[pct-l] Plantar Fascitis

[Reinhold Metzger]

Richard,
I had the exact same problem 8-10 month ago.
It happened while I was trying really hard to get my legs in shape for my
JMT marathons.
Jogging backwards up & down the hills on my toes really gives my calves a
workout but, as a result, it also puts a lot of strain on my ''plantar
fasciitis'' and caused minute tears in the ''pf'' resulting in the same
symptoms you are experiencing.
After a month or two I finally saw a Kaiser Podiatrist.
He described the problem as follows:   Any movement that repeatedly puts to
much stretch on the arch and therefore on the''pf'' can cause the ''pf'' to
tear or pull away from the heel bone resulting in the pain you are
experiencing.
Rest, avoiding activities that tend to stretch the arch and arch supports to
reduce stretching of the arch and ''pf'', while the tear is healing are
recommended.
What caught my attention is that among other things you have been applying
heat and doing arch stretching exercises which are specifically ''do not's''
on the Kaiser Podiatry Handout.
If you would like a copy of that handout e-mail your address or fax and I
will send one to you.
What you might need is a special arch support that is made to the exact
contour of your arch for maximum arch support and to relieve stress on your
''pf'' while it is healing.
Since you have a tendency to sprain your ankle you might want to look for
boots that resist rolling over.
When I shop for shoes or boots the first thing I do is to try to role them
over.
If they role, I don't want them. If they are almost impossible to role I
will consider them.
Some boots and shoes are much more resistant to rolling than others.
Usually, he wider the foot box & the sole the more resistance to rolling.
Vasque & Hi -Tec usually have wide foot boxes and don't role very easy but,
it may vary from model to model.
In any case, after 3-4 month of taking it easy, the pain went away and I am
fully recovered.
Hope you get well soon.

JMT Reinhold
Your formerly plantar fasciitis suffering and hobbling trail companion