Question:

Hi all, I haven’t been doing this long enough to really complain, and I’m happy with the weight loss I’ve achieved so far, but I woke up in pain and depressed this morning… I never see anybody mention pain in their feet amd legs, other than the terrible cramps that happen from potassium deficiency.  I’m so frustrated with my own legs. I carry all my fat from my knees up.  I know I must have gained some fat in my feet since my toe-rings (that I wore for 10 and 20 years) don’t fit anymore, but my calves and feet don’t LOOK fat.  They’re solid muscle.   And when I say solid, I mean rock hard.  All the time.  Flexing those muscles sends them into a cramp, because they’re always so hard already. I want to be able to walk comfortably, but the pain I suffer from just a little walking is beyond comprehension.  My calf and shin muscles tense up and start to burn almost immediately.  I keep hoping if I just keep trying, it will get better, but it doesn’t. I’ve had this pain for years.  8 years ago, I weighed around 150 lbs.  I was walking every day for transportation, and I remember struggling with this pain.  I went to a doctor for it, and he diagnosed shin-splints and told me to change my shoes.  The pain didn’t get better, but I learned to live with it, and eventually didn’t have to walk as much.  And when I did have to walk, I’d stop and take breaks when the pain got too bad to tolerate… every quarter mile or so. Then about 4 years ago, I had to go pain management for endometriosis, and during the examination, the doctor told me that the pain in my legs wasn’t shin-splints after all, it was simple tension… that my calf and shin muscles were so tense they were always just bordering on a charley horse, and that’s why it hurt me so much to walk.  He told me to make a concerted effort to relax those muscles when I walked.  Okay.  I do.  It really hasn’t worked well. Remember when you were young and you’d start a new job that required standing on cement?  For a few weeks, your feet would be in hell, but eventually you’d adjust and that would get better?  Well, I started a new job 3 years ago that required standing on my feet, and that pain didn’t get better.  I worked that job for a year of foot hell.  I wasn’t even that overweight at the time.  Around 170 or so. Then I quit smoking 21 months ago and became the amazing swelling blimp.  I gained 80 pounds in 6 months, and I wasn’t working, so I wasn’t having to stand much.  Since standing hurts, I’ve avoided it.  And walking has become hell. I can do the elliptical trainer, although doing it for an hour makes my feet hurt pretty bad, just from standing that long.  I can do Curves Circuit Training without any problem at all.  But I can’t walk.  I can’t go malling.   We went shopping yesterday… at the grocery store… for some last-minute Easter Dinner stuff, and in less than 30 minutes I was in absolute agony in my feet and my calves.  If we’d had to stay for another minute, I would have had to get a wheelchair.  I had to take two excedrin and an hour-long nap before I could even consider starting the dinner preps I needed to do for today’s meal. So I woke up this morning and my lower legs still hurt.  Not bad, but noticably so.  And I’m so tired of it.  I want to be able to walk again.   People my age do MARATHONS, so there’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to learn to walk for transportation again, or to stand in my kitchen for an hour or two while prepping and cooking a holiday meal.  But I can’t, and I don’t know if I ever will be able to again, no matter how much weight I lose… and today I’m frustrated and depressed and close to tears. Then again, my period is due any day now.  Maybe I just have PMS. RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I haven’t been doing this long enough to really complain, and I’m happy with the weight loss I’ve achieved so far, but I woke up in pain and depressed this morning… I never see anybody mention pain in their feet amd legs, other than the terrible cramps that happen from potassium deficiency.  I’m so frustrated with my own legs. I carry all my fat from my knees up.  I know I must have gained some fat in my feet since my toe-rings (that I wore for 10 and 20 years) don’t fit anymore, but my calves and feet don’t LOOK fat.  They’re solid muscle.   And when I say solid, I mean rock hard.  All the time.  Flexing those muscles sends them into a cramp, because they’re always so hard already. I want to be able to walk comfortably, but the pain I suffer from just a little walking is beyond comprehension.  My calf and shin muscles tense up and start to burn almost immediately.  I keep hoping if I just keep trying, it will get better, but it doesn’t.

Have you had your thyroid checked? I went through a bout of Graves disease (overactive thyroid) a few years ago. The medication I was given made me temporarily hypothyroid, and the plan (successful) was that when I came off that medication, things would even out. However, at the point that my thyroid levels were at their lowest, when it was time to taper off the medication, any kind of muscle use at all (walking, chewing, etc) made that muscle feel as if I’d just run a marathon. At that point, after I’d walked a block, I’d have to stop and rest, and after that I couldn’t go more than 10 steps or so without resting again. Eating something chewy like a good bagel (I wasn’t low carbing then) also took a long time, as I had to pause between bites. — AF "Non Sequitur U has a really, really lousy debate team."               –artyw raises the bar on rec.sport.baseball

Response:

Hi Alice (My mom’s name is Alice and excepting possibly my children, she’s my favorite human on the planet, so I just love your name) Have you had your thyroid checked?

Yes.  When I became the amazing swelling blimp after quitting smoking, my doctor put me through a LOT of tests, including thyroid.  I come up healthy as as a teenager in all of them. However, at the point that my thyroid levels were at their lowest, when it was time to taper off the medication, any kind of muscle use at all (walking, chewing, etc) made that muscle feel as if I’d just run a marathon. At that point, after I’d walked a block, I’d have to stop and rest, and after that I couldn’t go more than 10 steps or so without resting again. Eating something chewy like a good bagel (I wasn’t low carbing then) also took a long time, as I had to pause between bites.

That sounds just awful.  The only muscles I have real problems with are my calf muscles.  The pain you’re describing sounds like mine, but limited to my legs.  I’m really glad that’s better for you.  What an awful way to have to live. RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

Response:

Hi Alice (My mom’s name is Alice and excepting possibly my children, she’s my favorite human on the planet, so I just love your name) Have you had your thyroid checked? Yes.  When I became the amazing swelling blimp after quitting smoking, my doctor put me through a LOT of tests, including thyroid.  I come up healthy as as a teenager in all of them.

Was it a full panel, or just TSH? Apparently, some doctors just do the full panel if the TSH is abnormal. And there are some folks who have funky patterns where T3 or T4 can be off when TSH is OK. However, at the point that my thyroid levels were at their lowest, when it was time to taper off the medication, any kind of muscle use at all (walking, chewing, etc) made that muscle feel as if I’d just run a marathon. At that point, after I’d walked a block, I’d have to stop and rest, and after that I couldn’t go more than 10 steps or so without resting again. Eating something chewy like a good bagel (I wasn’t low carbing then) also took a long time, as I had to pause between bites. That sounds just awful.  The only muscles I have real problems with are my calf muscles.  The pain you’re describing sounds like mine, but limited to my legs.  I’m really glad that’s better for you.  What an awful way to have to live.

