Michele Smaltz
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (Sarria to Santiago) 2012
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Thank you for the replies. I will be seeing a physical therapist, get fitted for custom orthotics, and shot(s) if needed. Not going in Sept. is not an option.When mine was at its worst I got a series of shots. Yes they were steroids and I'm not the biggest fan of the stuff but it did wonders. If it ever got as bad as that again I would allow for the shots as a final effort.
Hi, I have posted this elsewhere but will repeat it again. It is an old wives remedy but I am an old wife (44 years today to be exact) but after months of plantar fascitis and after physio and orthotics I was missing out on so much in life that I gave it a go. I was in Rockhampton Australia limping around and a lady told me the following. Every night for 3 months (and I did do it for 3 months) you cut an orange in half and squeeze out the juice - do what you like with that. You put the orange cup on your heel and bandage it up - I put a plastic bag on as well. The pain slowly started to go after 6 weeks but I persisted and by 2 months it had nearly gone. At the 3 month point I had no problems and I haven't had again. It has been 6 years now. I also worked during that period so I was still on my feet every day. Our son is a scientist and so I asked him if he had a theory. He believed the orange cup acted as a splint and that there was probably something in the pith that entered the body through absorption. Worked for me. I even did this on an overnight train trip and the guy opposite had had a fair bit to drink. I think he was ready to swear off it because he thought he was seeing things with me wrapping 1/2 an orange on my foot! My thoughts and prayers are with you because I know how painful it is.Lise, thank you so much for the tip about the rubber ball! I will definitely be taking one wherever I go from now on. Other suggestions such as tins of soup etc are a bit ... heavy. I thought about those wide elastic bands, but a ball is even better.
Just finished Leon to Santiago. Am 68 years old and have had to deal with plantar for the past 10. Inserts do the trick for me and not the kind you purchase over the counter. Mine are prescription and cost about 80 U.S. Forget about the Brierly stages and walk just as far as you feel like. If your feet get sore after a few miles, simply stop for the day. There are accommodations galore and you will never get bored. Finally, you can also periodically choose to use the local Sherpas to move your pack ahead and just carry a daypack. I did a couple of times to give my aching neck and back a breather. As my new Camino pal Meg from Australia said, "The pack isn't getting the Compostela.) Buen Camino.Really looking for encouragement. I’ve developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I am booked to walk my second Camino this Sept. (Astorga to Santiago). I have been training since January and now I need to stop walking/hiking for a while – which emotionally is taking its toll. Not sure how long the healing will take. I stretch, ice, wear inserts….blah, blah, blah. I guess I just worry about not training and how I will do on the actual walk. I plan on going to the gym and using the elliptical and bike to keep my stamina up (I’m 61). Has anyone walked the Camino with a flare-up? How did it go?
Omg. I feel like I just wrote this. I too have been suffering from this since May and I'm am so worried and frustrated as I too am off to do my Camino In Sept. It happened after I bought a pair of sneakers that I didn't get fitter for my feet (I should know better) and now I'm paying for it. I have been seeing a physio and got the inserts and new shoes. Watched every video possible and have read as much as I can. I have a whole routine of stretchers that I do morning noon and night. Got a golf ball that has become my friend to roll under my foot. And although I haven't had the steroid shots I was sent to see a specialist about getting that done and his advice was since I am a hiker (and I do loads of hiking) the shots will only hide the pain but will not get rid of the problem. I am so worried as I fly out from Australia on the 27th Sept to Lisbon and I do not want to cancel. As for training well walking has been out. I have only managed max 4km most. I have been doing loads of bike riding and Pilates though so my fitness should be still there. So worried though. I though I would look through the forum and find out if anyone else has had the same problem. Read through all the advice and it is all good advice I guess I'm looking for a magic solution. I will however try the orange cupping as it's the only thing I haven't tried. It might be my magic. Got rid of a nasty bout of influencer by strapping onion under my feet so hey the orange might just work. Good luck Michele on your Camino I do hope you get there and I might just see you in Santiago. Oh and Michele. Bike ride is perfect exercise for hikers as it not only gets that heart rate up you are using all the important muscles you need to work to get you up and down those hills. XxReally looking for encouragement. I’ve developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I am booked to walk my second Camino this Sept. (Astorga to Santiago). I have been training since January and now I need to stop walking/hiking for a while – which emotionally is taking its toll. Not sure how long the healing will take. I stretch, ice, wear inserts….blah, blah, blah. I guess I just worry about not training and how I will do on the actual walk. I plan on going to the gym and using the elliptical and bike to keep my stamina up (I’m 61). Has anyone walked the Camino with a flare-up? How did it go?
