Mindfull Success

PLANTAR FACIITIS

by John the trail runner….

I had been training for my upcoming season of trail running for about three months, when I stepped out of bed one morning and could not even walk to the bathroom. I had no idea what was going on, nor what I had done to experience such pain.

I only train for Ultra marathons every four years and usually do not incur any major injuries. My training regimen has been to gradually increase mileage by only a few miles per week. At this point of my training, I was running about 65 miles a week—with the majority on trails.

After visiting with a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Doctor and a Podiatrist, they diagnosed me with Plantaritis, or Plantar Fasciitis. They gave me a multitude of things on how it could have occurred, but, very little information on how to resolve it.

Back at the YMCA, I spoke with several other long distance runners and triathletes. None of them gave me a quick cure; instead, they simply used ibuprofen and ice to treat it. Most of them suffered with this malady from 12-24 months. This information was helpful, but, not what I was looking for.

The first thing I used on my foot was Arnica Montana—in gel form. I continued to use this throughout my ordeal. I borrowed that foot device that stretches the tendon, and although it was not comfortable to use when I slept, I did manage to keep it on as often as it was practical to do so—it did not have any adjustments to it, so, I added foam when I needed to stretch it more.

Next, I used a supplement by Enzymatic Therapy to repair the tendon internally, along with more minerals—almonds are a very good source. Constant massage and the use of a (golf) ball is helpful to break up any adhesions. Stretching the foot several times a day is must.

I initially dropped to 45 miles a week, but, after two weeks when my dilemma failed to feel better, I went back up to 65-70 miles (where I needed to be).

Now, this is where the fun begins…I started Acupuncture every week (sometimes with an electrical impulse), diathermy with Castor Oil and heating pad on low heat for 30 minutes, and electrical stimulation every other week (pads are attached to the area and this device has six different settings). I kept up with boot, stretching, ball routine, supplementation, and after eight weeks, my foot was cured.

I already had put in a couple of long training runs (35-40 miles of hills), and a few weeks after I considered myself well, I finished a tough 55 mile trail run. After that, I pounded pavement for 50 miles on relay race, and finished my season with my fourth 100 mile trail run. There was absolutely no trace of any bone spurs or pain in, or around, my plantar tendon during this time.

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Disclaimer:
Article is for information only and is not to be used as medical advice, nor is any information on this website to be considered as medical advice.