://store.nbdelaware.com/merchant2/me...





It's extremely important that you have shoes designed for walking/running/cross-training because they're made differently and offer better support than regular sneakers. Go to a New Balance store to get fitted and buy elsewhere if your style isn't on sale.





4. When returning from activities, apply an ice pack on your feet and elevate them.





5. If you feel you have tried good shoes, stretching, etc... and are still experiencing pain or mobility, skip podiatrists and see a board certified orthopedic surgeon.
Reply:Plantar Faciitis ( Heel Spurs ), can be quite the aggravating problem. Try using heel pads in your shoes during the day. If you can find a type of device that keep your feet (foot), in the "standing" position during the night as you sleep, this will help over time. Using medications such as "Motrin", may also help.



car audio