The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Why Didn't I Listen to My Mother
That's right, my Mother always told me to wear good shoes. But did I listen? No. I wore fun looking flats, flip flops, four inch heels, and platform shoes. All without good arches. Now, in my mid forties I'm paying for my youthful fashion.
I've had plantar fasciitis in various degrees for a little over six years. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation, swelling and tearing of the Plantar fascia (AKA the plantar aponeurosis) which is the covering of the ligament, that travels from the toes to the heels under the foot. Some may even say it's a degeneration of the tissue.
But what does plantar fasciitis really mean to the person who suffers from it? Severe foot pain, sometimes accompanied with heel pain, mainly in the morning but as the day wears on you wear out. Pain that shoots through your legs and makes you grab onto the wall as you limp into the bathroom. Pain at the bottom of your feet that is often so unbearable you hesitate to get up in the morning.
I used to love to walk on the nature trails, five miles a day several times a week. But now the thought of limping around afterwards leaves me confined to the chair. I started a quest for shoes that would help get me through the day and help me heal. Like the cause, it's not an overnight cure and sometimes it can take years to recover.
Fashionable thong shoes without the pain, that is my type of shoe. Faux jewels and a dressy shoe, this shoe is truly a fashionable orthodic device.
What Causes Planter Fasciitis
There are many causes of planter fasciitis. According to WebMD and the Mayo Clinic there is no one cause, but a series of long term conditions that put stress and strain on the plantar fascia. This includes not only wearing thin unsupportive shoes, but being being overweight and even being a woman.
In fact a woman between the age of 40-60 in menopause who has either been a runner, a serious walker, or worked on her feet during her life is at the highest risk for plantar fasciitis.
Gee, that puts just about every woman at risk for sore and aching feet. Including me! Oh wait a minute, that IS me!
Fashionable Flip Flops That Are Healthy For Your Feet - Orthaheel Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
Yes, I loved my Merrels and Z-Coils, but I have a new loves now and my feet have never been happier. I tried out the Orthoheel flip flops and my feet just feel in love with them.
Seriously, if my feet could of talked you would of heard them sigh with relief when I stepped into the shoes. The foot bed instantly gave me relief and balance at just the right spots so I didn't have pain in the areas that are not supposed to support my feet. Since I'm a summer person I love sandals and now I love flip flops again.
If you're vertically challenged and still like the idea of wearing high heels of wedges Orthaheel has a therapeutic sandal that is fashionable and comfortable to wear all day.
Check out the orange thong flip flop. I can so see myself wearing these with a pair of dressy shorts or to work.
Birkenstock Shoes Help Hurting Feet - A Great Shoe for Painful Feet
My best friend has been swearing by Birkenstock footwear for years and I've just brushed it off. I bought insoles, arch supports and within six months I would have to buy more. So far I have worn my Birks for over a year and absolutely love my slip on clogs.
My best friend has had a this pair for over 20 years, she's had the soles replaced and swears by them. Now I know why.
A Birkenstock flip flop that is not brown leather. Who would of know. Now no one would know you are wearing the "hippie" sandals if you wear this fun sandal.
See Birks can be stlyish and fun at the same time. No one would know you were wearing Birkenstocks with this fashionable sandal.
Birkenstock does carry regular shoes, not just sandals and this womens Oxford loafer is casual enough for jeans yet can also be worn with slacks.
Merrel Shoes - The fashionable alternative
Merrel sandals were the first shoe I bought specifically to address the pain of plantar fasciitis. I've had the same pair for three years and LOVE them!
During the summer I still love wearing sandals and slip on shoes. Merrell shoes I can wear around the house, out to the park and up to 4 hours without discomfort. Obviously the severity of your plantar fasciitis will dictate how long you can wear each variety of shoe. I rotate shoes if I'm not wearing my Z-Coils.
Merrel Slide Sandals
Slide sandals are my favorite sandal. I guess I'm lazy and just like to slip on a pair of shoes without much effort. No straps, buckles, two seconds and I'm out the door.
Add a little color to your sandals. This Sweetpea from Merrell is perfect for the pool, lake, or beach.
How Z-Coil Shoes Helped My Foot Pain - The funny looking shoes that saved my life.
