Turns Out, I'm Twisted

I've been coping with plantar fasciitis for about a year now. It's a problem where the fascia, or thick connective tissue, on the bottom of the foot (providing support for the foot arch and muscles), becomes damaged and/or inflamed. There`s lots of reasons for it, less supportive footwear, long days on my feet, falling arches and extra body weight I thought were most to blame for my etiology. I`ve had it before, but it went away after a few weeks of 600mg advil three times a day and the exercises that are most helpful for plantar fasciitis.

During the night, our feet point slightly, giving slack on the fascia which allows it to heal. Thus, the first step in the morning causes a characteristic great deal of pain (although it can also be after a period of rest/sitting or with hyper extension of the ankle) because during the night the fascia heals. That first step stretches the fascia at the connection point on the bottom of the heel and causes micro tears again.

The pain comes and goes without a pattern. There are times when it`s a dull ache and other times when I`m limping along.

I finally decided that it`s time to get it sorted out - another thing on my Self To Do list. Partly, because I want to have less pain when I am active or exercising.

Without a particular prompt, I signed myself up for a foot clinic, the referral for which came in the form of a business card handed to me by the propriater`s mother. One day I went to a shoe store that sells more supportive shoes asking if they had insert orthodics. Luckily for me, the therapist`s mother was waiting in line.

Yesterday I found out that my skeletal structure, at least in my hips, is twisted. You have two different feet, the therapist tells me. My right foot twists outwards and my left foot twists inwards. Apparently my calves are also shortened, causing premature lifting of my heels (the long term implications of which I don`t know). Orthodics can`t fix these problems but physio might help. The orthodics, not cheap (custom), will help support the arches of my feet, which are both falling, and the rotation of my heels.

If things don`t improve, there`s a night boot to wear or cortisone shots to take (at least those don`t cause the bruising advil does, just puts your heart at risk). I already have cysts in the bone of my right foot, so I don`t really want a bone spur as well. Of course, there`s his other suggestion: foot cast for 12-16 weeks and stay off my foot.

Oh and no more barefoot walking...sigh...and yes, ugly supportive nursing shoes....more sigh