Run Run Away

Question:

Now for two more questions:  I assume that *someday* my foot will be totally healed.  Can it heal without a doctor?

Most people I have talked to have been able to eventually get rid of it without seeing a doctor. A lot of the advice given is the same thing that the doctor will tell you, anyway. They do not have much better advice to give (cortizone shots are frequently prescribed and rarely seem to work and surgery should be the very, very last alternative). #2  When Husband (the runner) realized that there really was something wrong with my foot, he told me to quit walking for exercise.

Most people are able to get through it by simply cutting back a little (some do not cut back at all, but…). Some people need to take a complete week or two off to get it in shape. I would continue with the treatment you are following and see if it gets better (getting over PF is not something that will happen in a week – most people seem to need anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months). Cut back your milage a little and if it contiues to get better, start slowly increasing your milage. No medical expertise – what I have just said should in no way be taken as medical advice. Employee: <http://www.kencombsrunningstore.com/ — Hank Zimmerman maintains the comp.mail.eudora.mac FAQ It can be found at <URL:http://www.ka.net/eudora/faqs/ The [Unofficial] Eudora Site: <URL:http://www.emailman.com/eudora/

Response:

 I have "plantar flatitous" (or something close to that!)

Plantar Faciitis? .  I took advil three times a day for a month

IMHO this is bad for a couple of reasons.  First, if you run on it, you can greatly injure the area more without knowing it at the time.  Basically, you have just turned off the pain alerts. Secondly, according to my Clinical Sports Medicine book ibuprofen aka Advil will weaken the heel. I assume that *someday* my foot will be totally healed.  Can it heal without a doctor?

I have several times.  I have read very bad reviews of doctors and this ailment, especially podiatrists.   My solution is 20 minute foot soaks in 50 degree water immediately after foot use, decrease activity, stretching, wear running shoes around the house, etc.  I have found that tendon type injuries can take up to 18 months for a heal, so I have learned to find alternate activities in the meantime.  For example, swimming is very good for helping the feet to heal I think. Bob

Response:

Hi! About three months ago, I wrote my first letter to you all.  I had a really strange foot injury, and I got some really nice letters, telling me what was wrong with my foot and what to do about it.  I have "plantar flatitous" (or something close to that!) I followed all your advice.  I now wear my expensive running shoes all the time instead just for walking.  I have arch supports AND heel supports in my shoes.  I took advil three times a day for a month, and I do lots of heel/foot stretching exercises.  I quit going barefoot.  The good news is I think my foot is going to live.  It’s still sore first thing in the morning (still can’t put any weight on it for a minute or two), and it’ll be sore when I get up from sitting at the computer too long.  I’ve also noticed that it gets sore when I stand too long, especially if I’m standing still.  But the foot has improved SO much, thanks to your advice. Now for two more questions:  I assume that *someday* my foot will be totally healed.  Can it heal without a doctor?  According the runners in this area, there are no good running doctors in our town.  The closest one is over half a hour away, and due to my working schedule, getting to see a doctor that far way is *very* difficult, let alone follow-up visits, PT, etc.  Can I do it on my own? #2  When Husband (the runner) realized that there really was something wrong with my foot, he told me to quit walking for exercise.  (I was walking 1-2 miles, a couple of times a week.)  In fact, he announced that I should be pain-free for a week before I go back to walking.  I, on the other hand, was wondering, if I can walk through a grocery store, down to get the mail, from the parking lot to the Little League game, why can’t I walk a mile for exercise!  Does it hurt my foot to walk a mile?  Will it slow down the healing?  Can I tell my husband that he’s crazy? Thanks again for your help! Peg

Response: