Plantar fascia

by katarina
(london)

Hi there,
I have been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis last September (07). I used to visit podiatrist who used dry needling for this condition. I also used ice, stretching, night splint etc. The condition improved considerably but few days ago it deteriorated again. I cannot think why this has happened,the only thing I did out of the ordinary is that I drove my car for about 3 hrs. Could this have started the condition again? Previously to this I still had Plantar Fasciitis but it was getting lot better! What is even stranger is that before I had the pain right at the bottom of my heal where you normally get the pain but now the pain is halfway between my heal and my toes? My foot is also very swollen and painful to touch (it feels like I bruised it). Can you please advise what this could be? I am so frustrated & feel like crying as I was so pleased I was getting better. Should I visit my doctor? I cannot keep going to the podiatrist as it's very expensive & I have to keep paying for it myself (I live in the UK). I have not had any X-rays or MRI's for this conditions, I was just told I have plantar fasciitis. If you could give me any info/hope I would really appreciate it. Many thanks

Hi Katarina,
More than likely you have a biomechanical problem meaning your plantar fasciitis is the result of the way your foot is structured, so... you will always be prone to having the problem. Other causes for this chronic condition might be if you have a job where you stand a lot, or walk alot. Additionally, if you are overweight you will be prone to chronic heel and arch pain.
The plantar fasciitis apparently is worsening, that is why it is spreading into the arch.
Your best bet? Try an orthotic. This will support the plantar facial ligament and prevent it from overstretching and becoming inflamed. Otherwise, I am afraid you are going to bothered by this problem on an ongoing basis.
Good luck.
Marc Mitnick DPM