Plantar Fasciitis? What can I expect? - Foot Problems Message Board

tamara29 · 05-09-2006, 07:59 PM

I went to the podiatrist today, and he diagnosed me with Plantar Fasciitis, tendonitis, a heel spur and I have a bunion forming. He taped my foot and said he would probably give me a shot next week when I come back. What can I expect? How long does it take something like this to heal? I didn't even know the place where I had the tendonitis was sore, until he started pressing on it. He said that was because my other pain was so bad it was taking away from that.

So, like I asked, how long does it take for something like this to heal? How painful are the shots? He gave me some exercises for me to do, but said that I can't do them until the tape comes off. Will I have to wear the tape more than once? Since I've had my foot taped up, the calf of my leg is hurting. Is this normal? Or should I call my doctor? And, he said that I'll have to wear shoes all the time. Will I really have to? I love going barefoot in the house. Would that be for always or until it heals?

Thanks for any advice. I really appreciate it.

john the bomb · 05-09-2006, 08:32 PM

Plantar fascitis is an inflammation of the lgament that runs under your foot.It is a large,thick ligament.Taping will immobilize the area and help with proprioception.Stretching exercises elongate the ligament and do help.The good news:At least 85% of cases resolve without surgery.It will take time but the odds are definitely in your favor.

espda · 05-09-2006, 08:36 PM

I don't know much about the conditions you have, but I can tell you that Plantar Fascia takes different amounts of time and treatments for everyone. The tape could be causing your calf to be sore, it really changes the way you stand and walk. Unless it is really bothering you, I wouldn't call the doctor, just let him know next week. It should feel better in a day or two as your foot and leg adjust. Someone else here can probably tell you about the injection, sorry, I don't know.

Sad to tell you, your doctor is probably gonna tell you that you need orthotics, shoe inserts, and yes, you will most likely need to keep good shoes on (with the orthotics) most of the time from now on. Lack of support will worsen all of these conditions, and probably caused some of them.

There's lots of people on this forum with some good advice, and more knowledge than I have. And we're good for support too. Most of us have had foot surgery lately, and have too much time and experience to share!! Kim

seashell1 · 05-09-2006, 11:14 PM

You can expect to have pain for a while, take ibuprofen for pain, ice your foot when needed, do the exercises if you can stand them. I couldn't be bothered with them myself. I DO NOT recommend the shots, it only lasts a few days then comes back, and they can cause other problems. Taping is great, its the only way I was able to walk & work. The Dr. taped mine 2 times then I had my husband do it for me, for about 3 months. Watch very carefully and learn how to do it. Its been about 5 years since I was diagnosed with PF and I still have occasional pain if I work too hard & do a lot of walking. I would say it took about 1 1/2 years to feel better. You must NEVER go barefoot, where a good suportive shoe at all times. I use the superfeet inserts in my shoes. I never did buy the orthotics, although maybe I should have. Read all you can about PF, there are many websites that can give you information. I also used a arch brace in the beginning. Most products are not very helpful. Good luck, maybe it won't last as long as mine did.

tamara29 · 05-10-2006, 11:20 AM

Thanks everyone for the help. He did recommend orthotics. He said he could custom make them for me, or I could buy the ones he had in his office, that either would do fine. I think I'm going to try the cheaper ones for a while first.

He also said that I have a very high arch, but it completely flattens out when I walk. Does anyone know what this means? He was very good about answering my questions, but he told me so many things yesterday that it was hard to know what to ask. Thanks again.