Me too! I’d asked the endo what symptoms might clue me in that the tapazole was working out. She’d said fatigue, which I’d interpreted as more global tiredness, wanting to go to bed early, not this kind of muscle fatigue. I was sure that something *else* was wrong, and was most relieved when it dissipated as I tapered off the tapazole. — AF "Non Sequitur U has a really, really lousy debate team."               –artyw raises the bar on rec.sport.baseball

Response:

RozeMari, I would suggest you try the ARCOPEDICO shoes. They are great for your feet and also legs. I have heel spurs and plantar fascitis and for years was in pain  and faced foot surgery 2 years ago. As a last resort I tried these shoes. I did a search on the internet and found several places that sell them.  They were designed by a foot dr from Portugal and I would not trade these shoes for anything. Oh I also had shin splints too and ended up being diagnosed with  deep vein blood clots in my lower legs. I take blood thinner every day and at the last test the blood clots have dissolved. When your feet and legs hurt your whole body hurts. I hope you get some relief. Deb

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I haven’t been doing this long enough to really complain, and I’m happy with the weight loss I’ve achieved so far, but I woke up in pain and depressed this morning… I never see anybody mention pain in their feet amd legs, other than the terrible cramps that happen from potassium deficiency.  I’m so frustrated with my own legs. I carry all my fat from my knees up.  I know I must have gained some fat in my feet since my toe-rings (that I wore for 10 and 20 years) don’t fit anymore, but my calves and feet don’t LOOK fat.  They’re solid muscle. And when I say solid, I mean rock hard.  All the time.  Flexing those muscles sends them into a cramp, because they’re always so hard already. I want to be able to walk comfortably, but the pain I suffer from just a little walking is beyond comprehension.  My calf and shin muscles tense up and start to burn almost immediately.  I keep hoping if I just keep trying, it will get better, but it doesn’t. I’ve had this pain for years.  8 years ago, I weighed around 150 lbs.  I was walking every day for transportation, and I remember struggling with this pain.  I went to a doctor for it, and he diagnosed shin-splints and told me to change my shoes.  The pain didn’t get better, but I learned to live with it, and eventually didn’t have to walk as much.  And when I did have to walk, I’d stop and take breaks when the pain got too bad to tolerate… every quarter mile or so. Then about 4 years ago, I had to go pain management for endometriosis, and during the examination, the doctor told me that the pain in my legs wasn’t shin-splints after all, it was simple tension… that my calf and shin muscles were so tense they were always just bordering on a charley horse, and that’s why it hurt me so much to walk.  He told me to make a concerted effort to relax those muscles when I walked.  Okay.  I do.  It really hasn’t worked well. Remember when you were young and you’d start a new job that required standing on cement?  For a few weeks, your feet would be in hell, but eventually you’d adjust and that would get better?  Well, I started a new job 3 years ago that required standing on my feet, and that pain didn’t get better.  I worked that job for a year of foot hell.  I wasn’t even that overweight at the time.  Around 170 or so. Then I quit smoking 21 months ago and became the amazing swelling blimp.  I gained 80 pounds in 6 months, and I wasn’t working, so I wasn’t having to stand much.  Since standing hurts, I’ve avoided it.  And walking has become hell. I can do the elliptical trainer, although doing it for an hour makes my feet hurt pretty bad, just from standing that long.  I can do Curves Circuit Training without any problem at all.  But I can’t walk.  I can’t go malling. We went shopping yesterday… at the grocery store… for some last-minute Easter Dinner stuff, and in less than 30 minutes I was in absolute agony in my feet and my calves.  If we’d had to stay for another minute, I would have had to get a wheelchair.  I had to take two excedrin and an hour-long nap before I could even consider starting the dinner preps I needed to do for today’s meal. So I woke up this morning and my lower legs still hurt.  Not bad, but noticably so.  And I’m so tired of it.  I want to be able to walk again. People my age do MARATHONS, so there’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to learn to walk for transportation again, or to stand in my kitchen for an hour or two while prepping and cooking a holiday meal.  But I can’t, and I don’t know if I ever will be able to again, no matter how much weight I lose… and today I’m frustrated and depressed and close to tears. Then again, my period is due any day now.  Maybe I just have PMS. RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

Response:

Speaking of the name Alice….Alice…have you heard this song before….. (and it does relate to weight loss…because if you loose enough weight you might be able to do what Alice does in this song……but don’t try!) Alice, where are you going? Upstairs to take a bath! Alice with legs like toothpicks….. and a neck just like a giraffe-raffe-raffe-raffe Alice, went down the drain….glub glub glub I know it’s stupid…but it did bring back memories of me singing it in elementary school.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Alice (My mom’s name is Alice and excepting possibly my children, she’s my favorite human on the planet, so I just love your name) Have you had your thyroid checked? Yes.  When I became the amazing swelling blimp after quitting smoking, my doctor put me through a LOT of tests, including thyroid.  I come up healthy as as a teenager in all of them. However, at the point that my thyroid levels were at their lowest, when it was time to taper off the medication, any kind of muscle use at all (walking, chewing, etc) made that muscle feel as if I’d just run a marathon. At that point, after I’d walked a block, I’d have to stop and rest, and after that I couldn’t go more than 10 steps or so without resting again. Eating something chewy like a good bagel (I wasn’t low carbing then) also took a long time, as I had to pause between bites. That sounds just awful.  The only muscles I have real problems with are my calf muscles.  The pain you’re describing sounds like mine, but limited to my legs.  I’m really glad that’s better for you.  What an awful way to have to live. RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

Response:

