Foot Problems Clinic

[catsfan222]

Hi everyone,

Because of my running habits, I developed PF almost half a year ago. Since the onset, I have stopped running entirely (I used to go about 8-10 miles every other day on average). I have dealt with PF for the last 5 months and have tried almost everything to cure it. Custom Orthotics; Physical therapy (ultrasound and electrotherapy), constant stretching/icing, night splints, Graston, etc. I got a cortisone shot last Saturday from my doc and am hoping that it works. My problem is that I don't actually think my case of PF is ALL that bad. It is just barely bad enough that I feel like running would irritate things making it worse (in honesty, I have tried running several times and seen things get slightly worse, so naturally I have backed off). I just swim and work out at the gym so not to run into this problem. I guess my reason for coming to the forum is this question: how long will it take for this cortisone to work if it is going to? (when ideally will I feel perfect) and when can I try running again?

Thanks in advance

[Woottons]

Hi

The Steroid injection should take from 2 days to a week to be effective. They usually last approximately 3 months. So it very important that you continue your stretches etc.

Sam
_________________
I practise at this private clinic
http://www.thefootandanklepractice.com/

[Woottons]

Hi

The Steroid injection should take from 2 days to a week to be effective. They usually last approximately 3 months. So it very important that you continue your stretches etc.

Sam
_________________
I practise at this private clinic
http://www.thefootandanklepractice.com/

[catsfan222]

Ya, It has been about 5 days and I have seen significant improvement. Assuming that I continue to ice and stretch constantly during the day (which I will), when do you think it is alright to start running again. Obviously I won't start off with anything over the top (no marathons), but I figure I could handle a 2 miler every now and then and build from there. My foot feels like it could handle it, but I am afraid to do anything and make it all revert to what it was before...

[Woottons]

Hi

I would wait about 2 weeks, and start off very gradual i.e. a 10 minute run the first day, a 15 minute run next and so on, so you gradually increase. It is important to stretch after running, and holding the stretch for 60 seconds is very effective.

Also when was the last time you changed your trainers/sneakers?

I hope you find this information helpful.

Sam
_________________
I practise at this private clinic
http://www.thefootandanklepractice.com/

[catsfan222]

Thanks Sam,

I'll do just that. Two weeks is nothing in the big picture! I'll definitely start slow and build up slower. I got new shoes about a month after the pain started. I am currently wearing a pair of Mizuno Wave Nirvana (high stability shoes) with my custom orthotics. They are quite a bit different than what I used to run in (Nike zoom vomero's= incredibly cushioned). Thanks again, I really appreciate the feedback!

[ktruntx]

I am not sure how this forum works, and so I apologize if I am posting my question in the wrong spot.

I am in a very similar situation as the runner above as that I run 50-60 miles a week. I have taken the past two weeks off, because the irritation in my heel was no longer tolerable. I am in the midst of strongly training for Boston which is in 5wks. I got a shot today, and tried to run my first mile in 2 weeks, and it did not feel any better. It is still very painful for not only my heel, but my entire foot is hurting. Is there something I can do with just 5 wks before my race? I would love to run the race that I have worked so hard to get too

[catsfan222]

Unfortunately these shots can often result in what is known as a "cortisone flare" which is probably what you are dealing with right now. I have had it twice. You wont see any results from the cortisone for a couple days probably (I'd stay off the foot for at least a week). My doc said to wait 3 weeks more after the second shot before running (which was 2 weeks after the first). I hope you feel better before Boston! Good luck!