Avoid Cortisone Shots
★☆☆☆☆
(Midland, Texas, U.s.a.)
08/09/2011
I acquired a raging case of plantar fasciatis that actually crippled me. I was driving long distances constantly - for years - in a small car with no cruise control. Every time I reached my destination, I would have to crawl on my hands and knees and would have extreme pain for days and weeks on end. My brother built me a pair of sandals with a donut hole in the heel of my right foot... That did no good. Coincidentaly, I had a friend who was undergoing a series of steroid injections to the heels and described it as the worst thing that she had ever endured. I said, "Self; I ain't doin' that. "
What worked like magic for me: I borrowed my husband's 2 inch belt and fastened it into a loop. I would lay on the sofa and put part of the belt on the ball of my foot and pull upward. My goal was to see how far I could pull my foot toward my shin bone, pretending that I was going to touch the shin with my big toe. My timing was for as long as a set of commercials last on t. V. Programs, then give it one, last, long, strong pull - release. I did that for 2 weeks - but the fasciatis was 75% better within 72 hours.
Oh, I also put a can of soup on the floor on my side of the bed and forced all my weight onto my arch first thing in the morning for 5 minutes. From Internet research, I found an illustration that explained this disorder so clearly. The foot being in a 45 degree angle for many hours (on a gas pedal) had allowed my plantar fascia to shrink; the calcaneous (heel bone) was building a calcification ledge trying to reach for the facia. It is not exactly a 'spur'. Don't let anyone give you injections - or God forbid surgery - without trying this remedy.
(Chicago, IL)
12/19/2014
I can totally sympathize with what you're going through. In my line of work I'am on my feet all day, everyday. For the past three years I've been in constant pain. I have tried everything that my foot doctor recommended. The expensive foot insoles, cortisone shots and foot exercises. I feel like this is ruining and running my life. Nothing works. I use to be very active. Not anymore. Please tell me that the Apple cider vinager and baking soda has helped.
(VA)
08/29/2021
I had a cortisone shot, physical therapy, done various stretches to try to quell the terrible pain in my heal when I walked. Finally, after reading all the comments I bought the inserts on the website https://heelthatpain.com within 2 days wearing them, my pain vanished.
B-12
★★★★★
(New Zealand)
12/14/2020
★★★★★
I've had Plantar Fasciitis for months and lately could hardly walk at times the pain was so bad. I've always kept cider vinegar but haven't used it for a while.
Last night my son had a tummy bug so I made a bottle of cider vinegar water to help ward of bugs (hate being sick) and low and behold this morning my foot feels so much better... surely it can't be that? So I looked it up and found all that its helped all of you people. Wow!!!
(USA)
12/14/2020
Annette,
I have suffered with PF since spring this year. I have tried so many things, ACV included, and nothing helped. I hope the ACV has a lasting effect for you.
If not, I happened upon a remedy recently that has really done the trick in a short time. Dr.Berg says don't massage the soles of feet and do not stretch the calves. Instead, cross leg of affected foot (man style) and stretch your toes downward using your hand to force the stretch, then relax. Repeat 10 times, or more. This will stretch the top of your foot and your shin muscles and will relax the under side of the foot.
You can position yourself to stretch the same target areas by kneeling on your bed, then lowering your hips to sit on your heels. Use a pillow between your hips and legs if you are not able to sit all of the way down on your heels.
This works! It is effective instantly, although it may take several days for the sole or heel to heal completely. I massaged my feet and stretched my calves faithfully through the months and kept my heel chronically irritated. I am stunned that this simple stretch ended my suffering.
(Melbourne, Australia)
07/21/2021
(Okanagan)
12/15/2020
Thank you Lindy for mentioning Dr. Berg's exercises. I looked them up on YouTube and will start doing them today.
2 Simple Stretches / Exercises to Fix Plantar Fasciitis: Dr Berg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXdlPuKfyXs
Cheers,
Tessa
Tessa,
The link you sent regarding Dr. Berg's advice on exercises for plantar fasciitis are excellent! I am feeling instant relief from these. Thanks:)
(Montreal)
06/23/2022
Thank you for sharing this video, Tessa!
