In April, I wrote an Upshot column about treatments for plantar fasciitis. This was a victory lap, of sorts, as I had been free of discomfort for a month, after following the regimen I described.
Then it came back, and with frustrating rapidity and persistence. Months went by, and the approaches that had seemed to work the first time weren’t doing the job.
It took me a while to respond to what my body was telling me. It didn’t want to wear shoes! So, I stopped. I spent most of this past week at home, barefoot. Then I added barefoot shoes only when I needed to wear something, like today, traveling for tomorrow’s first Drivers of Health meeting (it will be webcast, by the way). Not wearing supportive shoes/orthotics is the opposite of what is typically suggested for plantar fasciitis.
I also started using Yoga Toes, which feel amazing. My current recovery (and admittedly it’s been only a few days) is correlated in time with both these changes. It may not last, and you better believe you will hear from me if it doesn’t. Right now I’m on cloud 9. It’s like I have new feet, and that’s incredibly exciting.
Here are some other updates and interesting things readers have shared:
- This video is the first thing I’ve seen that matches my experience.
- Here’s a different taping technique from one I had been using.
- Suggested by a reader, here’s an interesting e-book with lots of links to research. (The whole website is interesting.) I’ve read it, including its list of conditions often confused with plantar fasciitis. None match my case.
- Make rock mats! (Then walk on them, of course!) I am totally doing this. (H/t Ana Progovac.)
