More on Plantar Fasciitis

Wow! Excellent summary of what worked and what didn't work fixing plantar fasciitis! Got plantar fasciitis? Don't consult a doctor

-from Blisters Cramps and & Heaves

Plantar Fasciitis Survival Guide

Once you start checking out videos by William Prowse on YouTube, you'll soon discover that this is a guy that really knows his stuff. Check out his assortment of clips covering multiple aspects of preventing and treating plantar fasciitis or related heel pain. More than likely you'll find something that will work for you.

The Instant Cure for Plantar Fasciitis by Dr. Eric Berg

MY COMMENTS: This makes sense to me yet seems to be the exact opposite type of stretch usually recommended for plantar fasciitis. Check out the number of positive outcomes reported in the comments below the video.

New Therapy for Plantar Fascitis and Tendon Injuries

The study included 34 patients with a wide range of tendon and soft tissue injuries, from rotator cuff tendinitis to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. In the first stage of the two-part treatment, researchers used high-resolution ultrasound technology to guide a needle to the injured area, and the physicians repeatedly poked the tendon with the needle, inducing minor bleeding within the tissue.

“The needle breaks up nonhealing, degenerative tissue and induces bleeding, hopefully converting a chronic, degenerative injury into an acute injury that has healing potential,” Dr. Smith explains. Afterward, patients received an injection of concentrated platelets from their own blood. The platelets release growth factors into the area to start the healing process.

-Tendon injuries see improvement with new combo therapy: Mayo Clinic

Morton's Toe and What To Do About It

Is your second toe longer than your big one?

I haven't thought about Morton's Toe for years until I stumbled onto this. According to Dr. Burton Schuler in his book titled Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot, Mortons Toe can cause the following problems; back pain, hip pain, knee pain, leg pain, plantar fasciitis, calf pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, corns and calluses, bunions, fallen arches, ankle pain, heel pain, arch pain, weak ankles, hammer toes, tired feet (all over), neuromas, burning feet, shooting pains in the toes, stress and march fractures, night cramps (restless leg syndrome), temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), diabetic foot ulcers."

The good news is Schuler claims he helps patients treat these conditions by simply taping a pad under the bone just under your big toe. Check out his website for additional information on common foot ailments.

It's worth a try, but I am also very intrigued by what other gems of information you might discover in this book.

Are Skechers Shape-Ups a Cure for Heel Pain?

I've had problems with plantar fasciitis for a while, so these shoes are a godsend! It is now hard to wear any other pair of shoes. Well worth the money. -review of Skechers Shape-ups on amazon.com.

Recently I've been increasing my running, and while the majority of time I don't feel any heel pain running, I do usually have discomfort walking around the rest of the day.

Today I think I've found the answer. I tried on a pair of Skechers Shape-ups at the Camp Humphreys PX, and knew immediately I had to have a pair. All I can say is they are nothing I've ever worn before, and I can now forget about deciding which inserts to wear. They feel amazing!

You need to order 1/2 size big.

Is Wearing Less Better?

"I believe that in the next five years, there will be a shift in shoe design to shoes like Vibram FiveFingers and that the current shoe designs are old-school," he says. "By running barefoot, I have strengthened the supporting muscles in my feet and ankles and my running has improved out of sight." -adventure racer Josh Stevenson -dallasnews.com

MY COMMENT: Go very easy at first! Check out more reviews at amazon.com-For example:

a.) 11 years of plantar fasciitis (on and off again)
b.) one article in Men's Health on the Tarahumara Indians
c.) one book called Born to Run
d.) 2 months of barefoot exercises to build up the foot muscles and calluses
e.) 1 pair of vibram KSOs
f.) 2 weeks of burning calf muscles
g.) no more foot pain

I think the shoe companies and podiatrists might have a lot to learn.

Seriously, I think these may have cured me. Time will tell, but the results have been far more impressive than anything else I've tried. It takes a while to get the stride ride, but it makes running more fun - particularly in the grass.

Here is a quote from a different reviewer who presents both sides:
On the flip side, What I don't like:
These shoes take longer than a normal shoe to put on. There is improvement with practice, but still, I don't think that you can just "throw them on," and bolt out of the locker room, or your front door. Particularly, because I recommend training in them with the toed socks which seem to prevent hot spots, and these socks really take about a minute to put on. The shoes, after some practice, can be done in about 30-40seconds.
Also, when running on rocks (on a trail for example), you do feel them. Finally, unlike the Nike 3.0's, you really don't have the option of a heel strike, and they are brutal when running on concrete.

They are not cheap but might be something to consider, at least for a few miles a week on soft surfaces. Order here.