(CT)
07/21/2021
Hi Joanne,
Check out an electric shiatsu foot massager with compression (massage, heat, and compression in one machine is the best).
It's pricey, but it does a phenomenal job. I owned one for 3 years and it makes a huge difference when used regularly. My feet get very sore from 22 years of karate and this machine helps immensely.
When I moved across the country recently, I didn't have room for my first cloud massager in my pod, so I gave it away (seriously dumb thing to do). Before ordering another one last December, I tried 2 other less expensive foot shiatsu massagers.. sent one back and gave the other away. NO COMPARISON. This one is the best on the market in my opinion. Unfortunately, it's pricey at $350.
Here's the website... which I see is offering a $120 discount right now.
https://cloudmassage.com/collections/all/products/shiatsu-foot-massager-machine
Read the reviews on Amazon and you'll see how much it has helped people with PF.
https://www.amazon.com/Shiatsu-Foot-Massager-Machine-Circulation/dp/B074P2M8N8
If that link doesn't work for you in Australia, search Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine -Increases Blood Flow Circulation, Deep Kneading, with Heat Therapy -Deep Tissue, Plantar Fasciitis, Diabetics, Neuropathy.
(Okanagan)
07/21/2021
Hi Joanne G. -
I actually found the following tip on Earth Clinic and it worked for me.
2 Simple Stretches / Exercises to Fix Plantar Fasciitis (Dr. Berg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXdlPuKfyXs
Dr. Berg has many wonderful, easy-to-understand videos. He explains things simply and with the layperson in mind.
There are also a number of very good remedies in the following Earth Clinic link. Not everything works for everybody but you might get lucky.
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/plantar-fasciitis-treatment-alternative-medicine.html
Cheers,
Tessa
B-12
★★★★★
(Idaho)
11/03/2022
I believe the correct measurement is micrograms (mcg), not milligrams (mg). 7000 mg of B-12 would be a huge dose and possibly dangerous.
Boots
★★★★★
(Cleveland, Ohio)
05/22/2009
Hi, that sounds like a terrific and simple remedy, but I wanted to point out that the condition that you are describing is not a heal spur. Heal spurs are on the under side of the foot and are due to prolonged cases of plantar fasciitis in which the fascia becomes detached from the bone and a little bump of bone grows in its place. It is the damage to the fascia that causes the pain, not the bone spur itself.
(Cordoba, Spain)
11/09/2012
Not a heel spur? What do I have then? I have a big lump on the back of my heel, at the top of the heelbone. My achilles tendon rubs over it and everytime I sit down it gets really stiff. I can hardly walk! I've read through most of the comments and I don't think any of them will work for me. This has developed WHILE I was taking a daily shot of ACV and Turmeric. I also take 3mg of creatine daily. I want to stop this pain because it's driving me mad. Its getting so bad that I dream about being able to doing sports which involve impact X)
Borax Soak
★★★★★
I went through 9 months of plantar fasciatis generated from heel spurs as it turns out. I tried orthotics, heel cups, new shoes, ibuprofen, ice, heat, pulse massager, and copius amounts of beer (beer not necessary, I know).
Untill one day when I read this board and said, "what could I possibly lose". I bought borax, powdered 20 mule team, poured warm water into a container and plenty of powder. never measured, I was just not hesitant to add.
24 hours later, I was better. 2-3 days into it I could feel something happenning as my foot soaked. I was so far gone that it's taken 9 - 10 days of soaking but i'm finally awaking pain free and I feel but a little sting every now and then.
I will continue to wrap and cushion my arch and my heel, as well as soak until it's all gone. Happy soaking all!!
(New 5)
04/11/2021
How much borax do you use to soak your foot in the water. How much water? Is borax a poison?
EC: No, borax is not a poison!
Calc. Fluor 6X
★★★★★
There are quite a few homeopathic remedies for these two conditions, but I recommended only one remedy to make it easier and simpler for her.
