Constant pain with my Plantar Fasia

Langleypm

Hi I have had RA for over 4 years and was largely under control on sulphasalazine and hydrachroloquine. I was then also diagnosed with a Sarcoidosis in April 2012 taken off these drugs and have been on prednisone now on 5mg per day the last 3 months the plantar Fasia on both feet has been awful any thoughts? I had acupuncture helped to start with but now more painful

helpline_team

Hi Langleypm

Thank you for forum posting. I am so sorry to hear that the ‘Plantar Fascia’ on both your feet has been ‘awful’. I am wondering if you could ask your GP for a referral to a podiatrist (a trained foot specialist) he/she maybe of help, that’s if you haven’t already seen one.

A few suggestions that may be of help to you. Firstly regular exercise including stretching of the calf muscle and the plantar fascia.
You could ask for a referral to a physiotherapist who would be able to give you programme of exercises.
You could try putting an ice pack on your heel, a bag of peas would do the job. If you do this wrap a cloth around the peas before putting it on the joint.

Wearing good fitting shoes which support and cushion your foot can help too. You could also have a chat to the podiatrist or health professional about insoles, as they can provide extra cushioning in your shoes.

The link below to NHS choices will give you further information about Plantar fascia:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heel-pain/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Lastly a link to Arthritis Research UK information: Feet, footwear and arthritis
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/shop/products/publications/patient-information/conditions/feet-footwear-and-arthritis.aspx

I hope this is of some help.

You are most welcome to give us a call on our Helplines: 0808 800 4050 (Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) here we can chat to you informally and in confidence.

Best wishes
Lynda

elnafinn

Hi Langleypm

I thought this link may help you. Personally I find it easier to watch how the exercises should be done. My MIL was given most of these exercises to do when she was suffering with PF.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kStuJAu0a20

You should perhaps check with your GP/physio that these exercises are ok for you to do . They all seem to make perfect sense though.

I wish you well,

Elna (member of the forum)

Langleypm

Langleypm wrote:

Hi I have had RA for over 4 years and was largely under control on sulphasalazine and hydrachroloquine. I was then also diagnosed with a Sarcoidosis in April 2012 taken off these drugs and have been on prednisone now on 5mg per day the last 3 months the plantar Fasia on both feet has been awful any thoughts? I had acupuncture helped to start with but now more painful

Still no better in fact worse, exercises, footwear, acupuncture driving me nuts now !

dreamdaisy

Hello, I am a forum member who has PF (on my right side) and Achilles Tendonitis in my left heel. I found your last comment unclear - do you mean you've explored all those avenues? The pain is always there but mine is eased with a daily diclofenac and walking as best I can (things are easier when I wear my custom-made orthotics). I think it's rather like arthritis itself, it can be eased but not necessarily banished. DD

suzygirl

I was told to roll a small bottle of cold water under my foot back and forth and it really helped. Apparently it helps with the inflammation.

helpline_team

Dear Langleypm,

Sorry to hear things are still difficult. You'd be most welcome to ring us for some support and to talk over what you've tried so far if that would be helpful.

kind regards

Guy