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For over six years I have had plantar fasciitis and for the last two years have had extreme pain/tightening of the muscles in my calves. I talked to my internist about it, she said talk to an orthopedic doctor which I did. She in turn told me to talk to a podiatrist who in turn told me to talk to my internist. What a runaround. I do get cortisone shots in the bottom of both feet but it doesn't last long. To top this off I have to have a knee replacement. The pain level is something else. Any suggestions?

Hi Judy ,

I have had PF for six years as well. I've tried everything except surgery. I have a feeling that the pain in your knees are causing you to walk improperly and therefore irritating your feet. The sooner you have the knee surgery the better it will be for your over all walk . It won't make the PF go away , but it should ease the pain for you I hope.
I tried cortisone injections a couple of years ago. I tried two different sessions and both times they didn't help .
I've resolved to the fact that the only thing that "may" help with PF if it hasn't cleared up in a year is surgery. The same surgeon who performs the knee surgery should be able to help you with you PF. I wish you all the best Judyann.

Judyann,

if you're looking at a knee replacement there are a number of things you need to know. First off, why replace it? If you're bone on bone, it's the best option. You need to see a competent orthopedic massage therapist for several visits prior to your surgery, and again after you come out, before you start Physical Therapy. They will need to make sure your adductors, quads and hamstrings all move well, and are not adhered to each other. They can release soleus and gastrocnemius as well and do MET to all of the above. The better shap all this is in when you go into surgery, the better you will come out of it.

When they do a joint replacement, they shorten all the muscles that attach the 2 ends just a little bit, to help make sure it's secure. If you've already got problems with tight calves, this will make that part worse. Also, make sure your doctor or hospital has someone on staff who has kinesio-tape training. Using this tape will significantly reduce post surgical swelling and bruising. Less swelling = less pain, which leads to a faster recovery. Where do you live? If it's an area where I know someone, I'll pass their name & number to you.