Marilyn, You might try acupuncture.  It can be almost magical in it’s ability to releive muscle spasm. I had a severe frozen shoulder that lasted for 6 months and did not resolve with a cortisone shot into the joint. The muscle was in complete spasm and I could not move my arm without agony. I tried physical therapy exercises. Nada.  The end of the story is that I got two acupuncture treatments from a guy who is REALLY good at acupuncture. After the second treatment, my shoulder started to hurt like hell for about an hour and then a few hours later the arm was completely fine. It’s been fine ever since and that was years ago. The trick is to find someone who is good at acupuncture. This guy practiced at a hospital pain clinic so I figured he knew his stuff. — Jenny 168.5/146/145 Second Goal 9/1998 – 8/2001 and 11/10/02 – Now http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each month *  Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger Cravings * Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats * Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I haven’t been doing this long enough to really complain, and I’m happy with the weight loss I’ve achieved so far, but I woke up in pain and depressed this morning… I never see anybody mention pain in their feet amd legs, other than the terrible cramps that happen from potassium deficiency.  I’m so frustrated with my own legs. I carry all my fat from my knees up.  I know I must have gained some fat in my feet since my toe-rings (that I wore for 10 and 20 years) don’t fit anymore, but my calves and feet don’t LOOK fat.  They’re solid muscle. And when I say solid, I mean rock hard.  All the time.  Flexing those muscles sends them into a cramp, because they’re always so hard already. I want to be able to walk comfortably, but the pain I suffer from just a little walking is beyond comprehension.  My calf and shin muscles tense up and start to burn almost immediately.  I keep hoping if I just keep trying, it will get better, but it doesn’t. I’ve had this pain for years.  8 years ago, I weighed around 150 lbs.  I was walking every day for transportation, and I remember struggling with this pain.  I went to a doctor for it, and he diagnosed shin-splints and told me to change my shoes.  The pain didn’t get better, but I learned to live with it, and eventually didn’t have to walk as much.  And when I did have to walk, I’d stop and take breaks when the pain got too bad to tolerate… every quarter mile or so. Then about 4 years ago, I had to go pain management for endometriosis, and during the examination, the doctor told me that the pain in my legs wasn’t shin-splints after all, it was simple tension… that my calf and shin muscles were so tense they were always just bordering on a charley horse, and that’s why it hurt me so much to walk.  He told me to make a concerted effort to relax those muscles when I walked.  Okay.  I do.  It really hasn’t worked well. Remember when you were young and you’d start a new job that required standing on cement?  For a few weeks, your feet would be in hell, but eventually you’d adjust and that would get better?  Well, I started a new job 3 years ago that required standing on my feet, and that pain didn’t get better.  I worked that job for a year of foot hell.  I wasn’t even that overweight at the time.  Around 170 or so. Then I quit smoking 21 months ago and became the amazing swelling blimp.  I gained 80 pounds in 6 months, and I wasn’t working, so I wasn’t having to stand much.  Since standing hurts, I’ve avoided it.  And walking has become hell. I can do the elliptical trainer, although doing it for an hour makes my feet hurt pretty bad, just from standing that long.  I can do Curves Circuit Training without any problem at all.  But I can’t walk.  I can’t go malling. We went shopping yesterday… at the grocery store… for some last-minute Easter Dinner stuff, and in less than 30 minutes I was in absolute agony in my feet and my calves.  If we’d had to stay for another minute, I would have had to get a wheelchair.  I had to take two excedrin and an hour-long nap before I could even consider starting the dinner preps I needed to do for today’s meal. So I woke up this morning and my lower legs still hurt.  Not bad, but noticably so.  And I’m so tired of it.  I want to be able to walk again. People my age do MARATHONS, so there’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to learn to walk for transportation again, or to stand in my kitchen for an hour or two while prepping and cooking a holiday meal.  But I can’t, and I don’t know if I ever will be able to again, no matter how much weight I lose… and today I’m frustrated and depressed and close to tears. Then again, my period is due any day now.  Maybe I just have PMS. RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

Response:

Per all the other great advice…also try adding some high potency antioxidants, such as pycnogenol or grapeseed extract….I had extremely painful problems in my ankles, and after taking a dose of pycnogenol for a while, my ankles are pain free, even after having gained weight from what I weighed at the time. Can’t hurt, might help! — ~Melodie~ PS: It’s pronounced: Anonomiss…X so, stop looking at me like that

: Hi all, : : I haven’t been doing this long enough to really complain, and I’m happy : with the weight loss I’ve achieved so far, but I woke up in pain and : depressed this morning… : : I never see anybody mention pain in their feet amd legs, other than the : terrible cramps that happen from potassium deficiency.  I’m so frustrated : with my own legs. : : I carry all my fat from my knees up.  I know I must have gained some fat in : my feet since my toe-rings (that I wore for 10 and 20 years) don’t fit : anymore, but my calves and feet don’t LOOK fat.  They’re solid muscle. : And when I say solid, I mean rock hard.  All the time.  Flexing those : muscles sends them into a cramp, because they’re always so hard already. : : I want to be able to walk comfortably, but the pain I suffer from just a : little walking is beyond comprehension.  My calf and shin muscles tense up : and start to burn almost immediately.  I keep hoping if I just keep trying, : it will get better, but it doesn’t. : : I’ve had this pain for years.  8 years ago, I weighed around 150 lbs.  I was : walking every day for transportation, and I remember struggling with this : pain.  I went to a doctor for it, and he diagnosed shin-splints and told me : to change my shoes.  The pain didn’t get better, but I learned to live with : it, and eventually didn’t have to walk as much.  And when I did have to : walk, I’d stop and take breaks when the pain got too bad to tolerate… : every quarter mile or so. : : Then about 4 years ago, I had to go pain management for endometriosis, : and during the examination, the doctor told me that the pain in my legs : wasn’t shin-splints after all, it was simple tension… that my calf and shin : muscles were so tense they were always just bordering on a charley horse, : and that’s why it hurt me so much to walk.  He told me to make a : concerted effort to relax those muscles when I walked.  Okay.  I do.  It : really hasn’t worked well. : : Remember when you were young and you’d start a new job that required : standing on cement?  For a few weeks, your feet would be in hell, but : eventually you’d adjust and that would get better?  Well, I started a new : job 3 years ago that required standing on my feet, and that pain didn’t get : better.  I worked that job for a year of foot hell.  I wasn’t even that : overweight at the time.  Around 170 or so. : : Then I quit smoking 21 months ago and became the amazing swelling blimp. :  I gained 80 pounds in 6 months, and I wasn’t working, so I wasn’t having : to stand much.  Since standing hurts, I’ve avoided it.  And walking has : become hell. : : I can do the elliptical trainer, although doing it for an hour makes my feet : hurt pretty bad, just from standing that long.  I can do Curves Circuit : Training without any problem at all.  But I can’t walk.  I can’t go malling. : We went shopping yesterday… at the grocery store… for some last-minute : Easter Dinner stuff, and in less than 30 minutes I was in absolute agony in : my feet and my calves.  If we’d had to stay for another minute, I would : have had to get a wheelchair.  I had to take two excedrin and an hour-long : nap before I could even consider starting the dinner preps I needed to do : for today’s meal. : : So I woke up this morning and my lower legs still hurt.  Not bad, but : noticably so.  And I’m so tired of it.  I want to be able to walk again. : People my age do MARATHONS, so there’s no reason I shouldn’t be able : to learn to walk for transportation again, or to stand in my kitchen for an : hour or two while prepping and cooking a holiday meal.  But I can’t, and I : don’t know if I ever will be able to again, no matter how much weight I : lose… and today I’m frustrated and depressed and close to tears. : : Then again, my period is due any day now.  Maybe I just have PMS. : : RozeMari : 254/242/140 : — : If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging. :                       -Will Rogers : — : Nobody ever helps a gravedigger. :                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show. :

Response:

Hi all,   I’m so frustrated with my own legs.

