Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Another Doc, No Relief

I had an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist with Group Health today for the continuing problem of persistent plantar fasciitis. I told him the flare up had begun last August, that I did stretches, ices, taped, wore orthotics and supportive shoes, have had two cortisone shots, have used a night splint since January, and had even decided to lose weight. I had another x-ray, and yes I have a heel spur, and yes, it appears to be plantar fasciitis. "Sometimes it takes as much as a year to get rid of it", said Dr. Walker. I know, 'Walker' is a perfect name for an orthopedic foot guy. I liked him very much. But. I got two more stretching exercises to do, and a felted 'doughnut' to wear in my shoe. I have already abandoned the doughnut. Unless it is supposed to work by making my heel hurt so much I won't notice the other pain, I don't think it's going to be a solution. I may try again another day, or look for a commercial gel product. I have three months to dedicate myself to the new stretching exercises. If the problem persists, I will return for another visit. About one out of twenty-five with this problem end up having surgery. I will do that as a last resort. It's all just a big pain. And speaking of pain, which rhymes with rain, I thought if March came in like a lion it was supposed to go out like a lamb. It's not looking very sweet and fluffy out there to me. Baaa!

17 comments:

  1. Linda, I'm so sorry that foot continues to bother you. You're far more patient than I would be about it.

    We're coming up on your time of year, and I want you to be pain free to enjoy it.

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  2. I fought that years ago and got relief only by stopping walking for exercise for several months until it healed and wearing good arch supports. Good luck, I know how it hurts and you are such an active person...

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  3. it's so frustrating isn't it
    I hope it eases up soon

    Happy Belated Anniversary
    you were an exquisite bride

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  4. Hang in there. I hope the stretching helps. People laugh at me and my crazy solutions, but I will tell you that after almost a year of doing all kinds of treatments for planar fasciitis, I finally got rid of it by walking.

    I had a pair of crocs. (Those shoes everyone thinks are ugly.) I took them to Hawaii with me. My heel hurt so bad when we got there, I thought it would ruin the vacation. I was with some girl friends. They wanted to walk up to Diamond Head. I put on the crocs, only because they were cushy, and walked up there from our hotel. We only walked up and rode down in a limo or taxi.

    When I got back to the hotel the pain was gone. It never came back. Who knows if the cushion in the heel as I walked helped or if it just finally was healed on its own, but I left on the walk in pain and came back very tired but pain free.

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  5. Linda, that is a wonderful story by Retired English Teacher. I wish the same for you!

    However, isn't it true that staying off that foot for awhile helps? Lin indicated it helped her.

    Whichever remedy you choose, I hope it is a permanent fix for you!!!

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  6. Sounds very painful, Linda. Hope you find some relief soon.

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  7. I love the Dr. Walker name for your podiatrist. I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing problem with your feet. That's aggravating! A heel spur? Good grief! A year? I'm so so sorry, Linda.

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  8. I've had plantar fasciitis and know how painful it can be. I think I've told you this before: while in China I went for one of their wonderful foot massages. 110 minutes and $5 later, the pain was gone. That was an unexpected surprise, because I hadn't gone for the massage with the idea of losing the foot pain. Once in awhile I feel a slight twinge, just enough to remind me I once had plantar fasciitis. A thorough foot massage is worth a try....

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  9. So sorry about you foot! don't you just want to scream, "Just fix it!!"?

    And the white 'fluffy' we got here last night in the form of snow. Sheesh! Nothing appreciable, though.

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  10. It must be so aggravating to keep looking for relief from the medical profession and not getting it. And I must say you are certainly doing everything and then some to cure the pain.

    Got home last night and weighed myself this morning to see how bad the damage was from five days of being off the calorie counting plan. Only two pounds, and I'm back on as of today...

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  11. Darn there is nothing worse than persistent pain. I hope you find some relief soon. Speaking of funny doctor names, my back surgeons name is Hacker. Scared me at first but he was great.

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  12. I totally agree with you...March is NOT leaving like a lamb!
    Hey, I have plantar fascitis as well; no fun, is it? URGH...
    I wish you luck with the exercises and keep at it; beats the alternative!

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  13. BTW...I love your old wedding photos and congrats to you and hubby!

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  14. You didn't say what kind of orthotics you have. I have computer-generated custom orthotics that were the only thing that worked for me. I've been wearing them for ten years.

    My sister had "custom" orthotics when she came for a visit last summer. She went to my guy for her own pair and cried when she tried them on. They work for her.

    Check out Shane's Foot Comfort Center in Shoreline. It's worth the drive.

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  16. I had this complaint several years ago so I really sympathize with you Linda. I hope you can get some relief for it soon.

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  17. Hi there!

    Rain saddens people. Probably because of the gloominess associated with it, especially the dark skies. But me, no, I love it! I am more excited to curl in bed while the rain pours.

    Hope you had a great time biking. Which reminds me - I want to go biking.

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