These stories are based on information gathered from health
professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health
decisions.
John, age 37: I know that I am not the kind of
person who can completely stop running for as long as it would take to heal my
plantar fasciitis. The nonsurgical treatments, like ice and my night splint,
help relieve the pain, but the problem isn't getting any better. I know there
are risks involved in having surgery, and I'm willing to accept that chance if
I can keep running. My doctor has done a lot of plantar fascia surgery, and she
says that I will probably be able to run again within a few weeks.
Tomas, age 50:I have been thinking of looking
for a different job for several years now. Right now, I am on my feet all day
and I've gradually developed a lot of heel pain that my doctor says is due to
plantar fasciitis. She says it may be related to the fact that I stand all day
at work. I really don't want to have surgery, so I'm going to try some of the
treatments she suggested while I look for another job that won't require me to
stand all day.
Mary Ann, age 45:I feel like I have given all
the plantar fasciitis treatments a fair trial. I've had the problem for over a
year now, and even though it has gotten a little better, the pain still
interferes with my ability to walk or stand comfortably for very long. I'm no
athlete, but I want to be able to walk comfortably. I heard that most people
have less pain after surgery, so that's my next step.
Kate, age 47: It is ironic that my plantar
fasciitis didn't start until I started walking as part of my weight-loss
program. Losing weight is supposed to help plantar fasciitis! My doctor said it
isn't unusual for people like me, who have been inactive for a long time, to
get heel pain when they start to exercise. He recommended some home treatments,
like stretching, icing my foot, and doing another form of exercise such as
riding a stationary bicycle, while still working to lose weight. It's been over
6 months, and my foot is definitely getting better, but slowly. But the fact
that it is improving gives me hope that I can avoid surgery.