my calves and feet don’t LOOK fat.  They’re solid muscle. And when I say solid, I mean rock hard.  All the time.  Flexing those muscles sends them into a cramp, because they’re always so hard already. I want to be able to walk comfortably, but the pain I suffer from just a little walking is beyond comprehension.  My calf and shin muscles tense up and start to burn almost immediately.  I keep hoping if I just keep trying, it will get better, but it doesn’t. <snip RozeMari 254/242/140 Just another suggestion among many, but you may want to try taking

magnesium/calcium supplements.  (The magnesium works best when combined with the calcium, you can find them in one tabet). I’ve had chronic severe muscle spasticity since my 1998 stroke.  I fully understand your frustration.  The more you exercise (e.g., walk) the worse it gets.  I’ve tried all sorts of prescription muscle relaxers; I couldn’t take them because of the side effects.   Turned out the simple over-the counter magnesium/calcium supplements was what worked best for me in easing the muscle spasticity (tightness).  Give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose.  Takes a week or two to start feeling the benefits. The other thing to try is stretching exercises.  They work miracles for spasticity in your leg muscles before exercising!  Before going to a store or walking somewhere, try doing 5 or 10 minutes of leg stretches.  You can easily do quadricep stretches, hamstring stretches and calf stretches regardless of your weight. If you don’t have any idea how to do them drop me an e-mail and I’ll be happy to give you some help. (Not medical advice mind you – just simple stretches).  I did these in physical therapy for 6 months and still do them every day! — Peter Website:  http://users.thelink.net/marengo    http://www.newsfeed.com       The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–= Over 100,000 Newsgroups – Unlimited Fast Downloads – 19 Servers =—–

Response:

Hi Peter, Just another suggestion among many, but you may want to try taking magnesium/calcium supplements.  (The magnesium works best when

combined with the calcium, you can find them in one tabet). I’m good on my magnesium and calcium supplements.  But… I’ve had chronic severe muscle spasticity since my 1998 stroke.  I fully understand your frustration.  The more you exercise (e.g., walk) the worse it gets.

Yup.  That’s my experience. I’ve tried all sorts of prescription muscle relaxers; I couldn’t take them

because of the side effects. I’d love some prescription musle relaxers, but it’s never really occurred to me to ask for them, and I’m not really sure they’d work.  But… The other thing to try is stretching exercises.  They work miracles for spasticity in your leg muscles before exercising!  Before going to a store or walking somewhere, try doing 5 or 10 minutes of leg stretches.  You can easily do quadricep stretches, hamstring stretches and calf stretches regardless of your weight. If you don’t have any idea how to do them

drop me an e-mail and I’ll be happy to give you some help. (Not medical advice mind you – just simple stretches). I’m totally willing to try these, and will email you if you insist, but I’d rather you posted them in the newsgroup, so that others who perhaps haven’t been able to complain here might have the information.  If you’re not comfortable with doing that, please feel free to email me.  My reply email address here is good. But that said… Melodie mentioned… Per all the other great advice…also try adding some high potency antioxidants, such as pycnogenol or grapeseed extract….I had extremely painful problems in my ankles, and after taking a dose of pycnogenol for a while, my ankles are pain free, even after having gained weight from what I weighed at the time. Can’t hurt, might help!

I’ve never heard of this.  Where would I find it? RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

Response:

Marilyn;  there was a thread a while back on plantar fasciitis. This is what your symptoms sound like to me. Please do a search and look for that thread. There are wonderful ideas in there to help relieve your pain. I too used to suffer like you do, shopping, etc. Seek out the podiastrist you can find or even a physical therapist to help you with techniques, taping, etc. Good luck Tracey

Response:

RozeMarie, I really feel for you and your pain and frustration. Tight muscles benefit by stretching. I’d like to see if you make a daily habit of spending a bit of time sitting on the carpeted floor, with your legs stretched out in front of you, comfortably apart, and just slowly and very gently bending forward from the hips until you feel a stretch at the back of your legs…. hold for 5-10 seconds, and then sit back up again. I’m picking your legs will be so tight you will only manage to come forward a small distance – maybe even only an inch or two.  Do it for a while, as long as it feels comfortable. Do you think you could manage that? It should feel nice, not painful. If you feel like it might help, then there would be other stretches you could try.  have you every looked into Pilates at all? Brenda

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I carry all my fat from my knees up.  I know I must have gained some fat in my feet since my toe-rings (that I wore for 10 and 20 years) don’t fit anymore, but my calves and feet don’t LOOK fat.  They’re solid muscle. And when I say solid, I mean rock hard.  All the time.  Flexing those muscles sends them into a cramp, because they’re always so hard already.

Response:

Where do you live? You should find pycnogenol or grapeseed extract at the local healthfood store, and if you live near a Trader Joes….you can get it for cheap! Hope this helps, I sure would be glad to hear you solved this painfull problem. — ~Melodie~ PS: It’s pronounced: Anonomiss…X so, stop looking at me like that

: Hi Peter, : : Just another suggestion among many, but you may want to try taking : magnesium/calcium supplements.  (The magnesium works best when : combined with the calcium, you can find them in one tabet). : : I’m good on my magnesium and calcium supplements.  But… : : I’ve had chronic severe muscle spasticity since my 1998 stroke.  I fully : understand your frustration.  The more you exercise (e.g., walk) the : worse it gets. : : Yup.  That’s my experience. : : I’ve tried all sorts of prescription muscle relaxers; I couldn’t take them : because of the side effects. : : I’d love some prescription musle relaxers, but it’s never really occurred : to : me to ask for them, and I’m not really sure they’d work.  But… : : The other thing to try is stretching exercises.  They work miracles for : spasticity in your leg muscles before exercising!  Before going to a store : or walking somewhere, try doing 5 or 10 minutes of leg stretches.  You : can easily do quadricep stretches, hamstring stretches and calf : stretches : regardless of your weight. If you don’t have any idea how to do them : drop : me an e-mail and I’ll be happy to give you some help. (Not medical advice : mind you – just simple stretches). : : I’m totally willing to try these, and will email you if you insist, but I’d : rather you posted them in the newsgroup, so that others who perhaps : haven’t been able to complain here might have the information.  If you’re : not comfortable with doing that, please feel free to email me.  My reply : email address here is good. : : But that said… : : Melodie mentioned… : : Per all the other great advice…also try adding some high : potency antioxidants, such as pycnogenol or grapeseed extract….I had : extremely painful problems in my ankles, and after taking a dose of : pycnogenol for a while, my ankles are pain free, even after having gained : weight from what I weighed at the time. Can’t hurt, might help! : : I’ve never heard of this.  Where would I find it? : : RozeMari : 254/242/140 : — : If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging. :                       -Will Rogers : — : Nobody ever helps a gravedigger. :                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show. :

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Hi Brenda, I’d like to see if you make a daily habit of spending a bit of time sitting on the carpeted floor, with your legs stretched out in front of you, comfortably apart, and just slowly and very gently bending forward from the hips until you feel a stretch at the back of your legs…. hold for 5-10 seconds, and then sit back up again. I’m picking your legs will be so tight you will only manage to come forward a small distance – maybe even only an inch or two.  Do it for a while, as long as it feels comfortable. Do you think you could manage that?