Thankyou siryantra. I hope I can become the orange miracle too. Have a safe trip and hope all is good with your feet. Buen Camino.I am the orange miracle and I take heaps of magnesium and wish I had known 40 years ago that for some reason my body needs more mag than 'normal'. I have packed enough for the first two weeks and assume I can buy more in Spain. We leave aust on the 1st September so we are excited! Best wishes for your health. Buen camino
What's even better than a golf ball is a product call Rubz. I think it's only available in the US but essentially it's a cross between a golf ball and a porcupine! Those short stubs do miracles after a days walk.Omg. I feel like I just wrote this. I too have been suffering from this since May and I'm am so worried and frustrated as I too am off to do my Camino In Sept. It happened after I bought a pair of sneakers that I didn't get fitter for my feet (I should know better) and now I'm paying for it. I have been seeing a physio and got the inserts and new shoes. Watched every video possible and have read as much as I can. I have a whole routine of stretchers that I do morning noon and night. Got a golf ball that has become my friend to roll under my foot. And although I haven't had the steroid shots I was sent to see a specialist about getting that done and his advice was since I am a hiker (and I do loads of hiking) the shots will only hide the pain but will not get rid of the problem. I am so worried as I fly out from Australia on the 27th Sept to Lisbon and I do not want to cancel. As for training well walking has been out. I have only managed max 4km most. I have been doing loads of bike riding and Pilates though so my fitness should be still there. So worried though. I though I would look through the forum and find out if anyone else has had the same problem. Read through all the advice and it is all good advice I guess I'm looking for a magic solution. I will however try the orange cupping as it's the only thing I haven't tried. It might be my magic. Got rid of a nasty bout of influencer by strapping onion under my feet so hey the orange might just work. Good luck Michele on your Camino I do hope you get there and I might just see you in Santiago. Oh and Michele. Bike ride is perfect exercise for hikers as it not only gets that heart rate up you are using all the important muscles you need to work to get you up and down those hills. Xx
Michelle x
I will ask my physio tomorrow. Thanks.What's better than a golf ball is a prudoc
What's even better than a golf ball is a product call Rubz. I think it's only available in the US but essentially it's a cross between a golf ball and a porcupine! Those short stubs do miracles after a days walk.
http://www.rei.com/product/706082/surefoot-foot-rubzI will ask my physio tomorrow. Thanks.
This could be me too! I began training in my new shoes in March, developed pain ..... custom made orthotics which have just been corrected finally (I hope) to deal with my gait and a bone spur in my heel, so I'm nowhere near as fit as I wanted to be by now.Omg. I feel like I just wrote this. I too have been suffering from this since May and I'm am so worried and frustrated as I too am off to do my Camino In Sept. It happened after I bought a pair of sneakers that I didn't get fitter for my feet (I should know better) and now I'm paying for it. I have been seeing a physio and got the inserts and new shoes. Watched every video possible and have read as much as I can. I have a whole routine of stretchers that I do morning noon and night. Got a golf ball that has become my friend to roll under my foot. And although I haven't had the steroid shots I was sent to see a specialist about getting that done and his advice was since I am a hiker (and I do loads of hiking) the shots will only hide the pain but will not get rid of the problem. I am so worried as I fly out from Australia on the 27th Sept to Lisbon and I do not want to cancel. As for training well walking has been out. I have only managed max 4km most. I have been doing loads of bike riding and Pilates though so my fitness should be still there. So worried though. I though I would look through the forum and find out if anyone else has had the same problem. Read through all the advice and it is all good advice I guess I'm looking for a magic solution. I will however try the orange cupping as it's the only thing I haven't tried. It might be my magic. Got rid of a nasty bout of influencer by strapping onion under my feet so hey the orange might just work. Good luck Michele on your Camino I do hope you get there and I might just see you in Santiago. Oh and Michele. Bike ride is perfect exercise for hikers as it not only gets that heart rate up you are using all the important muscles you need to work to get you up and down those hills. Xx
Michelle x
Ouch that sounds terrible. I had mine ultra sound so they could see exactly what was going on and there were two micro tearsI was having heel pain and went to a physical therapist. Turns out the fat pad in my heel had split so the nerve endings in my heel were contacting the ground...ouch! Treatment was icing and a hard plastic heel cup/taping plus a good orthodic (power step maxx - amazon has best price in US) to help with pronation and has deep heel. The normal plantar fascitis stretches were NOT recommended in my case as I was already over stretching the fascia. Look up "fat pad syndrom" if you have similar symptoms.