These are truly amazing shoes. They work, they really do work. Because of these shoes my foot pain is gone. Really!! Ok, I might have a little when I first get up, but at one point I was almost using crutches.
About four years ago I was skeptical of any shoe actually eliminating my foot pain. But I was desperate. I had just worked a booth for three days at a dog show. At the end of each day my feet hurt so bad I went right to my hotel room and laid in bed. At the end of the weekend my husband almost had to carry me to the car. I had seen Z-Coil shoes at the Nebraska State fair, even wore them around for a few minutes, but the price made me hesitant.
My biggest concern at that point was the fact I had another dog show the next weekend. I could go through another weekend in pain. I went to the Z-Coil store in Omaha Nebraska and tried a pair of Z-Coil sneakers on in the store. The customer service rep watched me walk, adjusted the coils, added custom insole cushions and watched me walk again. Each shoe has 32 custom adjustments to fit the way you walk.
The very next weekend I worked ten hours a day, standing on concrete, for three days. At the end of each day not only did my feet not hurt, but I felt wonderful and had energy to spare. I'm totally sold on Z-Coil shoes for foot pain and would recommend them to anyone.
Watch this short video on how the rigid sole of the Z-Coil shoe helps support the bottom of the foot and alleviates foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Owners of these funny looking shoes also claim they have helped with knee, ankle, hip and lower back pain along with arthritis symptoms.
Buy Z-Coil Shoes For Less Than $100 - Perfect Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The regular price of Z-Coils start at about $180.00, which is a little over my budget. I guess that's what a good pair of shoes costs, and why I have the pain in my feet, but I still can't afford several shoes more than $100.
You can buy Z-Coils for a lot less through eBay, I bought my black Z-Coil dress shoes for less than $50 and adjusted the coils myself and they have worked wonderful. A search for Z-Coil and your city should also result in either a Z-Coil store or a shoe store that will adjust the shoes for a small service fee.
- The Drs TV: Z-Coil Shoes
A forum with actual Z-Coil owners discussing the benefits of Z-Coils - Official Z-Coil Website
Everything you want to know about these amazing shoes straight from the manufacturer
Informational Sites on Z-Coil Shoes - What are others saying?
What are others saying about Z-Coil Shoes. Find out here and judge for yourself if they are an amazing shoes.
Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
It's not recommended to continue running while suffering from plantar fasciitis. But after your feet heal, running can be resumed with the proper foot support and using shoes especially designed for plantar fasciitis. The rules of replacing your running shoes after 500 miles still apply unless you want to relapse.
Runners are very prone to shin splints, plantar fasciitis and other body mechanic alignment problems. Wearing supportive shoes that prevent pronation will help prevent not only leg and knee pain but improve performance.
Gravity Defyer Shoes for Women - Athletic Running shoes for Planter Fasciitis
If I ever get back into serious walking again I'll get these shoes. My Z-Coils are wonderful, but the stability on a rocky surfaces isn't the best.
These Gravity Defyer shoes have very good reviews from runners and joggers. <y husband has a pair and once my feet and legs heal I'll be getting some. I won't be running marathons or doing 5K races, but I will be able to walk five miles again.
Some long distance running professionals recommend replacing your running shoes after 500 miles. By buying a high quality pair to start off with you can save money.
Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
During the weekend my feet hurt more and it's because I walk around the house barefoot, or just in socks as I do chores. By the end of the weekend I'm kicking myself and remind myself to buy comfortable slippers that will cushion and support my feet.
My Mother always got a pair of new slippers every year for Christmas, it was our go to gift as kids. So, all children, fathers, take notice. This is a Christmas hint, Mom's like comfy, cozy, comfortable slippers and appreciate them for Christmas.
The adjustable webbing in the Chaco sandal provides a custom fit around the foot and toe strap. Just keep adjusting until they are formed to your foot. The women's Chaco sandals come in a variety of colors and designs from these river sandals to thongs and flip flops.
Chaco Sandals Taking the Nation By Storm - Outdoor Adventure Sandal
My daughter went to school in Arkansas and during the first day of orientation she saw everyone wear Chacos. They couldn't believe she had never heard of them before.