I wasn’t sure, so I tried it. I was able to do it fairly comfortably for 20 minutes or so.  So I’ll keep it up, cause it can’t hurt, and it might help. It should feel nice, not painful.

Well, it did hurt a little, but it wasn’t bad at all.  My calf muscles always hurt a little bit anymore, so I’m not sure I could do anything with them at all without it hurting a little bit. I’ve decided it’s going to get better, so that little bit of discomfort from the stretching is temporary and I can certainly stand it. If you feel like it might help, then there would be other stretches you could try.

You know, at Curves we’re supposed to stretch after every workout, but it’s so damn hard (not to mention embarrassing) for me to do some of the stretches because I simply can’t yet reach certain parts of my own body (like my hands together behind my back) that I gave them up. I guess I should get over being embarrassed and just do them. My workout partner is totally willing to help me with the ones I can’t do alone yet, and it’s not going to kill me to accept her help. have you every looked into Pilates at all?

Until I joined this newsgroup, I’d never heard of them.  I looked them up on the web and it looks like they might be similar to Yoga. Am I wrong? If so, which would be better for someone who can’t yet reach all of her own body with her hands yet? Are there teaching video tapes for Pilates? I know there are for yoga, and next time I’m in Anchorage, I can buy a beginner Yoga tape. I was kind of thinking of doing that anyhow. RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

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Hi Melodie, Per all the other great advice…also try adding some high potency antioxidants, such as pycnogenol or grapeseed extract…. Can’t hurt, might help! I’ve never heard of this. Where would I find it? Where do you live? You should find pycnogenol or grapeseed extract at the local healthfood store, and if you live near a Trader Joes….you can get it for cheap!

I live in Alaska, and we don’t have a Trader Joes up here. We also don’t have any health food stores in my town, but the grocery has a somewhat limited health food section so I’ll look for them. If the grocery doesn’t have them, I’ll find ‘em in Anchorage when my husband comes back from this work cycle. That’s a week away, but I can wait that long; no problem. Hope this helps, I sure would be glad to hear you solved this painfull problem.

Me too. Thank you! RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

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You know, at Curves we’re supposed to stretch after every workout, but it’s so damn hard (not to mention embarrassing) for me to do some of the stretches because I simply can’t yet reach certain parts of my own body (like my hands together behind my back) that I gave them up. I guess I should get over being embarrassed and just do them. My workout partner is totally willing to help me with the ones I can’t do alone yet, and it’s not going to kill me to accept her help.

What if you modified them slighty as you did them to make it more comfortable and easier for you until you *can* do them? If you cannot touch your hands together behind your back then don’t!! Stretch as far as you can.  Your muscles won’t know any differently but at least you will be doing them then opposed to not doing them. Miss Jaime (Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA)

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Where are you in Alaska?  I used to live in Whitehorse, YT, and there is a great acupuncturist there, at the East West Clinic, she helped my arthritis immensely.  If you are ever passing through it might be worth giving it a try. Laurie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in Alaska, and we don’t have a Trader Joes up here. We also don’t have any health food stores in my town, but the grocery has a somewhat limited health food section so I’ll look for them. If the grocery doesn’t have them, I’ll find ‘em in Anchorage when my husband comes back from this work cycle. That’s a week away, but I can wait that long; no problem. Hope this helps, I sure would be glad to hear you solved this painfull problem. Me too. Thank you! RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

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Until I joined this newsgroup, I’d never heard of them.  I looked them up on the web and it looks like they might be similar to Yoga. Am I wrong? If so, which would be better for someone who can’t yet reach all of her own body with her hands yet? Are there teaching video tapes for Pilates? I know there are for yoga, and next time I’m in Anchorage, I can buy a beginner Yoga tape. I was kind of thinking of doing that anyhow.

pilates is sort of like yoga, but not really.  it would definitely increase your flexibility and strength.  there are videos available; i have the winsor pilates tapes and i like them.  i don’t know how any of the others are, but i know they’re out there.  you can do a groups.google.com search of this newsgroup to find reviews & comments about pilates.  it’s been discussed here quite a bit.   i got my pilates tapes (and my yoga dvds) from www.collagevideo.com.

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Well, it did hurt a little, but it wasn’t bad at all.  My calf muscles always hurt a little bit anymore, so I’m not sure I could do anything with them at all without it hurting a little bit.

If it’s your calves that hurt the most, you’re in luck – the calf stretches are the easiest to do, and among the most effective.  If you do them right, they will ease the pain rather than cause pain!: Find some steps (stairs) with a railing  or some other handhold.  (I use an exercise step that I bught at a local sports store). Stand on one leg with the ball of your foot on the step and your heel hanging off the edge. Place your hand on a wall, railing or other support to maintain your balance. Keeping your knee straight, slowly lower your heel until your calve muscle stretches down as far as possible. (If it’s painful, you’ve gone too far!  You should feel a healthy but comfortable stretch). Hold the stretched position for a few seconds and then rise up as high as you can on your tiptoes. Hold this position for a few seconds.  Repeat with the other leg.  Start with 10 repetitions, working up to 30 with each leg. I learned this stretch in physical therapy following a1998 stroke; I still do this it when I know I’m going to be walking a lot.  It’s very effective — Peter Website:  http://users.thelink.net/marengo    http://www.newsfeed.com       The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–= Over 100,000 Newsgroups – Unlimited Fast Downloads – 19 Servers =—–

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Hi Laurie, Where are you in Alaska?  I used to live in Whitehorse, YT, and there is a great acupuncturist there, at the East West Clinic, she helped my arthritis immensely.  If you are ever passing through it might be worth giving it a try.

I’m about an hour out of Anchorage, and about 24 hours away from Whitehorse, so I think I’ll probably find help a little closer to home.  :) I have an appointment with my GP in a couple of weeks, and was going to talk to her about acupuncture when I see her.  I’m hoping she’ll be able to refer me to someone with a decent reputation.  When I was going  through pain management training for the endometriosis thing a few years ago, my ob-gyn docs suggested acupuncture, but my feeling at that time was that acupuncture probably worked for people who believed in it, which meant it wouldn’t work for me.  I’m a little more open-minded now, so I’m willing to give it a try. RozeMari 254/242/140 — If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.                       -Will Rogers — Nobody ever helps a gravedigger.                       -Heard on an antique "Outer Limits" show.

