Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

[06honda]

I have had Plantar Fasciitis for about 2 years now and have tried over the counter inserts; pain meds; exercise; icing; and finally started seeing a Podiatrist about 9 months ago. Since that time my feet have not improved much and I am on my 2nd pair or custom built inserts that are a little softer than the first pair. Many adjustments were done on the first pair and having worn the new pair for a few weeks now there is still no change in my condition. My question is would Shockwave Therapy be the next sensible treatment option for me to try. A friend of mine who I spoke to this week had the same history as mine and decided to do this therapy. After 4-5 visits she said it helped her alot. Its a little surprising that a professional Podiatrist would have suggested this by now. Actually its is my second Podiatrist within the same office as they wanted me to have a second opinion due to the amount of adjustments needed so far. My plan is to dicusss this option on my next appt date with my Piodiatrist. Both seem to be only focused on the inserts and making adjustments. If no improvement is coming the the near future I will have to retire from working completelty. At age 56 that will be a challenge for me as I like to keep busy and be involved doing things. Thanks for any help; advice, or feedback. Sometimes I guess you have to take your own medical issues into your own hands and speakup as you can get lost in the system so to speak.

[specialmom]

Okay, so I'm not a man but have had Plantar Fasciitis.  What a pain---  literally and figuratively!  I went the insert route and had months of continued pain.  I finally decided that the inserts not only didn't help but possibly contributed to it.  I have had PF twice and really, how I got rid of it was 1. Stretching.  Stretching and more stretching of the calf muscles in particular.  And the muscles around the ankle.  Stand on a step facing it with your heels hanging off, for example.  Also, break up the facia.  You do this by taking your heal and grinding it into the edge of the step or rolling it over a tennis ball.  Massage it and ice it when in pain.  This is how I got rid of PF.  good luck