my left foot!

[YoLaDu]

Can anyone speak to these places that do custom orthotics/inserts for feet? Is it worth it? Do they work? Some better than others?

My heel seems to not want to cooperate with me lately. Especially hurts in the morning when i get out of bed. It will feel better during the day when i am active, which will make me think everything is fine, but sit or lie down for more than an hour, the pain is back when i stand up to walk!

any thoughts? Any personal experiences to share?

 

[NickDanger]

The Link

 

[KazooMan]

Been there, done that.

You need to see a good ortho. Your heel could be anything from a bruise to plantar fasciitis to plantar fibromatosis. You probably have a ligament tightening up when you get off your feet.

Inserts work great as a PARTIAL TREATMENT for these types of problems. Do you have high insoles? That can contribute to these types of problems (and inserts help to fix that part of the problem). Do you go barefoot a lot? Do you replace your shoes regularly, to keep good padding in place?

One suggestion would be to do some stretches while your are sitting, or before you get up in the morning - just point your toes up and then down to stretch those tendons and ligaments.

Corticosteroid injections can help some of these problems (by reducing inflammation), but again, you need a doc that can dianose your exact problem and then recommend a fix. And it sometimes takes more than one injection, so don't give up if the first shot doesn't stop your pain. Good luck!

 

[TexinID]

I struggled with plantar fasciitis for a long time. Similar problems you mention, heal pain - bad in the morning better during the day. Basically at night the plantar facia tissue tightens up, and when you jump out of bed in the morning the weight of your body tears the tissue.

I use Superfeet inserts (can get them at REI for $35) in all my shoes. Initially I put the inserts in my slippers and would stretch (Kazoo's advice) before getting out of bed in the morning and then put my slippers on before I put any weight on my feet. I did this for several weeks. Never went barefoot during this time.

Other things that helped...freeze a can of corn and then roll your feet over it when you are watching TV, massages and ices the plantar facia. Stretch your calf and hamstrings. You can buy splints to wear at night that keep your toe pulled toward your shin, this helps keep the plantar facia stretched.

Hope you get some relief.