I recommended Calcarea Fluorica 6x (CF) which is commonly used for heel spurs and rarely suggested for plantar fasciitis.
https://www.pureformulas.com/calcarea-fluorica-6x-500-tablets-by-hylands.html
Her two doctors told her that her only option was surgery, but she also has another condition that I do not understand and is as yet undiagnosed. This condition from her description of it, sounds like seizures. She had one of these episodes while at the doctor's office and when he saw it, he told her that surgery is no longer an option for her with this seizure like condition. Needless to say she was distraught after the doctor told her that he had no treatments to offer her and she would have to use a wheel chair for the rest of her life. So my sister asked if I would recommend something for her friend, which I did.
She started on it as soon as she got the CF and about 1 1/2 months later, she reported that the inflammation had diminished to almost nothing and according to her doctor, the plantar fasciitis was much improved, but the bone spurs were still an issue. I had told her at the outset to allow 3 months to see benefit.
At two months she reported that the plantar fasciitis was no longer an issue and the heel spurs were about 95% resolved and her doctors were very surprised at these changes as they had told her that surgery was the only remedy and she was not a candidate for the surgery. All this was good news, but the best news was that she is now walking with a cane and no longer needs a wheelchair!
She is very happy! Her seizure like events have also diminished in quantity and intensity! At 2 1/2 months in, Jane remains on this regimen to see if she can reach 100% recovery. I will suggest regular exercise to try and recover muscle strength in her legs. Being in a wheelchair all the time has no doubt weakened her leg muscles and strengthening those muscles now, will help keep her more stable on her feet and much less likely to fall.
In addition to the homeopathy remedy, I had suggested the use of mag oil or Epsom salt foot soaks with borax. I had also suggested icing to help get the inflammation under control initially and after initial control, to be used only on an as needed basis. That is the whole remedy that was very successful for Jane.
I just wanted to do an update on Jane who had heel spurs and plantar fasciitis in both feet that meant that the only way for her to get around was with a wheelchair as the pain was intolerable if she tried to stand on her feet.
As of about 3 months of the treatment plan, both feet are now pain free and her doctors are amazed. Regarding her seizure like issues, she reports that this issue has diminished a bit more also.
It sounds like Jane is going to have a very nice Christmas this year after her doctors had told her about 5 months ago that they could do nothing to help her and that she would remain in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
Art
(Staten Island, NY)
07/25/2022
Can you tell me a good dosage of calc flour 6x for plantar fasciitis…..how many pills? how many times per day? I am tired of being in pain everyday….thank you!
Marie,
She used the recommended dose on her bottle which was 4 pellets dissolved under the tongue 3 times per day and she said that worked for her, but the bottle says it can be taken even more often in acute conditions.
Art
Calcium
★★★★★
(Ontario Canada)
08/29/2013
Cod Liver Oil
★★★★★
I take 2 teaspoons of lemon-flavored cod liver oil mixed up well with 2 teaspoons of milk once a day. Cod liver oil thins the blood, so if you are on blood thinners such as Plavix or Coumadin do not take it! Also, if you have an upcoming surgery, do not take for two weeks before hand! (and a bit after). Pregnant and breastfeeding moms should also avoid! Do your research!
Once you are on it, you can skip a dose or two, but if you stop it, the pain will return! When you stop it for a few days, you realize the benefits you were receiving from it! So, my plantar fasciitis is much better, but not cured.
(Morristown Tn)
02/24/2016
★★★★☆
A friend recommended fermented cod liver oil to me for my plantar fascitis. She swears it cured her husband and son-n-law. I took one dose and can already tell it is helping. It is absolutely disgusting to take but if it will help I'm willing to continue.
Cut a Hole in Insoles
★★★★★
Diatomaceous Earth
★★★★★
Dietary Changes
I started to look into foods that cause inflammation and got out my Eat Right For Your Blood Type. I am type A+
I should be eating vegetarian and I do prefer veggies and fruits. I was surprised to see that a few of my avoid foods are coconut, oranges, bananas and they have been in my daily diet!
I thought the diet was kinda goofy but was going to give it a try. I have eliminated all of my avoid foods and have been eating mostly my beneficial foods for my blood type.
