Hi everyone, I've had PF in both feet for over a year now and it's total agony at times, I've tried all sorts of things, stretches, taping, insoles, ice can rolling, night splints and injections. My doctor is now referring me to the hospital for ultrasound guided injections and if that doesn't work then very possibly surgery to release the PF. I've spoken to a orthopaedic surgeon and he's advised not to have surgery to release the PF because it doesn't work. Is there anyone who has had this done who can advise me I'm desperate to become pain free
Don't be afraid of the surgery... I know of many that it helped. Didnt help me, 5 years of pain in both heels. 3 surgeries. Nerver release, gastronemius release and plantar fascia release... now I am at square one, just happy that It is not worse. Just trying to stay positive. STAND on a large, soft ice pack for several minutes, 3-4 times a day. It helps a lot. Do the stretches and pray a lot. good luck.
Hi jac69
I also have had pf in both feet for over a year
doctor said it was brought on by inadequate safety shoes
also had taping, orthotic insoles,stretching, night splints and ultrasound
had cortisone injections in april this year but they didnt work
after some consideration and speaking to a specialist i had gasrtroc release operation in both calfs to release the pf, this was six weeks ago
my feet felt not too bad at first but have been pottering about the house and the stinging feeling has returned
doc says could be result of op but feel like i m back to square one as once you have pf you certainly know the
feeling once it returns
as your gp will tell you it usually goes away through time but judging by you and me and countless others on this forum this isnt the case
you just have to remain positive
good luck
Hi Jac69, sorry to hear about your problems. Like you, I have tried all sorts of 'cures', none of them working, especially shockwave therapy which has actually made the condition worse. The one thing that has given moderate relief is making sure that whenever possible I wear quality trainers specifically made for people who over pronate (I realise it's not possible for most people to wear trainers at work etc). Talking to others I have noticed that a lot of PF sufferers also over pronate, to a greater or lesser degree. Over pronation is where your foot has a tendency to roll inwards and flatten causing pain. Most over pronators don't even know they have that tendency. (google 'over pronation'
Ordinary High St bought shoes and trainers tend to have completely flat insoles that do not give any support at all, so we go and buy 'medical inserts' that are far too hard to put in the shoes and all they do is make the pain worse!! Any decent sport shoes web site will explain this better than I can.
Even though the above does give some relief, it is not a cure. I had surgery on my right foot 12 years ago, and that was a qualified success. After many visits and more 'cures' the Consultant has agreed to operate on my left foot in Oct/Nov. There does seem to be a reluctance by the NHS to perform surgery for PF these days. Is it because they do not appreciate the pain this condition causes, or is it a financial consideration?
I hope this has been some help and that you can find something that helps relieve the pain.
Hi jeff23510 thanks for your advice. Did your operation work on your right foot? I've started wearing running shoes more (not exactly fashionable on a Saturday night) but they are easing it a little
Hi jacs,
yes, the op on my right foot was a qualified success in the sense that I do not have all the previous problems, i.e, constant pain, unable to stand for long periods etc. It's not perfect, but a heck of a lot better than it was ,and the current situation with my left foot.
Hi to all sufferers,just found out that I've got PF.I'm in total agony so my sympathy goes to all! It just happened over night while on holiday and couldn't walk next day and me thinking self inflicted! My job involves standing so now I have a big problem.How do you all deal with the excrutiating pain and have the patients to sit still.Please advise.Thanks
Hey Caroline. I can totally relate to the agony part. i woke up last Friday morning after walking the night before and when i stepped out of the bed the pain i felt in my left foot was like something from hell!! Was worse the next morning so went to A+E to be told i have PF in both but left foot worse, 5 days in and the pain just gets worse in the morning when i stand on it to a point it brings tears to walk on it.i take ibuprofen 600mg twice a day and it keeps it at bay but back to square one again next morn, Just wondering how have you been coping since is it any better? what did you do rest or exercise it ?
any info greatly appreciated thanks
Hi jeff23510,
Just wondering if you've had your operation on your left foot yet. I'm totally out of ideas now, I've got very good running shoes as you suggested. I'm now waiting to see a consultant at hospital. The pain is so bad sometimes i feel sick with every step and I'm now getting pain in my ankles. Keep my informed with your op because I'm seriously considering it myself.
Regards jac69
Hi Jac,
No, my op is scheduled for 6th November.
Really sorry to hear that your pain is bad. I understand what you are going through, as somedays, maybe after sitting for 30 mins or so, I stand up and the pain is unbearable fo a couple of minutes. Also a walk of any distance is out of the question. Did the running shoes help at all? They are the only footware that I can wear now. If I put ordinary shoes on, I mma in agony within a few minutes.
I will let you know how the op goes.
Good luck.
Hi jeff thanks for getting back to me. I have my knee operation on the 5th to trim my cartlidge so I'm gonna be in a right state lol. Trainers is all iwear now too but i work behind a bar so i can get away with it. Yeah let me know how you get on and fingers crossed for you
jac