When we last chatted (translate-I whined to you) about my left foot, I said that I took matter into my own hands. I have mounted a full-on attack to my plantar fasciitis (PF as known by the cool kids.) What exactly is PF? The plantar fascia, or arch tendon, is a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the front of the foot and functions to support the arch. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition that is brought about by overuse of the fascia due to: running, jumping, bearing significant weight for long periods of time, a lack of arch support in shoes or dancing (in aforementioned naughty shoes.)
The pain is the worst in the heel with the first steps of the morning, because the natural position of the foot while sleeping is with the foot relaxed and the toes slightly pointed down. Go ahead and try it, especially if you are reading this in bed. Snuggle in like you are sleeping and check out your feet. See? Toes are down, and in this position the plantar fascia is the shortest. Overnight, the tissue contracts slightly and when we step out onto the floor in the morning, the foot flexes and that terrible pain is actually micro tearing of the fascia. The cycle repeats itself each day and night. Time to shut.this.down. My plan:
1. When I was at the mean foot doctor she asked if I would like for her to tape my foot. I said yes, and the extra support did feel good under my arch. I googled (of course I did, because you know me and that’s how I ride) and ordered some KT Tape and learned how to wrap my foot for PF. Now- they show a trainer taping a foot but the trick is to do this on your own foot, but with practice, I can and I like the extra support.
- My taping job!
2. I am taking Advil to reduce the inflammation. My co-worker who has hip issues swears by Aleve for joint pain vs. Advil for headache. Naproxen vs. Ibuprofen? Are all NSAIDs alike? What do you all say? Leave me a comment and I’ll update us in the next post.
3. This is the big one. I was bold and asked the mean podiatrist for an Ankle Dorsiflexion Dynasplint. She said, “Yea- I can give you a night splint.” Now I don’t know about you, but when I peruse Sky Mall and other foot catalogues (yup-they found me. I am on several mailing lists) for “Night Splints” that sock with band attached to the toes does not look legit. And the black boot thing? I feel like I would get claustrophobic in that thing. And the arch girdle? I think not. So, I was bold. I named the splint that I wanted and got the prescription. A few days later, I met with my consultant for my custom fitting and took my Ankle Dorsiflexion home.
Tomorrow’s post- The Saga of My Left Foot- Dynasplint-ing! (with a cool giveaway)
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