I am noticing that I am not feeling bloated and my joints and feet feel way better! I am going to keep trying this eating plan to see if it's just a fluke or if there is something to this eating plan.
I will update in a few weeks to let everyone know how things are going.
(Uk)
01/20/2014
★★★★★
The blood Type works like a dream. May I suggest that you read the Book "live right for your type" its more up to date and takes into account many more things. although the first book is still brilliant. Secretor status is one of the most important things. This can change the foods that are beneficial. The blood test is not expensive. Feel free to contact me if you need further info.
While you are at it I would also get an "MN" blood group test done to see if you are MM, NN or MN... that can make a bif difference to especially if you are "MM or NN". Good luck and lucky you for finding the blood type diet.
Hi my name is Maria, I'm suffering from two herniated discs in my lower bCk and 2 in my neck, my knees are badand I also have plantar fasciitis. I'm in constant excruciating pain. I read your post how can I get the blood test? Is there anything you can recommend? I really appreciate it I'm 49 years old. I feel like I'm falling apart.
(Ohio)
01/20/2014
People don't pay attention to the blood type diet, because nobody makes money on the diet, but it works. I have the blood type diet typed on paper, so it's easy to follow, trying to copy and paste, if I can figure it out I'll send it.
(Tx)
01/21/2014
I bought two books on the blood type diet and also found the cards that you can carry in your purse. I'm learning pretty fast what foods to avoid but hate not eating some of my favorites such as bananas, oranges, mangos and coconut!
It's a good thing I love eating more vegetarian but I need to figure out how to get in my carbs, protein and good fats. I also try to avoid eating anything processed so the blood type food plan should be easy once I get the hang of it!
Thanks for offering to forward your info but don't worry if you can't copy and paste it.
(Tx)
01/21/2014
I was told by my Naturopath dr to start eating vegetarian years ago because I had A+ blood. He also ran tests on me and showed me that my alkaline phosphatase was so low that it didn't even register on the lab charts! Type As have low levels to begin with.
I tried it but it got hard to make two different meals so I went back to making healthy but not good for your type foods. Now I am noticing that my body feels lighter and I am not hurting as much. It seems like a fluke but I am going with my gut feeling and will stick to eating more vegetarian for the time being. I also notice that I'm not clearing the phlegm from my throat!
Thanks for all of the ideas!
(USA)
08/18/2024
I had herniated disc years ago and it resolved with a couple of network chiropractic adjustments. For Plantar fasciitis, I followed the Lysine protocol I found here a few months ago and have stunning results in just a little over one day! I thought my walking days were over. There were only 4 posts I think but they were all 5* and I had plenty of Lysine so I did it and it worked. Here's the EC link: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/plantar-fasciitis-treatment-alternative-medicine3.html#lysine
wishing you blessings from God and speedy healing!
DMSO
★★★★★
I used DMSO on my friend's feet, with a thin layer of Castor Oil first, and then 3 drops of straight liquid DMSO, on each. He felt so much better after just 1 treatment! We are continuing this treatment. While doing a deep dive into how DMSO heals so efficiently, I found asStudy that said it heals by correcting the DNA back to what it's supposed to be doing, in whatever body part is sore. I order it from the DMSO store, online or it can be found at any good health food store in North America. Feel well, lovely Earthclinic community!
Foam Roller
★★★★★
(Tennessee)
05/28/2015
Rocker shoes are awesome and offer much needed comfort to those of us with Plantar Fasciitis. I have had shots to kill the nerves, surgery to repair, 400 dollar insoles, steroid shots, Tens unit and so on. My doctor is recommending a new treatment to use ultrasound waves to damage my heal further and cause it to be extremely inflamed so my body will heal it. This is the first I have been on this site. gonna try ACV.
(Massachusetts)
05/29/2015
My friend cured his heel spurs by soaking his heels in magnesium oil for 5-10 minutes every night before bed.
(Nm)
07/08/2017
More instructions please. How much mag oil to water? Hot, cold?