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I noticed that when I was on an ACE inhibitor I not on;y had the world’s worst cough, but severe foot and leg pain. When I was switched to another class of drug, the cough went away in about two weeks…..and so did the pain.  I’ve only heard of one other case, but if you are on one of those maybe a switch to something else would help. Ellen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Until I joined this newsgroup, I’d never heard of them.  I looked them up on the web and it looks like they might be similar to Yoga. Am I wrong? If so, which would be better for someone who can’t yet reach all of her own body with her hands yet? Are there teaching video tapes for Pilates? I know there are for yoga, and next time I’m in Anchorage, I can buy a beginner Yoga tape. I was kind of thinking of doing that anyhow. pilates is sort of like yoga, but not really.  it would definitely increase your flexibility and strength.  there are videos available; i have the winsor pilates tapes and i like them.  i don’t know how any of the others are, but i know they’re out there.  you can do a groups.google.com search of this newsgroup to find reviews & comments about pilates.  it’s been discussed here quite a bit.   i got my pilates tapes (and my yoga dvds) from www.collagevideo.com.

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I noticed that when I was on an ACE inhibitor I not on;y had the world’s worst cough, but severe foot and leg pain. When I was switched to another class of drug, the cough went away in about two weeks…..and so did the pain.  I’ve only heard of one other case, but if you are on one of those maybe a switch to something else would help.

I had the cough, too.  Now I’m taking Lisinopril.  No cough! Carol — 226/204/150 Atkins since 1-26-2003 Type 2 Diabetic since 5-15-2001

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Until I joined this newsgroup, I’d never heard of them.  I looked them up on the web and it looks like they might be similar to Yoga. Am I wrong?

The Pilates method (named after its inventor, Joseph Pilates) draws on the traditions of yoga, gymnastics, and modern dance, as well as the science of kinesiology. Most people find Pilates easier to start with. The Winsor Pilates tapes are available from Amazon and lots of other online places.  Gaiam also has a series of great Pilates tapes. Good luck! T.

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Question:

subject says it all, looking for a good recommendation… thanks so much B

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subject says it all, looking for a good recommendation… thanks so much B

Hi B. I was back in spring 1985 in the city of Philladelphia as a part of a student exchange programm with the Huntingdon Valley High School, we had a wounderful time there, greetings from europe to the city! Regarding the Yoga: try the Yoga-Class / Teachers searches offered at www.altyoga.de.vu Hope you have fun with the Yoga. Sat Nam – Hari Har Singh

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Question:

Regearding your question There is a Yoga for a spine problem by Paramhansa Swami Maheswarananada and could be purchased through his Yoga Centre in Austria. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I have a bad sciatic nerve problem with pain shooting down from my lower back to the bottom of my left leg. I got it from jogging continuously and not laying off (sometimes i don’t know my own pain limits). I’ve been wanting to do yoga for awhile now but every time i do even the beginners positions in this book ‘How to Use Yoga’ by Mira Mehta, I get back pain for several days.  Can anyone recommend a good beginner yoga specifically for strengthening the back? thanx Ligeia I am not a regular here so please email me personally.

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Dear Sir.. I have been doing yoga for 25 years..and my advice to you is BACK OFF..  trust your body.. your messing with your lower spine.. [probably 4L5Ldisc.. ever thought about just sitting in a bathtub???  use a heating pad???..  and wearing the right shoes???.. and lighten up..  you dont say how old ya are.. sometimes a simple chropractic adjustment can help..  oh.. one other thing.. if you like to  be physical.. try bikeriding..  its great.. how do I know all this.. ?? been there did that??..

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Hi, I have a bad sciatic nerve problem with pain shooting down from my lower back to the bottom of my left leg. I got it from jogging continuously and not laying off (sometimes i don’t know my own pain limits). I’ve been wanting to do yoga for awhile now but every time i do even the beginners positions in this book ‘How to Use Yoga’ by Mira Mehta, I get back pain for several days.  Can anyone recommend a good beginner yoga specifically for strengthening the back? thanx Ligeia I am not a regular here so please email me personally.

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Question:

You know I have read where certian poses shouldn’t be done prior to sleep time because they are perhaps too invigorating. But I tell ya…30 minutes of yoga and some mental quiet time just before retiring and poof I’m on my way to  a restful trip to "Z land" without the worrys of the day bouncing around  in my head.

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        I’ll add my comments to the other posters. I learned to practice first thing in the morning, even if it meant getting up early to do so. I’m a morning person so this works well for me.         However, I think anytime that suits you will work. It is important that practice not take place shortly after eating. If it does stomach cramps can take place, especially if there are twists and abdominal work involved.         peace, sandra

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It really depends a lot on your schedule, but I’ve found that I feel best when I do a session both in the morning and in the evening.

Yes, same here. Sometimes they are as short as 10 minutes, and sometimes over an hour, with the average being a half hour.

If I can afford it (time-wise), one session takes two+ hours. I found the minimum is about 30-40 minutes. Includes asanas (25-30 minutes) and pranayamam (8-15 min). Probably four times a day would be better – sunrise (asanas, pranayama, prayer), noon (asanas, meditation, prayer), sunset (asanas, pranayama, meditation, prayer), midnight (prayer, meditation)… — Regards, Uri <Disclaimer

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It really depends a lot on your schedule, but I’ve found that I feel best when I do a session both in the morning and in the evening.  Sometimes they are as short as 10 minutes, and sometimes over an hour, with the average being a half hour.  Hope this helps, Liz Would it be best to do a 20 min workout in the morning, afternoon, and evening?  Any other suggestions would be most helpful. Thanks in advance! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Mac

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Hi, I have been doing Yoga for about 3 weeks now.  I really enjoy it!  I have been working with the Beginner Yoga Journal Video.  I am going to get the flexibility video soon.  I feel like I know each of the beginner poses pretty well.  So, I thought I would try to organize a daily practice.  Just going thru that video each day gets repetative  Would it be best to do a 20 min workout in the morning, afternoon, and evening?  Any other suggestions would be most helpful. Thanks in advance! Mac

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Question:

My doctor suggested that I do Yoga to help with Stress and physical illness. Can anyone suggest a good beginning yoga video for someone who has never done yoga, is out of shape and not very flexible. Thank you.

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Without a doubt Praticia Walden’s beginner Yoga tape is the best one out there. However, I suggest you seek out an instructor to at least famililarize yourself with the standing poses and the importantance of savasana. namaste, John.

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Question:

My husband is not a runner, but he has PF that would be very painful after walking 2-3 miles.  He was doing advil. Anyway, he got a new car.  Since then the problem has gotten a lot better.  He thinks the way he was holding his foot in the old car was causing the problem. Vicky

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My husband is not a runner, but he has PF that would be very painful after walking 2-3 miles.  He was doing advil. Anyway, he got a new car.  Since then the problem has gotten a lot better. He thinks the way he was holding his foot in the old car was causing the problem. Vicky

I’ll try anything….what kind of car did he get?    ; ) NCR Corporation John Schafer

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My husband is not a runner, but he has PF that would be very painful after walking 2-3 miles.  He was doing advil.

