If you are suddenly experiencing foot pain, there’s a good chance you have plantar fasciitis. (Now I’m not a doctor or any kind of health professional, so do please get a professional’s opinion to rule out something more serious. But bookmark this post and when they tell you that you do indeed have plantar fasciitis pain, come back and read this again.) A few years ago, I had never even heard of plantar fasciitis. I decided I need to whip myself into better shape and started running and taking Tai Kwon Do with Josh. One morning (after spending the day bouncing at a trampoline park with Josh and some of his friends the day before) I hopped out of bed and almost couldn’t breathe my feet hurt so bad. I had felt foot pain before (after a big growth spurt in 6th grade) but nothing like this!
I made an appointment with my general practitioner and was sure I had some sort of rare foot condition. The weird thing was that as the day went on, my pain was less intense instead of more. He asked me what I had been up to, pushed on a few points on my feet, watched me wince and then proclaimed I had plantar fasciitis. He told me to stay off of my feet for a while and take some ibuprofen and it would go away. Staying off of my feet wasn’t really a practical option – I was the busy mom of a young kid!
That flare-up of plantar fasciitis did clear up eventually, but I started noticing that I would begin to feel the beginnings of it coming back every now and then and I did not want to have to suffer through a full flare up again. Plantar fasciitis pain is one of the most common kinds of foot pain. It results from the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.
I found a few things that I could do that helped me relieve my plantar fasciitis pain:
I iced the bottoms of my feet.
I took a small water bottle, poured out a little of the water, and put it into the freezer. Once it was frozen solid, I rolled it back and forth with my feet so that the bottoms of my soles were both being massaged and iced at the same time. This helped relieve any pain really quickly. I also found that doing this after a particularly hard day helped avoid symptoms the next day, even if I hadn’t felt any yet. If it feels too cold, put on a thick pair of socks before you roll.
I put supportive inserts in my shoes.
I had to try a number of different inserts before I found some that really helped. I had gone through just about all of the inserts offered at the drugstore and had not found any that offered any real relief. When I was offered two pairs of SelectFlex orthotics, I saw that they were adjustable and hoped that might offer a more customized solution. (Jay has been experiencing foot pain as well so we decided to take them for a test drive together!) What I really love about the SelectFlex inserts is that they offer three adjustment levels of Flexural Arch Support. (Yep – they are the only instantly adjustable insert available!) Check out our video below to see exactly how they work. Also, scroll to the bottom of this post to enter to win your own set of SelectFlex inserts AND one for a friend.
Personally, I noticed a difference in the comfort of my feet after just a day or two of wearing SelectFlex . I was able to determine which setting worked for me just by playing around a little with trial and error. Not only did I find myself pain-free after hours on my feet, I also noticed my feet felt less fatigued which helped with my overall comfort and energy level at the end of the day. Isn’t it amazing how much your feet can affect how the rest of you feels as well??
I stopped walking around barefoot.
We always take our shoes off when we enter our house. It’s great for keeping the dirt outside and reducing wear and tear on the carpets, but not so great when you are prone to plantar fasciitis. There are a few ways to handle this. My parents both have a specific pair of shoes they only wear inside. I decided to invest in a comfy pair of moccasin style slippers that I can actually slip my inserts into. This provides enough support while I’m bopping around the house. I also gave up that Tae Kwon Do class. I’ve found that lower impact exercise like biking or the elliptical machine is a better fit for me.
The folks at SelectFlex were nice enough to allow us to give away two pairs of SelectFlex inserts to a lucky Wisconsin Mommy reader! This is a value of $139.98! (Well, and comfortable feet which is really priceless.) A few facts about SelectFlex:
- Quantified Dynamic Arch Support (vertical lift per setting): Medium: 11 lbs; Firm: 14 lbs; X-Firm: 17 lbs
- Reduction of ankle deviation: 50% reduction of ankle inversion (force plate tested)[i]
- Heel Cup Impact Absorption: Engineered to attenuate – 7X bodyweight landing impact
- Footbed: Highly resilient Polyurethane flexible foam with antimicrobial topcover.
- Durometer Shore Hardness Scale: Overmold Heel=A45
- SelectFlex size ranges: Women’s: 6–15 / Men’s: 5–14.5
[i] University of Edinburgh, 2017
How to enter:
I actually JUST got diagnosed with this last week. It’s very painful, so I will have to try this.
I had no idea how common it is until I got it.
Robin,
We look forward to having you in the SelectFlex family!
That insert sounds like it could be the answer to my prayers. I’ve had terrible pain with my plantar fasciitis, and I haven’t really been able to get it under control. I need to try this.
I hope these tips help – it is definitely no fun!
