Plantar fasciitis but not

[micnap]

Hi,

While training for a marathon, I developed what I assumed was plantar fasciitis the last 4-5 weeks of training. I've been running for 20 years and have experienced it before so wasn't concerned. But it went a little differently this time.

When I had it before, it would go away as I ran and get tight overnight or with inactivity. This time it didn't go away during the runs, but it didn't hurt enough to keep me from running. Just a mild discomfort during running, not full fledged pain. The pain would come after the run. It was increased tightness that i tried to regularly stretch out, a burning pain that would come and go and move around between several spots, along with a tender spot just in front of the heel toward the inside of the foot that wouldn't go away. By the time the marathon came I couldn't stand anything touching the tender spot with my foot at rest. I could still walk and run but paid for it within 12 hours after the run and for several days.

It's now several weeks after the marathon and I haven't run since. I no longer have the tightness in the plantar fascia at all but the tender spot just isn't improving. I still can't stand anything to touch the area if I have my foot laying on the side. I don't have medical insurance. So I don't want to go to the doctor if I don't have to.

Do I just try to wait it out? Is it safe to keep walking on it? I can feel it when I walk although I wouldn't classify it as pain. Ok to swim, do elliptical, or bike?

Thanks,
Mickey

[Heidi]

Hi

Something that often closely mimics PF is tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Have a look at this page to see if you think it matches your symptoms: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/foot/entrapmentnerves.htm

[micnap]

Hmmm...definitely had some burning pain on the outside of the bottom of the foot but never any tingling or numbness. Tried the Tinel's test and it didn't bother me. I don't over pronate. If anything I under pronate. I have high arches.

Looking at this image - http://www.healthytimesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Plantar-Fasciitis.jpg - the tender spot is directly under the blue circle.

The pain is finally starting to subside. Being pretty inactive this past week (a veritable slug, actually) and wearing my running sneakers whenever I'm on my feet instead of just wearing socks at home has seemed to help. The tender spot is still painful if I push on it or squeeze my foot but it's much better otherwise.

On the mend! Still would love to know what the heck this is though.

Thanks,
Mickey

[chirop1]

those plantar fasciitis that i have been involved with often last 4-6 months. so a better evaluation is needed to rule out possible march fractures, heel spurs or just over usage conditions. You possible could wait it out and use a frozen bottle of water and roll it across the plantar surface nightly or seek a foot specialist for a more appropriate diagnosis. expect to drop $150-$300 the initial visit.