Plantar Faciitis Treatments - Pre Camino

[Robo]

On our training walk today my wife Pat's Plantar Faciitis was quite painful.

We have 10 days before we depart, so I thought I might investigate some additional treatments before we leave.

We have seen our doctor and Physio so far. At this stage we are relying on Orthotics, painkillers, stretches, icing, taping etc.

Now Pat is wondering if it's worthwhile getting Cortisone injections. Might be worth a try I think.

Has anyone had those? Did they work?

I had them last week for my Achilles and it's working well. But that had to be done with Ultrasound Guidance by a doctor.

Is this the case for cortisone injections for Plantar Faciitis too? Or is it something a local doctor / GP can do? Not sure if it's as 'technical', to do....

I'll call a clinic first thing Monday, but some research around the topic over the weekend might be wise....

For tomorrow's practice walk she'll try a full dose of anti inflammatories and pain killers. Just a half dose today

Just a question of finding the right regime that works

 

[JohnMcM]

Rob,
I can't comment on the injections. I too have plantar fasciitis. Stretching and other exercises throughout the day, including non-walking days help me a lot.

Only because you didn't mention it in your post, I thought I would remind you and Pat about the important part good hydration plays in this type of injury.

Buen Camino

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Hi Rob
A long time walking friend had PF cortisone injections prior to a 2 month climbing trip in the Himalayas. They worked a treat as he was then able to do stretching exercises and conditioning before leaving. This was last March and he is still not experiencing any problems but works hard at maintaining flexibility, uses orthotics and goes to podiatrist at first sign of any issues.

The injection does need to be done by guided ultrasound to be effective.

Good luck you two.

I had a cortisone injection into an aspirated ganglion in my right foot only days before we left to trek Kilimanjaro. The Sports doctor told me that it should be good for about 6 months. That was in September 2007. We summited on the Lemosho Route and that injection must still be working because I don't have any issues with that part of my foot

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I also recommend that you seat your wife comfortably, and then massage her feet for at least ten minutes per foot, every walk. Then, she will also need a cerveza con limon, cafe con leche, or a glass of wine!

You're a good husband and thought I'd get a smile out of you with this suggestion!

 

[Kelli Leydecker]

A friend of mine got a cortisone injection for his PF about a month ago and has had wonderful results. It was done with ultrasound guidance. He continues to use the orthotics but has been pain free since shortly after the injection. Good luck and Buen Camino!!!

 

[melindafromtexas]

On our training walk today my wife Pat's Plantar Faciitis was quite painful.

We have 10 days before we depart, so I thought I might investigate some additional treatments before we leave.

We have seen our doctor and Physio so far. At this stage we are relying on Orthotics, painkillers, stretches, icing, taping etc.

Now Pat is wondering if it's worthwhile getting Cortisone injections. Might be worth a try I think.

Has anyone had those? Did they work?

I had them last week for my Achilles and it's working well. But that had to be done with Ultrasound Guidance by a doctor.

Is this the case for cortisone injections for Plantar Faciitis too? Or is it something a local doctor / GP can do? Not sure if it's as 'technical', to do....

I'll call a clinic first thing Monday, but some research around the topic over the weekend might be wise....

For tomorrow's practice walk she'll try a full dose of anti inflammatories and pain killers. Just a half dose today

Just a question of finding the right regime that works

I have been to the hip doctor this week because I have hip impingement and it's been acting up more with adding miles for training. He suggested cortisone shots guided by ultrasound in my hips but itskes me nervous. I read that some people get horrible migraines and some insomnia after but I feel like I might need the relief with the beating about to come for 35 days of walking!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

On our training walk today my wife Pat's Plantar Faciitis was quite painful.

We have 10 days before we depart, so I thought I might investigate some additional treatments before we leave.

We have seen our doctor and Physio so far. At this stage we are relying on Orthotics, painkillers, stretches, icing, taping etc.

Now Pat is wondering if it's worthwhile getting Cortisone injections. Might be worth a try I think.

Has anyone had those? Did they work?

I had them last week for my Achilles and it's working well. But that had to be done with Ultrasound Guidance by a doctor.

Is this the case for cortisone injections for Plantar Faciitis too? Or is it something a local doctor / GP can do? Not sure if it's as 'technical', to do....

I'll call a clinic first thing Monday, but some research around the topic over the weekend might be wise....

For tomorrow's practice walk she'll try a full dose of anti inflammatories and pain killers. Just a half dose today

Just a question of finding the right regime that works

Yes, under ultra sound only not to tear tissue.

 

[Seabird]

I have the same problem, but have not tried cortisone. I found this article in the New York Times about a new approach instead of the standard stretches. It has really worked for me. As long as I do the exercise every other day, I have almost no problems.

 

[trecile]

I have the same problem, but have not tried cortisone. I found this article in the New York Times about a new approach instead of the standard stretches. It has really worked for me. As long as I do the exercise every other day, I have almost no problems.

I was just about to post the same article. I don't have PF myself, but I saved that article for my husband who does. I'm happy to hear that it's working for you.

 

[Penny Kingma]

On our training walk today my wife Pat's Plantar Faciitis was quite painful.

We have 10 days before we depart, so I thought I might investigate some additional treatments before we leave.

We have seen our doctor and Physio so far. At this stage we are relying on Orthotics, painkillers, stretches, icing, taping etc.

Now Pat is wondering if it's worthwhile getting Cortisone injections. Might be worth a try I think.

Has anyone had those? Did they work?

I had them last week for my Achilles and it's working well. But that had to be done with Ultrasound Guidance by a doctor.