Stacie,
We look forward to the feedback. Please let us know if you have any questions and if you don’t win the contest remeber to use Maureen’s disount code if you would still like a pair.
I never knew about plantar fasciitis until my daughter who runs track had it a few years ago. It took about six weeks of PT to get over it. I wish I had known about these insoles then but I am ready now
I haven’t had to go the PT route, but it’s good to know that it is an option if needed.
Great we look forward to having you in the SelectFlex family!
Oh, those look comfy. It seems there’s a few of us who have this problem. My BFF does and so does my sister and myself. I shall discuss this option with them. Thanks.
Kim,
Comfy is our middle name… Adjustabilty is our first! We hope you give us a try.
For me, I first felt it when I noticed that it felt like I had a tiny stone under my foot, but when I looked, there was nothing there. Then months later, the plantar faciitis came full on after I jumped off a boat onto the shore with both feet and felt searing pain.
I did the same things to help and heal, rolling my feet on a rolling pin, icing, heat, stretching. Custom orthodics helped. I wore slipper type shoes indoors as well. It took a full year to heal it. I’ve had it start to come back several times in the last year and I start the process over to keep it at bay. It really is painful and if these inserts work for anyone, they are well worth it.
Donna,
Appreciate the thoughtful story and well wishes for SelectFlex users.
I find when I am stressed and active I tend to get flare ups. My flare up lasted for close to 2 months which was terrible!! Ice did help as well as reducing the stress in my life.
I will have to watch and see if stress is ever a factor in my flare ups too.
The inserts were a good call. Issues in the feet can throw the whole body off so it really helps to take care of them.
Absolutely – I notice my back is off when my feet don’t feel good.
I love to run. Unfortunately I’ve had this in both feet. Fortunately, not at the same time.
That insert sounds like it could be what hubby needs! He’s been complaining about pain under his feet…..can’t wait to show it to him!
I hope your hubby finds relief – foot pain is the worst!
Claudia,
Let us know if your hubby has any questions.
This sounds like a great relief for your pain. Would love to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Toni,
We’re here when you need us.
Good to know that you found solutions to make life easier for you. It’s really good to find in soles that help take better care of foot and to lessen the pain that you’re feeling as well.
Looks a great relief for the pain and I think my hubby will need this too. Glad you share this
Aziel,
We’re here to answer your hubby’s questions.
I haven’t had this kind of pain before, but it definitely doesn’t sound like it’s any fun. Sounds like a good product to check out.
Oh gosh! I have never heard of it before, but sounds like I need to make sure I don’t get it. At least there is a great product for treating
My husband gets this pain at times. I am going to have him try this!
Wearing shoes with high arches or high-impact activities like running
The older I get the more I appreciate sole support. Definitely helps when I am walking.
I love going hiking, but I have a joint issue that was diagnosed last year that seems to majorly flare with my hormone cycle. This would be really helpful to be able to adjust as my symptoms change!
I like to go hiking.
I love to walk around our neighborhood, but the past few years, my feet and legs get days that I’m in much pain. These inserts sound like something that would really relieve my foot pain and help me be able to walk around our neighborhood more often.
Margaret,
Seems like we would be a good fit to relieve your ailments ……. We’re here when you need us.
I need these inserts for when I go hiking!
Rebecca,
We have a lot of hikers using SelectFlex. You’ll be in good company.
A true struggle for me. Didn’t realize how bad until I started a fitness journey last June. Traveling long distances on hard surfaces seems the worst for me.
Jeanne,
Best of luck on your journey…..we’re here to help enhance that journey!
My favorite activity that is rough on my feet is my jogging.
Hiking is rough on my feet.
Walking for exercise is very rough on my feet!
Harold,
Understand that you more arch support will aleviate the pain in your feet. Feel free to check out our How it Works Video and it will help explain exactly how SelectFlex can help; https://www.selectflex.com/howitworks
Hiking in my favorite activity that is very rough on my feet.
My husband has to stand on steel for 8 to 12 hours. He comes home and his feet hurt him so badly. He has to get up all during the night. I hope these insoles will help.
Charlotte,
This is exactly what SelectFlex will help to alleviate….we can change your husband’s life! Understand that more arch support will aleviate the pain in your feet. Feel free to check out our How it Works Video and it will help explain exactly how SelectFlex can help; https://www.selectflex.com/howitworks
Here to help the hubby !
My son has chronic back pain and I would like him to try these to see if it helps.
Cynthia,
It will certainly help his overall alignment and body structure. Check out the website and we’re happy to answer any questions.