Chacos are an outdoor adventure sandal you can wear hiking, boating, rafting, biking and not only are they comfortable but they are supportive and prevent foot and leg pain.
If you wake up in the morning and it hurts to walk on your feet you may have plantar fascittis. During the night your feet relax and point downward. Wearing this night split while you sleep help keep the tendon in the correct position to prevent morning foot pain.
Alternative Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
The ultimate goal is to actually heal from this painful foot injury, not just mask the symptoms. Blood flow stimulation therapy is used by professional athletes and meant to be used when the foot is at rest. Although this isn't a shoe it can be worn in the shoe and used alternatively with Cold cure treatments.
If you have plantar fasciitis what worked for you?
I love my Gravity Defyer's they are amazing. I was in so much pain before I tried them on. Its similar to Z coils but way better looking. I honestly don't think I could walk around wearing the Z coils even tho they are helpful. Gravity Defyer is cheaper and there are a lot of cute styles. Thank you for explaining everything so clearly! I loved this article.
I have found that icing my foot 3-4 times a day has really helped. I stopped crossing my feet when I prop them up because I noticed it made the pain worse. I also bought shoes with memory foam insoles which is also helping. Thanks for sharing all of this useful information, very helpful.
This article has explained a lot, and will go a long way in helping a lot of people. Waking up and not being able to walk on one's feet is not a good thing at all. The product examples you provided will help me with my next shoe purchase. Thank you for providing this information.
Very informative lens and hopefully, one I will not have to refer back to, but if I do, thanks for being there! May check out these Merrells in advance of any problems.
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@othellos: I'm glad it was a good reference. Just when I thought I've exhausted the topic I think of something else. Please come back again.
There is so much good information here that I'm bookmarking this for future reference. Glad to find this out.
oh gosh...I had a horrible bout with this a few years ago and the pain was ferocious. Never really knew which shoes to buy after that. Very useful info here, thanks :)
terrific page with a lot of useful information - glad I don't have this problem though, sounds very painful indeed
This is great information. I like the z coil.
New balance helped me a lot. Love the look of those sandal though. Maybe this summer! Very interesting and informative lens--thanks!
Very helpful information
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I wear New Balance with the absorb heel cushion. I was told by my podiatrist not to wear shoes without back. I also have fiberglass orthotics that were made for me. I worked on concrete floors and worked in cute heels for way too many years!!
I suffer from this and I´m 26, I guess doing pointe work in ballet and wearing ill fitted shoes has done it. It is especially worse in the morning when I first wake up.... I can't walk, But having just been diagnosed with it this is a very useful lens.... Thanks x
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@Rivervalchiro: Thanks for the heads up on this, I will have to try it, my ankles are really starting to feel it now, even with all the shoe adjustments and exercises I've tried.
Another option for those who cannot afford new shoes is to perform a heel lock with white athletic tape. You can google on how to do this. We use this method in our chiropractic practice on our patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis. A tape job will last a couple of days even with showers and athletic tape is very inexpensive.
www.jordan4torobravocheap.com
Great lens - very informative. I found a combination of things helpful: A night splint, which I wore for a long time, stretching, and orthotics custom made by my podiatrist. Plus New Balance running shoes (587), which come in extra wide, which I need to fit my short and wide feet, along with the orthotics. As long as I wear these, I'm fine. Would love to know which of the shoes you list above come in extra wide.
I tried a lot of shoes, tried the night splint to no avail, but Dansko Professional clogs did the trick for me. (Plus losing a bunch of weight.) It's a miserable condition.
Congratulations on LOTD! As a fellow sufferer, I'm so glad it's getting the recognition it deserves. Thank you also for the nod to my own lens about this issue.
I'm a slow learner, I guess, because it took me many years to understand that good shoes would remedy all my foot problems. Loved the lens. Very helpful.
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@writerkath: The Z-Coil are a bit odd at first, but I was desperate after a weekend at the dog show. I knew someone who wore them, and had 7 pair, so I trusted her and went with it. Thanks for the shoutout on LOTD, it's been fun
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@norma-holt: Never heard of using Rosehip Ultra, I'll have to look it up. I'm learning so much from all the replies I've gotten from my LOTD award. How do you walk if you can't have anything near your foot?
