Ask a Question about Your Condiition

I'm a runner and hockey player. This summer, I noticed some pain that had all of the typical symptoms of PF. With some rest it got a little better, but it still comes back from time to time. What I can't figure out is why, when it is irritated, would using good arch supports make it hurt worse? Any thoughts?

Hockey Chic,

Good arch supports usually help PF, but the wrong ones can make it worse. The problem is knowing which ones are which. Sadly that means you'll ahve to do some hunting around. What kind of shoes do you wear? Do you have an REI nearby? If so, rip out the nast pre-fab garbage insoles that came in your shoes and go to REI (or somethign like it ) and look for "superfeet". These are great replacement insoles with good support. The arch in the middle isn't so high that it will make it worse. Next, you're going to have to take out all the trigger points and adhesions in your ankles, feet, and calves, and preprogram all the muscles in your lower leg to be longer. This isn't very hard. You can do most of it yourself. You may need a friend to reach certain places, but you can do it. If you need to know more about trigger points, go to my website, www.kaywarren.org and read the massage therapy page, and the plantar fasciitis page. I'm working on a step-by-step instruction guide with pics that should be ready in a few days. if you'll leave your name and e-mail in the "contact me" part of my page, I'll send it to you when it's done. I promise, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not an oncoming freight train. I had PF for a couple of years before I realized that I knew how to fix it. I went from barely being able to stand up first thing in the morning to 0 pain in less than 1 month, and you can too.

Kay