[LisaJ]

I have been suffering from PF for 2 years and have tried everything. Has anybody had the surgery? Any advice?

[Bobcuse]

Sounds like you have tried everything but what worked for me was:

1. Cortizone shot in heel area
2. Naprosin anti inflammatory for a few days
3. Spenco arch supports in my shoes. Doctor told me to only get Spenco brand .

Never had any problems since. Been 15 years.

[mfp509]

I had surgery a long time ago in CT. I don't know the technical name for what they did - but they put a camera in my heel and snipped the tendon to release it somewhat. It did the trick. They may even do something more advanced today. I can sympathize with you - that is so uncomfortable.

[bledwards630]

Can anyone recommend a good podiatrist in or near the Villages?

[mfp509]

I've heard good things about Johnny Wu of Tri-County Podiatrists. My friend just went to him and liked him very much - she has a lot of trouble with her feet. His number is 259-1919. He's in The Villages.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by LisaJ

I have been suffering from PF for 2 years and have tried everything. Has anybody had the surgery? Any advice?

I'm sure you've tried daily icing and exercises to stretch the arch. Wearing Naot shoes 100% of the time (with removal foot beds) worked for me. Now I can go barefoot again!

[LisaJ]

I have tried everything listed above, physical therapy, cortisone shots, custom orthotics, Astym, night splints, numerous brands of shoes and my plantar fasciitis will not go away. If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know. Your feedback is VERY much appreciated! Any recommendation for a foot specialist in the area?

[Annabelle]

Originally Posted by LisaJ

I have tried everything listed above, physical therapy, cortisone shots, custom orthotics, Astym, night splints, numerous brands of shoes and my plantar fasciitis will not go away. If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know. Your feedback is VERY much appreciated! Any recommendation for a foot specialist in the area?

I injured my heel many years ago when I was running marathons. I tried everything and the only procedure that gave me any lasting relief was acupuncture. I would give it a shot (pun intended!) before resorting to something as drastic as surgery.

Occasionally my heel will become inflamed after playing tennis and I will go for a few treatments and it clears right up.

Good luck,
Annabelle

[samhass]

Lisa, I wore Birkenstocks, did the exercises, and wore the boot but the thing that cured me was a tens unit. It is a small electrical stimulation unit with pads that mildly "shocks" the nerve endings. I use it for my wrist and back also. I've had it for years and let a friend borrow it for his feet.. He liked it so much that he ordered half a dozen on the net. Back in the day they ran several hundred dollars. Now you can pick them up for around ten dollars. They are not to be used above the neck, but for other aches and pains I swear by them. Good luck.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by LisaJ

I have tried everything listed above, physical therapy, cortisone shots, custom orthotics, Astym, night splints, numerous brands of shoes and my plantar fasciitis will not go away. If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know. Your feedback is VERY much appreciated! Any recommendation for a foot specialist in the area?

Hi Lisa,
As someone else posted, my podiatrist also told me not to use any store-brand orthotics other than Spenco. Some products that claim to be orthotics are soft and/or cushy and actually worsen the PF!

Eventually, when my condition did not improve, my doctor had custom orthotics made for me. They are very hard-- nothing like the useless to harmful "custom" ones you buy at a store. The prescription ones do work for me. As long as I wear them, I'm fine. If I ever don't, I pay.

I have a tens unit that, like Samhass, I use on my wrist. It works great. I never thought to try it on my heel. But I will now!

Thanks, Sam!

[JenAjd]

I've had the plantar's facsiitis...it's very painful! Did the heal cup might have had the shot too...many years ago and can't quite remember that part. THEN I tried chiropractic and that helped immensely and I no longer suffer from the pain.

As for a podiatrist...Johnny Wu for sure!!! He's at Tri-County POdiatrists over near TV Hospital!! Best wishes with finding a provider AND relief!!!!

[dmiller51]

I used a hard spenco arch support , It worked very well. Don't go barefoot around the house wear firm shoes

[Russ_Boston]

I've had it twice. Both times the pain lasted about 6 months or so. I found the only thing that really worked for me was a rolling pin type device that I rolled my foot on from heel to toe while watching tv. This device has hundreds of little nobs that massage the bottom of the foot.

similar to this one: http://www.drfoot.co.uk/acatalog/Hee...ager_Roll.html

but mine is more rolling pin like.

[LisaJ]

Thank you for all of the advice. I also have post tibial tendonitis along with PF and am having PRP done tomorrow. PF is very debilitating!

[kaydee]

Question to Samhass.... how would one go about aquiring a tens unit for only $10. Are they sold locally? Appreciate info on this.