Plantar Fasciitis - what helped you? Advice really welcomed.

Mine was caused, the GP said, by wearing high heels for many years. I now wear trainers with trousers or something with a small, chunky heel.

When I had this condition, my husband made me a slant board to stand on when I washed up! I found it helpful. www.youtube.com/watch?v=geHsrYk7ies&ab_channel=BruceA.Ulrich

I also have this, had it years ago as well. When I first had it I went to a podiatrist who did a foot scan and made some custom built orthotics (in-soles). I also did the tennis ball thing but with a really hard rubber dog ball and rolling my foot with a bottle of frozen water. I also tried the exercises on a step. It took months to go so I'm not sure which of these worked. At the moment it is really bad when I have been sitting and get up to walk again. I find that wearing crocs instead of slippers helps and I always wear hotter trainer/shoes with the orthotics. It is a horrible condition, and it does take a long time to clear up for some people.

Ice cold can of cola under foot, roll backwards and forward...worked for me

Worst possible footwear is anything resembling ballet flats.

Might add that 2 of my BiLs also had it. Both paid hundreds of pounds for specially paid insoles, with no better results than I had from my £25 Scholl jobs from Boots.

Heel inserts and the knobbly balls you put in the tumble drier, much better than a tennis ball. I also used a ice cold bottle of water to roll under the foot. Good luck

SueSocks

I also have this, had it years ago as well. When I first had it I went to a podiatrist who did a foot scan and made some custom built orthotics (in-soles). I also did the tennis ball thing but with a really hard rubber dog ball and rolling my foot with a bottle of frozen water. I also tried the exercises on a step. It took months to go so I'm not sure which of these worked. At the moment it is really bad when I have been sitting and get up to walk again. I find that wearing crocs instead of slippers helps and I always wear hotter trainer/shoes with the orthotics. It is a horrible condition, and it does take a long time to clear up for some people.

My children couldn’t understand why sometimes I could walk perfectly fine and other times I was hobbling. I do spray magnesium oil onto my feet these days for another condition and wonder if it would help with plantar fasciitis. If I remember right I used to get cramp in my calves, too.

Until I bought Orthotic insoles from Amazon I could barely walk to the end of the road a few years ago. The insoles are hard and took a while to get use to however well worth it as it meant I wasnt hobbling about and could go out. PF did go eventually and I'm sure the insoles helped as they supported the arch.

Anyone tried a Tens machine? I would have thought that might help.

I think I tried almost everything.
Ball rolling underfoot, rolling an iced can, stretching exercises given by a physio, a rigid boot to use when sleeping, foot massage rollers, hot foot baths, iced foot baths, special insoles, foot massage and finally a steroid injection which worked within days.
That was a few years ago. Several months ago I felt it was returning and I have kept it at bay doing many of the above but if it gets to the stage of being fearful of getting out of bed again then I’ll ask for another injection.
I have a close friend who had shock therapy which worked for her.
For those of you coping with the excruciating pain these are my recommendations.
First thing in the morning before getting out of bed stretch your legs and point you’re toes then bring them up by more than 90deg. and hold at the highest point. Keeping your legs rigid and toes pointing towards your face push your heels as far as you can bringing your toes even further towards your shin.
This seems to counteract the overnight seizing up.
Next do not go barefoot or wear any flat shoes such as flip flops, slippers or ballerina flats. On rising immediately put on trainers, or very comfortable shoes ideally with orthotic insoles. I found the insoles from Aldi and Lidl for well under a fiver just as good as my £25 Scholls.
A slightly built up heel is wonderfully comfortable. I eventually discovered Fitflop shoes and sandals - bliss but expensive.
Avoid memory foam soles you need firmer but resilient cushioning.
Stand on a small step with just the balls of your feet and toes then holding onto something lower your heels as far as you can go then raise yourself onto your toes. Repeat holding yourself with the heels lowered. Do this several times and repeat throughout the day.
Lastly do some hamstring stretches several times a day. Google the exercises.
I’d love to hear what worked best for you.

These worked for me. I have black ones and wear them all day.