Is this the case for cortisone injections for Plantar Faciitis too? Or is it something a local doctor / GP can do? Not sure if it's as 'technical', to do....

I'll call a clinic first thing Monday, but some research around the topic over the weekend might be wise....

For tomorrow's practice walk she'll try a full dose of anti inflammatories and pain killers. Just a half dose today

Just a question of finding the right regime that works

I tried it for severe p.f. Before our trip to Iceland....it didn't help.

 

[Former member 52467]

I have cortisone shots in my hips for bursitis and when it works, it's wonderful. When it doesn't, I only get a few days of minor relief, then the pain is back. I just had a cortisone shot in my ankle for tendonitis and am now wearing a "boot" for 3 weeks. We leave in 6 weeks so I hope it works!!!

 

[shubertj]

I have cortisone shots in my hips for bursitis and when it works, it's wonderful. When it doesn't, I only get a few days of minor relief, then the pain is back. I just had a cortisone shot in my ankle for tendonitis and am now wearing a "boot" for 3 weeks. We leave in 6 weeks so I hope it works!!!

My experience with cortisone shots is the same when it works its great but most of the time I only get 3 days of pain relief. I think you need to be a little careful that you aren't just masking the pain as you could do further damage.

My wife did the boot before we left, she quit walking barefoot in the house and beach (bought chaco flip flops as they have an arch support) and had me tape her foot on the Camino. She was able to walk the whole camino with out a problem.

 

[Robo]

Thanks for all the great tips. I might try to get a booking for some injections. Nothing to lose there really. And try the stretching in the article. And no bare feet in the house!

 

[KristinSdV]

On our training walk today my wife Pat's Plantar Faciitis was quite painful.

We have 10 days before we depart, so I thought I might investigate some additional treatments before we leave.

We have seen our doctor and Physio so far. At this stage we are relying on Orthotics, painkillers, stretches, icing, taping etc.

Now Pat is wondering if it's worthwhile getting Cortisone injections. Might be worth a try I think.

Has anyone had those? Did they work?

I had them last week for my Achilles and it's working well. But that had to be done with Ultrasound Guidance by a doctor.

Is this the case for cortisone injections for Plantar Faciitis too? Or is it something a local doctor / GP can do? Not sure if it's as 'technical', to do....

I'll call a clinic first thing Monday, but some research around the topic over the weekend might be wise....

For tomorrow's practice walk she'll try a full dose of anti inflammatories and pain killers. Just a half dose today

Just a question of finding the right regime that works

I had plantar fascitis for several years and could hardly walk - especially in the morning when to get out of bed felt like a red hot spike going into my heel. My GP had a Bowen therapist working for him at the time so he sent me along. It was a miracle! After twice weekly sessions over about three weeks, the pain had disappeared but I needed about ten weeks of treatment twice weekly and then two weeks of once a week and a month of fortnightly treatment. That was 6 years ago and I have had no recurrence. Threw away my orthotics!!
I'm in Melbourne , by the way, so in Australia
Good luck with whatever you do and wishing you both Buen Camino!

 

[Robo]

I have Pat booked into the local 'Heel Clinic'.

The manager just called me. On a Sunday. Because he saw my email requesting an urgent consultation.

He spent 20 mins on the phone with me talking about treatments. How's that for service! I'll have to plug his business now

So we are booked in next week. His experience as a medical professional and a sufferer is:

Cortisone doesn't help much and works for some and not for others. If it dulls the pain too much it can 'mask' further damage. But can be 'worth a try'.

Only gentle wall stretches.

Always wear shoes, to raise the heel. Never bare feet. Slide on the shoes first thing in the morning. Stand in the shoes for 5 secs before moving, to allow the heels to adjust to bearing weight, then 'shuffle' to the bathroom so as not to stretch anything during that first bit of walking for the day..

Icing at night with feet raised. Massage the calf muscles every day. And taping may help. They will show us how to do that.

And get special heel inserts that alter the weight bearing on the heel. Getting fitted for those next week.



He has a video on his site here: http://www.heelclinic.com.au/

I felt very confident talking to him that they have good experience and good results in treating this.
Remains to be seen of course....
I have often found in the past that finding the right specialist for different conditions is the key.

Should be interesting to see how they do an assessment and treatment. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Cayou]

Two Foot and Plantar tendon exercises ...
1. Roll a golf ball or similar on the floor with the bottom of the foot. It's basically a deep massage. Let your body be your guide for how deep, etc. Don't try too hard first times out!
2. Standing on both feet flat, Lift up both arches, then rock over to lift up the outside of your feet. 10 times each = 20
Then, Lift up toes to standing back on your heels, then roll forward to be standing on your toes/ball. 10 times each for a total of 20. That's a total of 40 lifts. Three times a day should not be a problem.
The idea it to counter exercise all the foot tendons, muscles, & bones in different directions.
Repepitive walking can create tendonitis in strange areas. This allows you to mix it up. These were given to me by a running podiatist back in my triathlon days.
Good luck ROBO!

 

[smj6]

I've been slowly learning how to do a Salutation to the Sun and I've realised that many of the poses that make up this well known yoga exercise are aimed at loosening tight muscles/ tendons and are not dissimilar to the Achilles Tendopathy exercises my podiatrist gave me.
Suzanne

 

[Robo]

We are trying a few different things. Hedging our bets

Pat saw a specialist podiatrist yesterday and we are getting custom orthotics made,..

And today she had the first cortisone injection in the 'worst' foot. She was very brave. She asked me for something to bite on. I had my leather wallet ready.
She practically bite a hole through it

The other foot on Monday

Seems to be working, Fingers crossed.