Thankyou the reassurance is good.I walked the camino with Plantar Fasciitis. At times it did bother me. You will meet other people that suffer from the same affliction. I did. With everything you are doing, I think you will do fine. I will not lie to you. There will be days that your body will be ready and able to go, but your feet won't. I think you just have to listen to your feet and you will know when to stop and rest them. Buen Camino.
Oh I do hope it heals for you. I hate that feeling of not sure if able to do it. I have done the Del Norte and there are a lot of ups and downs and yes some distances to travel. The first week is (to me) the hardest as the hill are vicious and if there has been rain then the mud makes it harder. But very very beautiful walk. Travel safe. Buen Camino.This could be me too! I began training in my new shoes in March, developed pain ..... custom made orthotics which have just been corrected finally (I hope) to deal with my gait and a bone spur in my heel, so I'm nowhere near as fit as I wanted to be by now.Also, plantar fasciitis (all in my right foot) and am trying the orange peel, eating bananas and taking magnesium tablets. Tried pilates and body balance in the local gym and managed to hurt my back so had to leave off that and it's fine now. Now that the orthotics are ok (?) I can finally begin looking for shoes ... So, yes, I'm getting a bit anxious about my Camino beginning on Sept 10th, but have decided that I'll go at my own pace and take as long as it takes! I'm planning to do the Camino del Norte and wondered about changing to the Frances because I gather the albergues are shorter distances apart. Still seven weeks to go so we'll see. I'm sure those of us who are slower will have our own good Camino experience and meet (and keep up with) those we are meant to meet. As many say here, 'the Camino provides'. Buen Camino.
Mary
Thankyou. I have see those so I'm going to hunt one down today. If not Amazon it is.
I got one! Thankyou. I think it will be my new best friend for this trip.
Great advice. My concern has been long term as I do hike a lot and also have the Via Francegena in my next year. It's my passion and don't want to compromise my feet in anyway. I have done the dr physio etc and still am. I guess I will have to judge it as it comes.Hola Michelle (and anyone else with sore feet):
There's an old medical phrase "pain is nature's warning" - your feet really are the vehicle by which you achieve your Camino. So any prolonged / chronic pain can not be ignored. The stretching exercises and orthotics as well as additional cushioning between your feet and your shoes/boots are all recommended. Hopefully you have seen a podiatrist and had some sessions with the physio. If you still have pain, only you can judge how bad it is - say after a training walk, or a gym session. Putting up with the pain is one thing - but what you need to know is "will I do irrevocable damage" to my feet. If the medicos tell you YES then reconsider, if NO then start out with short days - say 10/12 km per day. As for having to walk the whole 780 km - well that again is something only you will be able to determine. Don't feel that you have let yourself down if you decide to have a few days rest, take a bus 100 km to cut out the really tough places. You only have to walk the last 100 km to qualify for your Compostela (BTW ignore anyone who tells you your not a true pilgrim if you do not suffer pain - the Camino is a challenge - but its YOUR Camino do it however you want!!) Buen Camino
Can you let me know whether the ball you recommend is hard or soft or what size it is, please? This site doesn't say. I'd like to see if I can get it in UK but on Amazon there are so many sizes and types I'm confused. Thanks.
It's hard and the size of a golf ball. What it does is loosen the tight muscles and stimulate the circulation in the soles of your feet. They run about $6 here in the States.Can you let me know whether the ball you recommend is hard or soft or what size it is, please? This site doesn't say. I'd like to see if I can get it in UK but on Amazon there are so many sizes and types I'm confused. Thanks.
Mary
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?tag=casaivar-21Can you let me know whether the ball you recommend is hard or soft or what size it is, please? This site doesn't say. I'd like to see if I can get it in UK but on Amazon there are so many sizes and types I'm confused. Thanks.
Mary
Great video! Very accurate!
I'm a PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE THERAPIST who's specialized in DEEP TISSUE, SPORTS MASSAGE on athletes and hardcore hikers for over 20 years. I am very good at helping injuries and relieving pain, especially plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tight IT bands, leg cramps, lower back pain, etc.
I will be offering 10 - 20 min MASSAGES along the way to tired pilgrims focusing on problem areas: FEET, LEGS, HIPS, BACK, and SHOULDERS.
10 min - 10€,
15 min - 15€
20 min - 20€
My goal is to help fellow pilgrims in need, so I'm charging low rates that budgeted pilgrims can comfortably afford. My rates in the real world are substantially higher.
Starting Sept 8th 2014 in SJPP, I will be embarking on a long Camino to Santiago, Muxia, Finistere, and, God willing, ending in Lisbon.
