Plantar Fasciitis: How did you get rid of it?

Last time I had it I learned about "Dr Archie, "a golf ball sized piece of rubber . It rolls under the arch and works perfectly. Now, years later, I found myself in the Caribbean with no Dr Archie and fire in my heel as I tried to hobble. Dr Google mentioned a frozen lime. Whoa. Pain gone in 20 minutes and no return. Frozen lime. Who knew? Just roll it around your arch and rejoin the living.

I’ve used the splint. It lasted a long time. I find while sitting using a belt under the ball of the foot pulling up to stretch helps. Hoping you find what works.

Add the frozen lime to about six Margaritas and you won't care about the heel pain anymore.

Also, long term, you'll probably want to see a podiatrist and get some orthotics. Worked for my PF.

Over the years I've had it in each foot. Both times when the pain became unbearable I got cortisone injections and the pain went away

Cortisone helps. For me, a former marathon runner, I had to add a stretch. After stretching calves and hamstrings, I'd reach down, like a hurdler pose, and grab my big toe and pull back. Hold for 30-60 seconds, then grab the other four toes and pull them back for 30-60 seconds. This is the best way I know to stretch the PF during calf and hamstring stretches. PF is usually caused by chronic tightness in these muscles.

The good news - even if heel spurs develop - surgery is almost never required. Stretching is not an option however.

The frozen lime and margaritas sounds like the most fun though!

I also recommend calf stretching. I’m a walker who now
has no more pain. I did the usual pain relief therapies, with contrast baths being super helpful. But years later I believe it’s the calf stretching that made the difference. My calves are strong, supportive and promote foot wellness.

Roll your foot over a tennis ball. Did wonders for me

Good point. The calves become incredibly strong in runners, tennis players, and even people who walk a lot. Tight calves pull on the planter fascia through the heel. I used a device that was half-moon shaped and rocked back on it. Very effective.

I haven’t tried muscle relaxers for it, but I rarely get a severe case anymore. My pain is felt in the arch of my foot, not heel. I’m not sure if my stability has been due to me wearing Vionic shoes (built in orthotics) to support my high arches or my daily walks.

If I get any twinges of early pain, I take it easy for the day. I try not to walk on it much. My last relapse several years ago that was very painful was cured in just a few minutes when my acupuncturist just did some touch therapy on my calf and foot. I was there for something else. The procedure was so painful that I almost fainted, but well worth it, as I walked out of the office with just a little soreness and no pain! I had hobbled in. Lol Love that guy.

Celia it sounds like the problem I have - high arches.

I had heel spurs when I ran marathons but stretching solved that. My arches get extremely tight and I can feel a knot in both feet at the arch. A good deep tissue massage helps. As for orthotics, I'd only go the custom route. (I don't run anymore so the arches, PF are much better.)

Hadn't thought of acupuncture. Thanks!