STM+ with plantar fasciitis?

Re: STM+ with plantar fasciitis?

• enigmasara member

  July 2014

  I'll copy what I said in another post a few months ago.  I work in a podiatry office & have PF myself so I have a fair amount of experience with it!
  
  --Make sure you do stretches multiple times a day, use Google for some examples.
  --Use a golf ball or frozen water bottle to roll your foot on (enlist your SO to give you foot massages too!).
  --Make sure you are wearing good, supportive shoes at all times.  Brand isn't always an indicator, take the shoe between your two hands from front to back & see if you can squish it together easily, also see if it twists easily.  If yes to either, they aren't likely to provide enough support.
  --Do not go barefoot!
  --Don't wear heels because it puts your foot into the wrong position.
  --If you have inserts don't use the ones that seem comfy & squishy, you need firm support.  I don't recommend getting custom inserts at this time because your gait/weight/foot shape & size could change a lot between now & 6 months from now.  If it's still bothering you after you get back to your normal weight range, custom inserts (orthotics) can be a big help.
  --Wearing a night splint (you can Google & order or get one from a podiatrist) will help a ton, even though they aren't the most comfortable thing to wear at night.  You can also just wear it any time you are sitting down for an extended period if you are already having a difficult time sleeping. 
  --If you sit at a desk all day make sure to keep your feet flat on the floor, don't rest on your toes with your heels up.
  --Cortisone shots are painful while going in but they help a LOT.  Most OBs will allow for them while pregnant, some won't. Our office clears it with the patient's OB before doing the procedure.
  

  

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• enigmasara member

  July 2014

  I will add that yes, sometimes the PF will go away once you are no longer pregnant, sometimes it will stay with you.  I have had it for a few years & have to keep up on things so it doesn't get super aggravated. 
  
  If you go to a podiatrist who suggests surgery right away, look for a different doctor!  Surgery should be the very last thing they suggest.  Beyond the list that I posted above, physical therapy can also help & should always be attempted before the surgery.  The surgery is painful & takes time to recover from, so we only recommend it for our patients who have chronic, severe pain that hasn't responded to the above treatments.
  

  

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• rstarrlemaitre member

  July 2014

  thank you everyone! I've been adhering to most of these tips, and will look into a splint to wear at night
  

  
  

  
  

     
  

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• brachysira member

  July 2014

  I have had it since high school.  I don't have too many problems as an adult.  The key for me is to never ever wear flip flops.  Always wear arch supports in your tennis shoes or similar.  Read reviews of shoes you plan to buy and find out if they are supportive, especially if you're not going to be able to add arch support (e.g. sandals).  

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