Please look me up and say hi. This is my first Camino and I look forward to making new friends. I have a blue backpack with a bright yellow happy face reflector. I'll be wearing a black baseball cap and five finger shoes.
Are your inserts made of copper? I have heel pain and I can honestly say after just 2 days, it's much better.Really looking for encouragement. I’ve developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I am booked to walk my second Camino this Sept. (Astorga to Santiago). I have been training since January and now I need to stop walking/hiking for a while – which emotionally is taking its toll. Not sure how long the healing will take. I stretch, ice, wear inserts….blah, blah, blah. I guess I just worry about not training and how I will do on the actual walk. I plan on going to the gym and using the elliptical and bike to keep my stamina up (I’m 61). Has anyone walked the Camino with a flare-up? How did it go?
Thanks Mary,Have a wonderful Camino. I'm sure many will appreciate your help.
Mary
That looks just like the ribber ball my wife keeps in our clothes dryer to keep clothes fluffed while drying.
A common problem with what might be a simple solution...
If you have stairs or a sturdy box in your home and a backpack, timely relief for plantar fasciitis may be possible, according to a new study of low-tech treatments for the condition.
Seems like a good ,cheap answer to this annoying condition.I have just returned from a short(Sarria-SdeC) Camino and if the blisters were not enough Plantar Fasciitis made things more difficult.Stretching etc. had little effect and I do not like pain relief medication unless it is absolutely necessary. Thanks for this sole tip
Plantar fasciitis, the heel pain caused by irritation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot, can be lingering and intractable. A recent study of novice runners found that those who developed plantar fasciitis generally required at least five months to recover, and some remained sidelined for a year or more.
More here...
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/15/heel-pain-treatment/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
A common problem with what might be a simple solution...
If you have stairs or a sturdy box in your home and a backpack, timely relief for plantar fasciitis may be possible, according to a new study of low-tech treatments for the condition.
Plantar fasciitis, the heel pain caused by irritation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot, can be lingering and intractable. A recent study of novice runners found that those who developed plantar fasciitis generally required at least five months to recover, and some remained sidelined for a year or more.
More here...
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/15/heel-pain-treatment/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
Thanks. I'd discovered this exercise but it did not include the rolled towel under the toes. I will now include the towel under the toes part in my exercise. BTW, this exercise is also effective with Achilles tendon "problems."A common problem with what might be a simple solution...
If you have stairs or a sturdy box in your home and a backpack, timely relief for plantar fasciitis may be possible, according to a new study of low-tech treatments for the condition.
Plantar fasciitis, the heel pain caused by irritation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot, can be lingering and intractable. A recent study of novice runners found that those who developed plantar fasciitis generally required at least five months to recover, and some remained sidelined for a year or more.
More here...
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/15/heel-pain-treatment/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
I bought gel inserts at a sport store in Zubiri last year and at a pharmacy in Lourdes some years ago so can only presume they are available widely. I also spotted them at a sport store in Burgos while buying something else as they were right behind the cash register. Good luck and Buen Camino.I bashed my feet in a fall while rock climbing in 1988. I have foot pain when I stand up for too long-- plantar fasciitis is the diagnosis, but the result of direct injury, not strain. Orthotics hurt! Hard shoes hurt. Soft cushy shoes with good arch support (transferring weight to the arch) helps. I am currently giving physical therapy yet another try. (My last attempt was in 1995.) He is suggesting gel inserts for my shoes, and I'm getting some today. Do they have gel inserts in Spain? If so at what stores? Pharmacies? I have to have to pack extras. Thanks!
We leave for our camino on March 20th.
I too have been suffering with severe plantar fasciitis courtesy of my employer not allowing is to sit in the hallways to chart. I am a nurse and 11.25 hours on my feet have caused a severe plantar fasciitis. My podiatrist had ordered a TENS unit for home use to help with my fascitis. I have also purchased new shoes from Hoka One One. They are extremely well cushioned and when I'm standing the weight is not on my heels. They have helped tremendously. Good luck on your walk. My goal is to walk the Camino to celebrate out 40th wedding anniversary in 2017. God willing my feet will not wreak havoc on my Camino.Really looking for encouragement. I’ve developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I am booked to walk my second Camino this Sept. (Astorga to Santiago). I have been training since January and now I need to stop walking/hiking for a while – which emotionally is taking its toll. Not sure how long the healing will take. I stretch, ice, wear inserts….blah, blah, blah. I guess I just worry about not training and how I will do on the actual walk. I plan on going to the gym and using the elliptical and bike to keep my stamina up (I’m 61). Has anyone walked the Camino with a flare-up? How did it go?
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