We’re already 5 days into week 2 (or 3, depending on how you’re counting)! I stopped giving you all updates on the day-to-day because since I’m not running, it doesn’t change much. No or minimal heel pain, go to the gym, lift, swim, work, wash/rinse/repeat. So I’m not writing every day, even though every day I’m learning about PF.
That said, I did remember I’m supposed to be telling you all what I’m doing to deal with this thing. I’ve already made clear in a few of my earlier posts that PF is unique to each person–no treatment plan is 100% foolproof. I’ve told you I roll my foot on a frozen ice bottle for self myofacial release. I’ve also already told you that there is no substitute for the miracle cure. The miracle cure is the most important thing. If you are an athlete and acute PF bites you, humble yourself and shut it down for a few weeks. Err on the side of more, not less rest for the sake of your long-term sanity (I mean, running). Seriously, shut it down. If professionals can do it, us mortal amateurs can afford the time off.
Now, back to what I’m doing/using for PF besides the miracle cure. Today, I’ll talk about my inserts. I have been wearing the Superfeet Green insoles.
I bought mine here in Baltimore from Charm City Run Timonium, but you can do the online thing if you’d like. When I’m not in a pool or a shower, these things are under my feet. I have a pair of new sneakers (more on those later) that I wear only in the house with these in, but I take out the factory inserts in every other pair of shoes I wear and put these things in. They are exceptional. If you use a cheap pair of penny loafers (when I first bought these 5 years ago, that’s what I had) or dress slide-in shoes, these will not feel good. But this time around, these feel very supportive, and firm, while still allowing the cushioning system of the shoe itself to work. It took some time to get used to, and I don’t wear some of my shoes because the insert-shoe combination causes some knee pain in my “good” leg. As Flossy Carter would say, this is a real review. I paid for this with my own money, and I use it in my own life. These insoles are the real deal, and this has remained true even after the cortisone has worn off. I haven’t run in them yet, but they are my daily drivers in the gym and nothing else about my routine has changed (except no deadlifts/squats/burpees).
Another thing that’s hit me while researching and reading about this insanely irritating condition. So many people are trying to make money off this thing. Consider this: every single video or blog I’ve watched or read has substantial spam about “natural cures” for PF or “cure your PF in 3 days!” or something of that sort. So many people have this thing, and it is so irritating because nobody knows how to cure it, lol. That said, I have found some resources that seem truthful, including Dr. Julia Overstreet. Her video is the best resource I’ve seen on PF that you can consume in under 20 minutes, hands-down, when you take into account the quality of the information with respect to the science, and the honesty of the information. In it, she describes how she directs her patients to use over-the-counter inserts first to see if symptoms subside, and of c0urse, Superfeet Green makes an appearance. This is because when OTC are compared in clinical trials to prescription orthotics, there is no statistical difference.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTgIV6WrEMo?ecver=2]
Happy running! God bless.