Hey u make it sound like doing Advil was like mainlining or something…"doin’ coke, doin drugs, cool man." Anyway, he got a new car.  Since then the problem has gotten a lot better. He thinks the way he was holding his foot in the old car was causing the

I thought the last car which required you to "hold one’s foot" while driving was the Phaeton, which went out in 1826:) Why didn’t YOU hold his foot for him?  Honor cherish obey, all that good stuff. Sorry guys, dem ixams is dun an’ me’s in a snipy trolly mood agin!

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Scott, I have suffered through PF and licked it!  I was debilitated for a year, quit running (this was the worst!), and still had the pain.  I can’t take aspirin or ibuprofen, due to asthma flare-ups.   I am concerned about you opting for surgery without first trying some basic methods.  I learned these things on rec.running, my podiatrist never told me everything! (grr!!!)  Although your case sounds a bit worse than mine was, I would advise you try some of the following things before going under the knife.

[many good suggestions snipped] I did all that.  After 14 years, surgery was the ticket, believe me!! Scott D. Benton Optimism indicates that the situation has not been clearly understood.

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Scott, (snipped) I am concerned about you opting for surgery without first trying some basic methods.  I learned these (snipped)

I missed the original posting, but the excerpt above of Tanya’s response to Scott prompted me to post the following simple but seemingly effective cure for PF: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Although rather mundane, does anyone have any particularly new, unique, clever, insightful or otherwise interesting approaches to dealing with this intractable disorder [referring to plantar fascitis]? The trick seems to be in avoiding the daily retearing of the fascia each morning rather than spending time on treatment. The patient gets two semi rigid arch supports (the $10 over the counter Dr. Scholles inserts).  One is put into houseslippers so that the arch is never unsupported upon arising or nocturnal micturition. The second is used in an old slipper or sneaker etc. that can be worn into the shower.  On leaving the shower it’s directly back into the dry, supported houseslipper.  If the arch flattens just once it retears and you start over again. Usually by the time one is getting dressed for work, the fascia is warmed up and supple enough to support the body and not retear.  If it does or there is any concern of retear, the safest way is to wear the insert in another shoe or a running shoe with a good arch cookie etc. That might have to go on for a week. By the end of 2 weeks of morning support, there’s enough new fascia laid down to support without retearing. In the meantime if the patient wants to participate in a sport that will stress the arch, low or high dye strapping can be used.  That often causes skin problems so there’s a product on the market using anatomically cut cloth covered neopreme rubber and velcro closers to do the same as dye strapping without the skin problems. This little trick is batting 48/49 for success within 21 days.  The sufferers have ranged from office working couch potatoes to internationally ranked distance runners, most having been chronic. The sole (pun intended) exception was a 400+ pound cook who flattened out the Dr. Scholles and couldn’t afford the cost of totally rigid orthotics.  Eventually we "cured" him in about 3 months using wooden arched Birkenstock type sandals along with an understanding health and safety inspector. Larry Clement Rehab case manager

Final note, for Scott or whoever: this treatment is something I ‘overheard’ from a conversation among orthopedic doctors. I don’t know personally if it works, but it sounds reasonable to me. Hope it helps. Manuel

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Scott, I have suffered through PF and licked it!  I was debilitated for a year, quit running (this was the worst!), and still had the pain.  I can’t take aspirin or ibuprofen, due to asthma flare-ups.   I am concerned about you opting for surgery without first trying some basic methods.  I learned these things on rec.running, my podiatrist never told me everything! (grr!!!)  Although your case sounds a bit worse than mine was, I would advise you try some of the following things before going under the knife. Here’s what worked for me: Icing —– I have a desk job, so this is easy for me.  Get some of those re-freezable blue ice bags.  Take one to work, leave one in the freezer at home.  If you have a freezer at work, use it.  Take off your shoes and socks and ice the heel/arch area for 10-minute intervals.  I would switch feet off and on for about an hour.  Icing the bottoms of your feet gives my an oogy feeling, but it’s definitely worth the discomfort.  I was surprised how well this worked.  At first, I did not ice for a year, and the pain continued until I started, so in my opinion, this was the kicker in my remedy. Stretching While icing may have cured me, stretching is keeping the problem from returning.  I have been very bad about stretching before/after running.   Stretch your calves until you feel limber, then stretch again!  My weakness is the backs of my legs.  Yoga really, really helped me.  I bought a beginner yoga video, and followed it 30 minutes a day, in the morning, and did some of the same exercises after running.  BIG difference between yoga and the kind of stretching I learned in high school PE.  Keeping your calves stretched reduces stress on that arch and heel.  And you feel better all around as well. Minimize foot use This is what you’ve already done, but I would advise riding a bike instead of walking, etc.  Swim instead of running.  I did not try to run or walk until the foot pain had gone away. Good shoes Your podiatrist can help you with this, I think this is very very important for your problem. Good insoles I almost got orthotics, but they’re so expensive.   I bought some over-the-counter insoles while I saved up.  They did a lot of good, I still use them in my running shoes.  I still have not gone for orthotics yet. I am now running again, plodding along slowly, but getting in 14 miles a week.  I don’t know if I’ll ever run every day again, we’ll see how that goes.   I’m still nervous about stressing that tendon.  I try to alternate running, biking, hiking, lifting etc.  I feel it’s a better way to work out anyway. Good luck! Tanya Heikkinen        voice: (208) 885-2082 Computer Services        fax: (208) 885-7539

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My Dr. made a 1/2 cast of my foot and lower leg with my toes pulled back. I put it on at night by wrapping it with an ace bandage. It seemed to work well although I still need to stretch it early in the am, as my back and foot are still tight.But before I could hardly walk in the am

In fact, there’s also a prefab device called a night splint that does this.  It keeps the foot at a 90 degree angle and allows the arch to remain in a "stretched" position overnight. I now have one of those devices and it has helped my foot very much. I am using this device after having had the surgery.  (BTW, I had 3 injections prior to the surgery, with only short term relief.)   I had PF to some degree for 14 years, and developed a spur as well.  The surgery removed the spur and released/lengthened the fascia.  My recovery took a bit longer than a few weeks, presumably because of the more invasive nature of the spur removal, but I’m definitely better than before the surgery.  And the night splint is helping to address what I now believe to be one of the major factors in my pain, which is sleeping all night with the fascia/arch shortened.  It’s hard to make up for 8 hours a day of shortening with just a few simple stretches and massages!  I know it didn’t work  for me. BTW, the splint is made out of plastic and is fastened by velcro and cost me $65 US.  There’s also one you can get that’s canvas, but it’s not supposed to be so supportive. One additional bit of advice is to read EVERYTHING you can on PF. Everybody’s solution is different.