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@kimadagem: I'll have to check out those orthotics, I don't even try to wear regular shoes anymore. I look at them, see they have no arch and immediately put them aside. I know there are some massages I can do, I have a ball at work and take off my shoes and roll my feet on it. I also fill a pop bottle with water and freeze it. The cold helps with the swelling. I appreciate the reply to my article. Means a lot.
Oh, I forgot! Congrats on LOTD too! :-)
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@MrAusAdventure: Thanks for the shoutout. The LOTD has been fun.
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@clicks-4-bricks: I'll have to check that the juice out, thanks for the shoutout.
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@WrathWarbone: Thanks for the comment. This was my 3rd lens, and I've tweaked and updated it off and on , the last update was just a few days ago with I added the Birkenstock shoes.
Orthotics. I am a former massage therapist and the first time I got plantar fasciitis I read an article saying the problem was the anterior tibialis muscle, so I worked on that and the pain went away. Many years later it returned and was a whole lot worse, in both feet (the first time it was only one foot); there were times when I could barely walk. I started working on anterior tib, then tried other special massage therapy techniques, then special chiropractic techniques, and finally special exercises, all with minimal - and temporary - relief. The orthotics took care of the problem almost immediately and now I won't wear shoes without them (unless they're Birkenstocks, which basically have the same support). Fortunately I didn't have to get custom orthotics; the ones from the local shoe store worked. That store isn't "local" anymore so now I buy them online, from Amazon; they're Lynco L405s, in case anyone wants to check them out. I am so glad I found these; walking is one of the few exercises I can do and it's helped me lose a major amount of weight. Without those orthotics I doubt I would have been able to do that.
I have some pain in my left heel from time to time after big days on the feet, maybe it is the start of Plantar Fasciitis? I am not sure though as it has not gotten any worse really for the last few years. It would get really bad when I would wear old shoes all day long. Now I have thrown out my old shoes and gotten new ones it is not so bad after a big day, so hopefully it was just the old shoes.
I've had plantar fasciitis and it's no fun. Very informative lens. Congratulations on getting LotD!
perfect!
good post. hard to write like yours.
Congrats on Lens of the Day! I am fortunate that I have not suffered from this but one of my best friends suffers from this and he told me that pure Mangosteen juice has helped alleviate swelling and pressure as a naturopathic anti-inflammatory.
I'm getting those shoes anyway even if I have no plantar fascitis. :)
Brilliant piece of work. You really show us how it is done here. Must have taken tons of work. Thanks so much.
Great lens! It seems that even if you don't have this condition, the shoes would probably feel great. Congrats on LOTD and Purple Star.
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Congratulations on LOTD! Interesting subject and well explained...wow I have gone barefooted most of my life and never had a problem, wore bad shoes and such...I'm grateful I don't have this painful condition, it's bad enough I have Fibrmyalgia.
Great lens about an extremely difficult condition. I have it in one foot but keep it at bay with Rosehip Ultra and careful management. The worst thing I can do is to put anything near it or it instantly flares up. That makes orthodics and special shoes unworkable in my situation. It is obviously very common among women especially, Congrats on LOTD, well deserved.
I've had two bouts with PF, one in each foot and I agree supportive shoes are very important. Great lens!
I suffer from plantar fasciitis AND a heel spur. I'm always working to do that stretch that you see in the "night splint" product you're showing above. I'll look at the Z-coil shoe - but I confess that I think they look a tad odd. I'm pretty serious about finding something. My old birks are about the best - but I need a new pair of them as well. I'll look at the Z-coil and the Gravity Defyer. I'm glad you published this page! Congrats on your Lens of the Day!
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@SteveKaye: Thanks for the shout out on lens of the day, don't know how it's determined, it's my first LOTD, and since I've only been here since January I'm pretty honored and excited.
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@Craftypicks: It's funny, a veterinarian diagnosed me. I was working at a conference and after getting up off a high top stool my feet were killing me. He pressed on a few points on my foot, asked me a few questions, pain in the morning, etc and that's what he said. After doing some reading I have all the symptoms.
