Last Updated on December 29, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh
Running is one of my greatest joys in life, until it starts to become painful. When I started running in 2012, it was much easier on my joints and I could push my body to greater extremes because I had no limitations. As my body changed with having babies, I started to notice new annoyances and aches. The most noticeable was a stabbing sensation in my heel. That was the beginning of my journey with Plantar Fasciitis Pain.
And, let me tell you – it is truly a pain. I was in denial at first because the pain would dissipate and feel better as I ran. Little did I know that’s because my foot was warming up. Every morning, when I woke up, I would shuffle my feet because walking caused an intense pain.
Obviously, my training started to suffer and running was no longer enjoyable.
Starting with Self-Care to End Plantar Fasciitis Pain
I scoured the internet looking for at-home solutions. The repeat theme, while researching, was self-care. I started a new regimen of massage my calves, stretching my calfs and rolling my feet. I started to find some minor relief from rolling my foot along a frozen water bottle. Everything you’re supposed to do at home needs to be done religiously. You have to put the time and effort into self-care, just like you do with training.
The pain was still persistent and I kept looking for answers. I wondered if the baby weight had something to do with developing PF, I was running the wrong way (is that even possible?) or my body just wasn’t meant for running anymore.
Finding Some Answers
Instead of self-diagnosing and wondering what I was doing wrong, I finally decided it was time to talk to a professional. I booked an appointment with one of Atlanta’s top Podiatrists who works with the Atlanta Track Club and also runs. He was recommended by several of my running friends. I highly recommend finding a physician that works specifically with runners.
After X-Rays, he DID diagnose me with Plantar Fasciitis that developed into Heel Spurs. That was the first time discovering the two conditions were related.
The Podiatrist recommended I do several things:
- Switch to a stability running shoe with Super Feet Inserts. I needed the arch support.
- No more walking around barefoot.
- Stretch my calves like it’s my job.
The Next Step for my Plantar Fasciitis Pain
All of those recommendations helped. I completed my first WDW Marathon in 2016 and I was feeling pretty good. Then baby #2 came along. As soon as I started to feel better and begun training for my next set of races, my Plantar Fasciitis was back. I immediately went back through the same self-care process on top of the doctor’s recommendations.
That leads me to my current situation. I’ve got an appointment scheduled with the same Podiatrist for the next step: a cortisone injection. I was hoping to avoid getting one, as they can be controversial, but I know it’s better than surgery. They require several days off from training, but patients swear by the results. It’s only temporary, so do your own research before signing up.
I am desperate to get rid of the Plantar Fasciitis pain and start running for fun again.
Do you have Plantar Fasciitis? What works for you?
***DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional! Just sharing my journey. I recommend talking with a doctor about your own pain.***