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My Dr. made a 1/2 cast of my foot and lower leg with my toes pulled back. I put it on at night by wrapping it with an ace bandage. It seemed to work well although I still need to stretch it early in the am, as my back and foot are still tight.But before I could hardly walk in the am

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Scott,  Have it done. It was the best decision I made. I’m now running marathons with out pain or soreness. It took about 5 week before I was able run after the procedure. The pain from the operation was less than the pain from the plantar after running prior to have the procedure done. Have it done you won’t regret it!! Len

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I developed plantar fasciaitis over a year ago and I can’t shake it.  I laid off the running entirely, tried an assortment of heel & shoe insoles, and way more Motrin that I care to remember but I still have plantar fasciaitis so bad I can hardly walk at the end of the day.  My Doc wants a "plantar release" and cut the tendon(?) to relieve my pain but I’m a little unsure about it.  Has anyone ever had this procedure done?  Have any advice about it?  The Doc is pretty vague on this and I’m wondering about side effects, recovery time, ect.  Any advice would be most appreciated…I’m getting DESPERATE!!!  Thanks… ScottI had plantar faciitis for two years before i got rid of it all

together.  At first I used straight last rnning shoes, rest, ice no help.  then I used flexible orthotics, got rid of facitis in left foot.  for the right foot then got rigid orthotics, helped somewhat but always had a low grade pain, not quite going away and would flare up from longer runs.  then I started taping my foot prior to running and read about strengthening the foot arch muscles/tendons by doing calf raises on the edge of the stairs, concentrating on pushing up from the balls of my foot.  My plantar faciitis went away in one month.  I no longer wear orthotics for running (I use it for biking) because it seems to irritate the muscles in my foot arch.  I have moderate to high arches.  You might want to try soe of the methods i described above before the surgery.   Good Luck. alex

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I developed plantar fasciaitis over a year ago and I can’t shake it.  I laid off the running entirely, tried an assortment of heel & shoe insoles, and way more Motrin that I care to remember but I still have plantar fasciaitis so bad I can hardly walk at the end of the day.  My Doc wants a "plantar release" and cut the tendon(?) to relieve my pain but I’m a little unsure about it.  Has anyone ever had this procedure done?  Have any advice about it?  The Doc is pretty vague on this and I’m wondering about side effects, recovery time, ect.  Any advice would be most appreciated…I’m getting DESPERATE!!!  Thanks… Scott

Scott I have been running for 16 years and last year developed plantar fasciaitus. For 12 months I have been going to doctors, foot inserts, ice baths, etc. My doctor has not recommended surgery yet, but I don’t think it is what I want at 48, but I would rather get it done now than later. One thing that may be different for me is that I have developed a heel spur from this. If you don’t have one already, there’s a good chance you will get one with the pain you are having. I am going to try custom orthodics in the next few weeks. Most people I know have had good success with that. Let me know what happens and good luck. Tom Bettes Austin

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Have you been stretching that plantar facia?  I finally went to the podiatrist when I was at the point when my first morning steps were just about impossible.  I waited too long because at that time, I thought surgery was the only answer.  That was last October, after exercises, orthotics, prescription anti-inflamatories, ion physical therapy, icing and Birkenstocks when I’m not in my orthotics, as of about 2 weeks ago I am pain free in the heel area of my foot.  I also never got to the cortisone shots, I’ve heard many people say they are extremely painful!  My podiatrist told me that it easily could take a year of hard work to lick this thing!!!  If your interested, I could send you some of the info that I have accumulated on the net!!  I would encourage you to try everything and use surgery as a last resort!! Good Luck! Lynn

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I developed plantar fasciaitis over a year ago and I can’t shake it.  I laid off the running entirely, tried an assortment of heel & shoe insoles, and way more Motrin that I care to remember but I still have plantar fasciaitis so bad I can hardly walk at the end of the day.  My Doc wants a "plantar release" and cut the tendon(?) to relieve my pain but I’m a little unsure about it.  Has anyone ever had this procedure done?  Have any advice about it?  The Doc is pretty vague on this and I’m wondering about side effects, recovery time, ect.  Any advice would be most appreciated…I’m getting DESPERATE!!!  Thanks…

Scott Check out a book called "The Runners Repair Manual". It is written by a foot doctor: Dr Murray F. Weisenfeld. It is published by St. Martins Press and retails in paperback for 9.95. He details several "remedies" and ways to relieve the pain. It may be worth ten bucks to check it out. Good luck, Glenn

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I developed plantar fasciaitis over a year ago and I can’t shake it.  I laid off the running entirely, tried an assortment of heel & shoe insoles, and way more Motrin that I care to remember but I still have plantar fasciaitis so bad I can hardly walk at the end of the day.  My Doc wants a "plantar release" and cut the tendon(?) to relieve my pain but I’m a little unsure about it.  Has anyone ever had this procedure done?  Have any advice about it?  The Doc is pretty vague on this and I’m wondering about side effects, recovery time, ect.  Any advice would be most appreciated…I’m getting DESPERATE!!!  Thanks…

Big surprise I’m recommending this, but … have you tried massage? A competent sports massage therapist might help. You can do a simple self-massage that might help. With the shoe off, of course, glide your thumb (I wouldn’t use lubrication) along the longitudinal arch of your foot from the ball to the heel. Use a firm pressure. Also, do the same along the Achilles in the direction of the bottom of the heel, and so the same all around the heel pad. I’d do that at least twice a day. Good luck. Brian P. Baresch, National Sports Massage Team speaking for myself

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I developed plantar fasciaitis over a year ago and I can’t shake it.  I laid off the running entirely, tried an assortment of heel & shoe insoles, and way more Motrin that I care to remember but I still have plantar fasciaitis so bad I can hardly walk at the end of the day.  My Doc wants a "plantar release" and cut the tendon(?) to relieve my pain but I’m a little unsure about it.  Has anyone ever had this procedure done?  Have any advice about it?  The Doc is pretty vague on this and I’m wondering about side effects, recovery time, ect.  Any advice would be most appreciated…I’m getting DESPERATE!!!  Thanks… Scott

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Sorry…I had the wrong email address in my first posting.  Should – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I developed plantar fasciaitis over a year ago and I can’t shake it.  I laid off the running entirely, tried an assortment of heel & shoe insoles, and way more Motrin that I care to remember but I still have plantar fasciaitis so bad I can hardly walk at the end of the day.  My Doc wants a "plantar release" and cut the tendon(?) to relieve my pain but I’m a little unsure about it.  Has anyone ever had this procedure done?  Have any advice about it?  The Doc is pretty vague on this and I’m wondering about side effects, recovery time, ect.  Any advice would be most appreciated…I’m getting DESPERATE!!!  Thanks… Scott

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