For those of you who don't know, I'm training for my first marathon - the Twin Cities in October. As I started ramping up my miles, I developed problems with plantar fasciitis in my left foot. Went to a PA in June, got a cortisone shot and a script for some anti-inflammatories and quit running for a week (I know, I know, not long enough).  I did 5 and 10K races without any problems, but as soon as I started to hit 35+ mpw, the pain came back. Today, I went to see a podiatrist who showed me how to tape my foot, gave me a night splint and scheduled me for an appointment to meet with a PT for orthodics.

 

I've been a member of RA for a long time, and know that there are a lot of you who have had issues with PF. Has anyone had good luck with orthodics? Anyone have horror stories to share? I'd like to get some opinions before I invest a ton of $$$$$ in custom-fit orthodics.

 

Thoughts, people?

My podiatrist wanted me to get orthotics for my metatarsalgia, but I said no. I didn't like the idea of artificially supporting my foot that way, and always having to shift the thing from shoe to shoe as I changed pairs... I took all the pads and supports out of my shoes, just have sorbothane cushion insoles in my racing shoes, and my foot has stabilized and is no longer a limiting factor for my running. I've been strengthening my foot by wearing minimalist shoes (sandals, really) but still with a supportive, cushioned sole. (Merrells) I'm not saying orthotics are "evil," but I've always heard they're sort of a one-way deal. Once you use them and adapt to them, you need them all the time going forward. Others may have other opinions, but there's mine.

Jlynne-

 

I have been wearing orthotics for over 20 years.  I originally got them to help get rid of PF and they worked great ( I was running 50-60 mpw back then).  I wear them in every shoe that they fit in all day long (not only running).  i have had only an occasional flareup over the years, and wouldn't live w/o them.  I got another pair about 3-4 years ago, and am happy with them also.

 

As long as the Dr is trustworthy, and treats/knows runners, I would consider them, if other treatment fails.

 

Erika - I will admit that I can tell when I don't wear them.  Can't go barefoot for long periods of time.

...yep, been wearing 'em since 80s..... (both arches collapsed).......WORTH EVERY PENNY........

 

drop the bucks,

you'll be glad you did.

JLynne - I think you're going to get 50/50 responses because of different strokes for different folks.  Take this for what it's worth because I've never had PF:

I used orthotics for years after I severely tore up my left ankle.  A little less than a year ago, I started seeing a MAT therapist for various issues, including IT band problems. After spending a few weeks with him, listening, and asking questions, I became - and am still - convinced that artificially supporting the feet can be a mistake.  I'm not saying it definitely is, but it can be.  I had quit using my custom orthos some time back because I found them to be too hard for running, but had been using Montrail insoles.  (You mold them to your feet via heat and use.)  I no longer use those and have been doing exercises to strength my feet, themselves.

 

If you want to give orthos a try, think about asking your pod about trying something along the line of the Montrails first to see if you do, indeed, get relief in combination with the stretching and taping (and not running 'til the PF is healed ).  They're a tad pricey at around $30-$40 a pair, but a heck of a lot less expensive than custom orthos.  I had a set for each pair of running shoes and changed them with the shoes.

 

If you have access to a MAT therapist, I would highly recommend giving that a whirl, as well.  Not only was it a deciding factor in helping my friend get over PF (she did the night stretching and started using Montrails, too), but it make an absolutely remarkable difference in my back and IT band.  I cannot give it high enough praise.

 

Good luck in whatever you decide.

I've worn orthotics for many years, not because of PF, but because I have lousy natural arch support. I've gradually gotten more minimalist every time I've had to replace a pair of worn orthotics, and I don't seem to be suffering from those changes. Now, I only wear my orthotics when working out or racing: I don't wear them in my 'regular' shoes, and I go without shoes at home as much as possible. My feet are holding up just fine. I can't say if my feet have gotten stronger, of if my need for orthotics wasn't all that great in the first place.

 

Yes, everybody and every situation is different. But I wouldn't automatically assume that once you start wearing orthotics, that it is forever. If you do start with orthotics, I would recommend as minimal a pair as you can get. They can always be built up if you need more support.

 

Good luck with your PF, and in your marathon!

 

Jay

Jlynne,

My arch collapsed in 2006 and I had some custom orthotics made for both feet. Developed an intense pain behind my knee and pretty much stopped running until February 2009. Started back running slow miles with the orthotics up to 10 miles/week. Mixed in some barefoot jogging and started going barefoot around the house as much as possible. After about six months I've weaned myself from wearing the orthotics and haven't used them since. They did their job long enough for me to run in neutral arch support shoes which I currently run in. I still mix in some barefoot running but no more than one-half a mile at a time. Overuse injuries are very common so I would take things very slow.

Andrew

If you have PF you need to strengthen your foot.  Wear orthotics when you run and maybe even a strassborg sock when you sleep, but this is vital: spend as much time barefoot or in minimalist shoes as you can.  Even jog around some barefoot.  Over time this will give your intrinsic foot muscles strength.  Orthotics are a bandaid.  Foot muscles are the cure.