In excruciating pain both feet with PF. I'm desperate for relief. Thanks.
(Nv)
07/09/2017
You can buy magnesium oil at any health food store and apply straight to any area of pain/stiffness. I would just take a handful and rub it into the feet.
(Mi)
04/03/2018
What I've learned is that you need more magnesium than calcium to heal your plantar fasciitis. The reason that you have heel spurs is that you are taking in way too much calcium and it is depositing into your muscles and heel area. 80% of people in the U.S. are majorly deficient in magnesium. You need it in your body for so many different processes. Get some magnesium spray or gel and rub it over your feet and legs. It absorbs right into the area that needs it most. I've had plantar fasciitis for 9 months now and am finally getting some relief by simply taking in more magnesium. Also, you should take a really good quality vitamin/mineral supplement because magnesium needs some cofactors in order for it to work such as vitamin B6.
(Boston)
04/05/2018
I agree on the magnesium. Years ago my then boyfriend had this, and he would sit with his feet in my lap and I would put some magnesium oil in my hands and he would put his heels resting in them. Helped in just a few days. Soak your feet in magnesium oil or epson salts. Should help fairly quickly.
Foam Roller
★★★★★
(Roanoke, Va)
08/25/2011
Sketchers have now come out with a newly designed shoe that is awesome! If purchasing the heavier, larger profile "rocker", please use caution with wearing these - you need to break them in gradually - meaning gradually wear them longer each time you put them on. I've talked to a few people who have had pulled tendons and other problems from putting them on and wearing them for long periods of time without slowly breaking them in.
The newest shoes are softer, the sole is split to make it very flexible, and they weigh next to nothing. I am very pleased with them and didn't have to break them in much as the profile is smaller. After my raves, two other friends of mine bought them and love them as well. I am hopeful that this will help me continue to walk regularly and that they soft soles will hold up and not break down quickly. Koodos to Sketcher for coming up with these shoes!!
I am dealing the a heel spur now along with tendonitis in my elbow. Both occured at the same time after a minor accident from getting trapped beneath a large trash can that was filled to the brim with rocks, soil, and grass clumps. I figured the shock to my system may have been the cause of the two. I am going to give some of the ideas here a try and will post my results as things progress. After reading many suggestions, and because I am cautious as to what I put into and onto my body, I believe I'll begin with taking the AVC (hope I can handle the taste! ) and increase my calcium, magnesium (aids in calcium absorption), and vita D - all of which you need more of as you age anyway. I will strongly suggest purchasing only good quality suppliments and stay away from drug store, grocery store brands. Do your homework when shopping for suppliments and consider only using those purchased from natural food stores or Shak.... products (don't know if I can name specific companies or not).
(Middle Of, Indiana)
10/17/2012
To Cathy from Roanoke: I also developed plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow around the same time, early last year. I am 45 now.
I asked, but the doctor and physical therapist told me that these two conditions had nothing to do with each other, but I just felt that they did.
It seems that all my connective tissues have suddenly taken a turn for the worse, without an obvious reason. I feel that my entire body is more fragile than it was, and don't know why. Maybe I'm lacking some substance (mineral or vitamin etc. ), or maybe I have taken too much of something in the past few years (I do take quite a few supplements), or maybe there is something going wrong within my physical structure.
The physical therapist said that it was just aging, but I don't know if aging (in the early 40s) happens that fast, like from going to feeling just fine and pretty resilient physically, to feeling like things were quickly breaking down due to only minor stresses and strains being put upon them -- from one month to the next. And then not getting any better, even after a year of living very healthfully and trying several treatments.
(Nc)
09/12/2017
Could you tell me what type of "Sketchers" you got? I was wearing the Go Walks and my foot doctor said this is what caused my plantar fasciitis. Thanks so much!
Foot Steam
★★★★☆
A couple of weeks ago I noticed my heel felt better after a shower, so I was thinking maybe heat is the answer. Then I was disappointed because a heating pad didn't do much, But then I tried moist heat and it has helped tremendously! I just heat up some water in a small saucepan and put my foot over the steam (be careful not to burn yourself!).