Sorry to hear about your friend. Foot doctors, podiatrists should be able to pick it up, and there is a chain of stores now called the Good Feet store that advertises here on the radio all the time and they always talk about plantar Fasciitis.
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@sybil watson: I'm thinking about getting one of the braces to keep getting drop foot syndrome. Finally saw one recently that wasn't so cumbersome. I guess if my hubby can wear a cpac machine I can wear foot splints. Thanks for the Shout out on LOTD.
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@Susan Zutautas: I know, I was looking for "regular" Birkenstocks, and had to settle for the clogs. They will work in anything but know though. Thanks for the shout out on the lens of the day. Don't even know how I won it, but I'm thrilled.
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@Christopher1977: I worked as a cashier and in retail for many years, I'm sure that contributed to some of it. Hope it works. These exercises can help too https://hubpages.com/health/exercises-for-plantar-...
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@Grangermdk: Thanks for the comment, greatly appreciated
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@lewisgirl: I would love to go to Macchu Picchu, I just hiked a mountain in Arkansas in my Orthoheel Flip flops, maybe I should do more of it...
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@BarbaraCasey: Thanks, I have a new milestone, this is my first LOTD
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@Margaret Schindel: Thanks for the comments, I know my ankles and achilles tendons are affected, as well as my gait just due to the pain. I created another companion lens to this called Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis https://hubpages.com/health/exercises-for-plantar-... and been trying to do them faithfully. When I do, I can see a difference.
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@SusanDeppner: Thanks for the congrats on Lens of the Day, didn't even know anyone was paying attention.
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@Dressage Husband: I wore high heels in high school and college, but haven't worn them in more than 20 years, since I had kids, what Mom can run around in high heels? Not me! Thanks for the comment and I didn't even know I got LOTD until just now, wow, what a difference it makes on comments.
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@TheDeeperWell: Never heard of Spenco sandals, I'm going to have to try them out, I'm constantly bending and stretching my feet and ankles when I sit in the lazy boy, but it doesn't seem to work. When I stand up it's still painful. I'm sure I'd be crippled by now if it weren't for good shoes.
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@sharonbellis: No wonder I'm getting so many comments, didn't know I got LOTD, wow!!! Another milestone in Squidoo!
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@anonymous: Never heard of the Teva Mush flip flops, I'll have to try them out. Thanks. I forget in the house that I can't walk barefoot. As a kid I went barefoot everywhere, so sad I can't now.
Thanks for sharing!
Very informative and helpful lens! I always have problems with my feet.
I had it. I didn't know what it was called, but it crippled me up. I put sponges into my heels until it heeled.
I've never heard of this. I'm so sorry for your suffering. Great recommendations!
I have had this for 20 years and found that never walking barefoot helped me manage symptoms. I swear by Teva Mush flip flops and Earth shoes with the Kelso negative heel. I also wear a padded insole in every pair of shoes. But never going barefoot, even for 5 minutes, is key. I used to do water aerobics and found that barefoot on the cold pool bottom was a problem. Not even water shoes helped, so I found a new workout. Once you feel symptoms, take care of it or it can become debilitating.
Very important, walking is so essential and anything to help your feet is great. Now I know about Z-coils.
Very informative: Thanks
I don't have plantar fasciitis but I do have foot pain and I know I should be wearing better shoes. Thanks for the recommendations and congrats on LOTD!
Great information here - I used to take my feet for granted but now know better. Wearing the correct shoes and caring for your feet makes a huge difference.
I had plantar fasciitis for over a year. The fascia can actually rip from where it dives into the heel bone. It takes a long time to heal because it is continually damaged with each step. It happens when the fascia sheath foreshortens due to certain kinds of shoes, or not wearing shoes, or staying in bed too long with your feet stretched out (like what happens with foot drop). I found Spenco slide sandals worked really well to wear in the house. I now have several different styles and wear them most of the time. I even bought a larger men's size, so I can wear them with heavier socks during the winter. I also bought two pair of very expensive good shoes at a specialty store that had well trained people to help fit me.
Great list , good job .
Women and their feet issues well explained. Of course if you want to avoid this problem (like men), just never fall for the high heels! Feet are not designed to be held in a position that stretches those tendons, and it may not take much to do it. All of these shoes provide help as explained a very well written article and great LOTD.
