I ruined my feet last year. Here is how I think it happened;

1) I gained 40 pounds in about a 2 year period. I had a big frame to begin with, and my dogs certainly DO NOT like hauling 260lbs around.

2)I have very high arches (my feet).

3) I been wearing flip flops as long as I could remember. They were a step up from "barefoot" which was the shoe of choice growing up in FL. I've even gone as far as buying split-toe socks so I could wear them when it is cold.

Last year, I was diagnosed with Plantars Fascitis (PF). After a dozen cortisone shots directly into the side of the heel (ouch, three months of PT, and wearing "shoes" all the time it is under control.

So............... does anyone out there know of a quality flip flop style shoe that actually provides foot support

Birkenstock...spelling may be wrong

they're spendy

They are overrated as well.

Charlie

I've found that duct taping beer cans full of hardened cement under the crown of the foot keeps that arch from falling.

What does your podiatrist recommend?

Probably shoes.

He recommended pepsi cans. Dang doctors never receommend beer.

Andytv,

My sister has had plantar fasciitis for a few years, Her doctor didn't want to go the route of injections. Instead, she wears a splint to bed. It stretches her tendons and eases the pain tremendously. Of course, there are lots of stretches and the occasional pain killer to swallow. I think she also ices her arch to relieve pain. The only other thing I cal remember she has is a special set of shoe inserts, Her doctor recommended too, loosing some weight.

Best of luck, bro.

-Wolfy

Andytv,

I did a search and found this page.

http://walking.about.com/cs/heelpain/tp/heel.htm 

They also recommend Birkenstock Arizona Sandals. It also gives you links to arch braces and night splints that might help.

Mrs. Usahog

Also on that page check out the box that says

Sponsored Links

It has alot of items that might help.

Mrs. Usahog

Wolfgang; No doctor intheir right mind will prescribe pain pills for me.

Mrs Hog (hope that don't sound disrespectful),

It was very nice of you to check this out for me. Since I've been through the "regulation" treatment, I may look into some splints. I DO stretch quite frequently, and it really does work well for instant pain relief.

I have some Birkenstocks, but you can't wear them in the river for fishin.

Thanks All.

Me too!

I have the same condition...and yeah, I gained 40 pounds too, but I did it in ONE year...ugh! Then, while trying to LOSE weight, I injured my foot on one of the damned machines at the gym. Not too long after that, my foot slipped off of the seat in the shower while shaving my legs and hit the edge really hard...then, I went to a trade show and walked for hours on the cement flooring...owwie!

Needless to say, my foot was in tremendous pain.

I did one cortisone shot...help after a few days and only worked for about a week.

I tried the splint...it sucks...I find stretching the sore foot throughout the day helps some.

Acupuncture has helped me more than the foot doctor.

BUT, the foot doc said that my preference for high heels has helped it from worsening!

Flat shoes and flip flops are the devil!

Good luck and start dressing in drag!

Marla

You can forget the flip flops unles you get them operated on. I've had the shots and done the exerecises. The best rcommendation i can give is get the special inserts,( about $350), and switch to SAS(San Antonio Shoes) made right in Texas($150). I have been pain free for years doing this. On the beach i wear a clog type shoe with a cheap pair of inserts and they work fine. There is a great new outpatient operation done with a laser and a vacumm tube and recovery time is only one day. I have been waiting four years for insurance to approve paying for it.

Birkenstock makes sandals that are made from plastic and fake leather. They are amphibious. Got a pair @7-8 years ago. Durable, and they have carried me in and around pools and beaches from Hawaii to Puerta Vallarta.

J

I think I'll take E-chick's advice and start dressing in drag.

:)