Shore-entry SCUBA diving, it’s h*** lugging 40 pounds of tanks and gear across very sharp rocks, through pounding surf and slick surfaces … getting back OUT is worse because you have to do it wet, and uphill! My feet are always very angry with me for a few days afterwards, crunching up to get a grip, carrying the weight and getting poked!
Walking on my treadmill is not too bad but walking outdoors on different terrain is rough on my feet and back.
Valencia,
The added support to your arch will offset those alterains and alleviate the pain. We look forward to adding you to the SelectFlex Family.
I do a women’s boot camp 2x/week. We are often bare foot on mats but, it is hard on my feet,
I just plain old…. walk alot.
Johannah,
And we just plain old support arches for walking…..we are a perfect fit. Please check out the website and specifically our How it Works Video and it will help explain exactly how SelectFlex technology works; https://www.selectflex.com/howitworks
I run and that is very difficult on my feet
Ashley,
We are great for athletic shoes as we add arch support to aleviate the pain in your feet. Feel free to check out our How it Works Video and it will help explain exactly how SelectFlex can help; https://www.selectflex.com/howitworks
I love to run!
I was diagnosed some years back. This would be great to win. thanks for the chance.
walking is one of my fav activities that is rough on my feet.
These would be great for my mom. She winces with every step.
Walking a lot hurts my feet.
I do alot of hiking
I run on the treadmill a few days a week. It can definately be rough on my feet.
Elizabeth,
Although treadmills have some “give”, additional arch support can ALWAYS be helpful. Feel free to check out our How it Works Video and it will help explain exactly how SelectFlex can help; https://www.selectflex.com/howitworks
Doing the exercise program at the gym makes my feet hurt
Linda,
We’d be happy to “support” you in your workout. Check out our How it Works Video and it will help explain exactly how SelectFlex can help your feet not only at the gym, but all day long; https://www.selectflex.com/howitworks
It would be work. I love my job but I am on my feet 40 hours a week!
hiking is rough on my feet over all the rocks and gravel its bad
Carol,
We have a lot of hikers in the SelectFlex family. Let us know if you have any questions and we’d be excited if you decided to find your “Comfort Zone”.
I love to hike but it is rough on my feet.
I stand a lot at work but I also joined a walking club. So although I am tired I try to stick to my routine. The area isn’t the best with cobble stone. My feet can feel it all. But I have to move and do some form of exercise.
Playing soccer with my kids!
I love hiking, but it does hurt my feet.
I love to go on long walks and this will help with foot support.
My “favorite” activity with plantar fasciitis is going to the bathroom at night. When your tendons get tight from laying in bed – hopping up in the middle of the night is TORTURE!
I love to walk and the plantar fasciitis is preventing me from being able to!
we do alot of walking in the spring and fall months
Walking on uneven surfaces is the worst for me…. like our yard, which is rocks (we live in the desert).
Running is so hard on my feet. These could be the answer I am looking for.
Walking
I like to walk my dogs and they seem to never want to go home, so my feet are usually killing me by the end of our walks.
I would say walking is one of my favorite activities but my sneakers don’t have the best support so my feet can get sore on long walks.
My favorite is long distance backpacking.
I love dancing, but sometimes its just to painful.
I like to go hiking.
I love to go shopping but it’s rough on my feeet
i do some jogging and it’s rough on my feet.
When I garden its rough on my feet with all the stuff i have to do. My husband umpires and refs sports so those take there toll on his too.
I have just started running (or trying to look like I am running) and realize that even with new shoes, it would be terrific to have better padding. These will help a lot!
Walking in general kills my feet
Walking a few miles is sometimes rough on my feet. I had surgery a couple of years ago for tarsal tunnel and an implant embedded in my foot due to a fallen arch.
I run with my dog which is rough on my feet
Age is hard on my feet. I try to run, but I don’t really have enough support and I end up with headaches when my back goes out.
I love working out on the treadmill.
Walking is sometimes hard on my feet.
Looking forward to seeing to how well these help my back!
The inserts are ideal for helping with pain. I would like to try them out.
MY FAVORITE ACTIVITY USING MY FEET IS WALKING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
Walking on the treadmill is rough on my feet
I love to walk on the treadmill but it takes a toll on my feet
I really love rock climbing. I look forward to it every year.
I like to go walking.
I walk a lot, so comfortable shoes/soles are a must for me. Thanks!
I walk a lot which is tough on my feet
I like to go hiking.
I love to take long walks but they are really hard on my feet.
I like just some plain walking, as it is quite effective and not too grueling.
Walking is hard on my feet..so hard.
I love to go hiking. That is so rough on my feet. I need some comfort.
My favorite activity that is hard on my feet is hiking.
I run every other day…and my feet tend to pronate, so I sometimes have arch pain !
Walking for exercise is probably the roughest on my feet.