I really appreciate these recommendations - I have heel pain that isn't typical plantar fasciitis, but probably close enough that I'd benefit from any of these shoes. Congratulations on your I-feel-better-already Lens of the Day!
I had plantar fasciitis in both feet that made both heels extremely painful. I finally got relief with a combination of craniosacral therapy sessions that helped realign my knees and straighten my gait (I tended to toe out quite a bit) and gentle stretching exercises for my Achilles tendons. Thanks for all the great information and congratulations on LOTD!
Wow. Very informative lens. Congrats on LOTD!
I had plantar fasciitis about 8-9 years ago. I invested in 2 pair of Earth shoes. Incredibly comfortable. I took a pair to Peru and hiked all over Macchu Picchu for 12 hours. I have not had plantar fasciitis since. Don't know if it was the shoes or climbing stairs all day or a combination of the two. Congrats on LOTD!
Simply outstanding, so helpful for such a widespread issue
I had plantar fasciitis a good many years ago and remember how painful it was but can't remember what worked. I do remember that I had to wear a boot, of sorts, for many months but it finally got better. I liked seeing your featured shoes and will sure check them out.
My wife has trouble with her feet from walking on concrete floors all day at work. I'm going to buy her a pair to see if they help. Thanks for the info.
I've never heard of this, thanks for the info. Glad you found a shoe to help your pain. Congratulations on LotD!
This is a good selection of shoes, I like Birkenstocks they are my favorite brand.
It's never been mentioned before by anyone. Wow.. excellent lens.
It's never been mentioned before by anyone. Wow.. excellent lens.
Thanks for sharing this information. Excellent, very useful. And congratulations for LOTD.
I can certainly vouch for Birkenstock Sandals. I don't have plantar fasciitis, but have had problems with my feet since I was a small child. When I broke my leg a few years ago and developed RSD, my physio therapist asked me if I had Birkenstock's. I was happy when he told me to wear them as much as possible. I only wish that Birkenstock's made regular shoes and boots. Congrats on your LOTD!
@Craftypicks: In Australia we have podiatrist or foot doctors, physiotherapists can pick it up too.
Definitely cheaper than custom made orthotics and better looking
I have plantar fasciitis and I wear an inexpensive brace at night that I found on Amazon - it just wraps around the arch of my foot. I use Spenco inserts in all my closed-toe shoes and that helps a lot. Congrats on the LOTD!
This lens deserved LOTD more than any lens I have seen! How is this diagnosed? MRI, EMG? I knew someone who had every symptom in this lens. She was a Cocktail waitress for 30 years in a Vegas Casino. She walked in high heels for 30 years carrying very heavy trays. All she complained of was severe pain in her feet. No doctor could get the diagnosis right. She was heavily addicted to pain meds. She became so addicted she killed herself. I am sitting here in shock. Why couldn't the doctors diagnosis this? It's never been mentioned before by anyone. Wow.. I have to show this lens to everyone who knew her.
Thanx for sharing.informative lens.
Excellent, useful information. Thank you for publishing this lens. Congratulations on receiving the LOTD.
Good advice I wear orthaheel shoe and sandals They prevent your heel from rolling out they are especially good for summer wear
@ThreeQuarters2Day: **top tip press ctrl then F and type in the word you are looking for it will highlight on all the page just scroll down :)
Good lens - and clear advice. Thanks
Thanks for the information about the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Well done lens, it will be very helpful for anyone with Plantar Fasciitis. It's the first time I have heard of it. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for letting me know, it's that darn double "i" thought by now I had it memorized. For the life of me I can't find the misspellings though.
My partner is a podiatrist and we see this condition so frequently in his office! Great job on recommending suitable footwear for those affected.
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@texan203 lm: Thank you, thank you...for the heads up and the blessing.
Great well done lens. Rocket Squid tip: There is an unfinished sentence in the module Gravity Defyer Shoe description. SquidAngel Blessed
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@kerbev: They really do work, look kinda funny, but I swear by them. Thanks for stopping by.
I'm fascinated by that zcoil. I'll have my dad look into them. He has constant foot pain.
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