Gransnet forums

Health

Plantar fasciitis

(14 Posts)
tinaf1 Sat 21-Nov-15 20:32:04

I have been suffering with plantar fasciitis science February but am also having a sharp stabbed and burning pain on the top outside of my foot.Have seen physiotherapist and been doing various recommended exercises and also had electrical pulse treatment on the heel which now seems lot better,but cannot get rid of this pain on top side of my foot,has anyone else expierenced this

tanith Sat 21-Nov-15 20:39:23

I did have something similar when I had a really bad bout of Sciatica it was the outside edge of my foot and it went away when my Sciatica died down so I presume it was a 'nerve' thing. I now get numbness along there and my smallest toes when my back plays up which is often. Its something I've lived with for so long it only really bothers me when its very bad.

Kupari45 Mon 30-Nov-15 12:37:42

Hello tinaf1.
Apologies, just noticed your question. I have the same foot problem. I was told its the result of not putting your foot down correctly when walking. Apparently when we are in pain from P F we tend to roll the foot over when taking a step. Result is damaged muscles and nerves on outer side of foot. I was given exercises to do , but it has not relieved pain as yet. Pleased to hear the P F is a bit better. I have had it for 18 months now, its driving me up the wall.!

TriciaF Mon 30-Nov-15 14:22:17

I've had a similar thing recently. I asked the Dr. about it when I was there for a new prescription, and he thought it was osteoarthritis in the joint. Plus my fallen arches.
The bones of the foot are very complicated, there are joints all over the place.
He offered a cortisone injection which I had and that helped a lot. The pain came back after a few weeks, but then gradually went (fingers crossed.) And said support soles would help.I've noticed with other bouts of arthritis in some joints it flares up , forms a bony nodule, then the pain goes. So hoping it is that.
In other words, Tina, ask your doctor about it.

tinaf1 Mon 30-Nov-15 17:31:56

Thanks for comments Kupari 45 & Tricia F I have been visiting physio as said and doctor I saw last week re pain at top of foot has more or less reiterated what you have posted K45 heel much improved since electrical treatment and I am seeing podiatrist for orthotic insoles next week so fingers crossed.This problem seems to go on and on hope you both get sorted soon

Elrel Mon 30-Nov-15 18:08:55

About 10 years ago I had plantar fasciitis which gave me bony spurs on my heels made every step I took painful. All the doctor could suggest was possible steroid injections. Then on impulse I went into a chiropodist and asked for help. Once I was fitted with (rather expensive) orthotics to wear all the time (indoors as well as when out) the pain and spurs gradually decreased over about 6 months. The orthotics were worth every penny and my walking became pain free again.

Anya Mon 30-Nov-15 18:29:38

My DH and SiL (brother and sister) both suffer from PF and have had recurring bouts over the years. Both found insoles (orthotics?) helped and wearing a good 'walking shoe'.

It is a painful condition that can drag on, you have my sympathy.

Iam64 Mon 30-Nov-15 20:02:16

Ask for a referral to biomechanics, the podiatry department that makes orthotics . Your GP will refer you. Ive worn orthotics for years due to arthritis/back/hip problems. When I developed chronic planter fasciitis, the bio mechanic specialist made me new orthotics with a layer of cushion to protect the feet from too much pressure. My GP does some steroid injections and told me the research confirms that relief can be achieved for about 3 months but 6 months later, there is no difference in outcome for people with PF who had or didn't' have the steroid injection.
It's horrible - mine lasted 18 months and then gradually went away (thank goodness)

rosequartz Mon 30-Nov-15 20:12:44

Yes, I get that quite often, ie the pain on the top of my foot.

Sometimes it just starts when I am walking - more often shopping so on hard pavements, then other times I don't get it at all.
My feet are pretty terrible anyway; I should wear orthotics but can't get on with them at all well.

Iam64 Mon 30-Nov-15 20:44:22

The physio advised me to buy two cheap washing up bowls, just big enough for my feet. Fill one with water as hot as the hot tap provides and the other with ditto cold tap water.
Alternate soaking your feet in hot, then cold water. Believe it or not, I found this gave great relief in the early evening, by which time I was almost weeping with the pain in my feet.

TriciaF Tue 01-Dec-15 08:33:06

The trouble with wearing orthotics is they take up room in your shoes, which are then too tight, and you get corns. I do anyway.
So you need to buy new shoes, a size bigger.

Iam64 Tue 01-Dec-15 08:41:41

Exactly right TriciaF, it's often necessary to buy half or a whole size bigger to accommodate the orthotics. If it prevents pain in the feet,hips, knees etc that's fine by me.

GrandmaValerie Tue 01-Dec-15 14:40:56

Tina F1, you have my sympathy. I developed Plantar fasciitis almost 3 years ago after a bad bout of trochanteric bursitis (which was agony) and read on internet one condition can trigger the other because you walk unbalanced as Kupari45 said. It has left me with dropped arches, but nowhere near the initial pain. Sturdy Hotter shoes worked miracles, including a lightweight pair as house shoes, instead of slippers. Also orthotic inserts bought at Boots.

The "dropping heels while standing on step" exercise to stretch achilles tendons has been the best one for me, and as Lam64 recommended the bowl of hot water to soak feet. I have cold feet, so didn't try the cold water.

tinaf1 Tue 01-Dec-15 19:55:25

Grandma Valerie thanks for your imput have bought one pair of Hotter shoes they were recommended but will try your suggestion of lightweight pair instead of slippers also will carry on with dropping heels while standing on step exercise as quite a lot of people have said this is best exercise for this condition oh well best foot forward !!!!