After years of dealing with plantar fasciitis, I finally found relief through the right treatments, supportive shoes, and a slow, steady recovery. Here’s what worked for me and how I’m keeping my feet happy.
I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis for many years. It had healed at one point, but unfortunately, it came back with a vengeance. This year, during a holiday in Italy, the pain reached its peak. We were walking over 20,000 steps a day, and the day we visited Vatican City was particularly tough. I stood in line for hours to enter the Vatican Museums and then walked through the entire complex, waited again to see St. Peter’s Basilica. By then, I was holding back tears, the pain in my feet was unbearable. The constant walking and standing were too much for my feet.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common yet painful condition that affects the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) running across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. It typically causes stabbing pain, especially during the first steps of the day or after long periods of standing or walking. The inflammation can feel overwhelming, and if left untreated, it can significantly impact your day-to-day activities.
How I healed my Plantar Fasciitis
As soon as I returned from the holiday, I knew I needed professional help. I booked an appointment with a local podiatrist who offered shock therapy, laser treatment, and foot strapping. I felt immediate relief, but given how severe the pain was, I wanted to be sure I gave my feet the care they deserved. I committed to regular treatments and was also fitted for custom orthotics. The therapy was gentle on my feet.
Recovery Plan: Gradual Walking
I explained to my podiatrist how important walking is for my mental health, so he worked with me to create a strategy that allowed me to keep it in my routine. We started with just 15 minutes a day, gradually increasing by 2 minutes each week. It’s been a slow and steady process, but now I’m up to 30-40 minutes a day, which feels just right for me. While I’m still cautious about pushing too hard to avoid triggering the pain again, I know that being gentle with my feet is key to keeping them healthy and pain-free.
My Favourite Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
SNEAKER – My custom-made orthotics from my podiatrist have been a game changer. They fit perfectly in my wide New Balance 880 V13 sneakers, although they have newer versions out now, which have become my go-to shoes for the past six months.
SLIDES (HOUSE SHOES) – Around the house, I wear soft, cushiony slides that feel like walking on clouds. I absolutely love these slides, so much so that I purchased them in three colours. One pair is my true shoe size, but purchased the next 2 pairs a half size bigger, and honestly, I think I prefer the larger size. So, you might want to consider sizing up for extra comfort!
Being Kind to My Feet
These little adjustments in my footwear have made all the difference in my recovery.
I’m happy to say my feet are almost healed. I do still get the occasional niggle, but I’m slowly reintroducing normal shoes into my routine. I’m mindful of taking incremental breaks while cleaning, as I know that overdoing it will result in soreness. So, I pace myself, whether it’s taking a walk or tidying up around the home.
Don’t ignore the pain
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, please don’t ignore the pain or push through it. Seeking treatment early can make a world of difference. With proper care, supportive footwear, and a gradual return to activity, you can heal and regain your mobility without the fear of pain returning. Treat your feet with the kindness they deserve, you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel!
