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markman
05-10-04, 05:28 PM
For the last few months I have had what I am assuming is plantar faciaitis in both of my feet. From what I can see, not many people get this condition from cycling but in my case I think that riding has caused it. It is not bad but I'd like to see a "bike friendly" specialist who could provide some input on treatment. I've tried arch supports and pads along with adjusting cleat position but to no avail. I'm beginning to think that there is something goofy in my setup that is causing this. Are there any sports medicine facilities or bike shops in the Chicago metro area anybody could suggest?
Or..if you don't live in Chicago and have or had experience with this what have you done for treatment, etc.
For the last few months I have had what I am assuming is plantar faciaitis in both of my feet. From what I can see, not many people get this condition from cycling but in my case I think that riding has caused it. It is not bad but I'd like to see a "bike friendly" specialist who could provide some input on treatment. I've tried arch supports and pads along with adjusting cleat position but to no avail. I'm beginning to think that there is something goofy in my setup that is causing this. Are there any sports medicine facilities or bike shops in the Chicago metro area anybody could suggest?
Or..if you don't live in Chicago and have or had experience with this what have you done for treatment, etc.
Do you pedal in a "Toe down" position? Perhaps you need to stretch more, alot more, concentrating on the feet and calves. Perhaps lowering you seat fractionally might help in stretching soles of your feet by requiring you to pedal in a more "toe up" position.
Most of the insoles/arch supports I have tried weren't aggressive enough; make sure you get something that supports the metatarsal area of your foot as well. I have been wearing birkenstock's most "Big" instep while off the bike and have had no problems with the fascitus since starting, unless I have been on my feet literally all day. I also use a SuperFeet insole for my biking shoes while riding.
The biggest things though are to stretch ALOT. You could also try stretching the bottoms of your feet over a frozen 2-liter bottle of water. Place the bottle of water under a towel and then roll it back and forth with the bottoms of your feet. Remember check your "mundane" shoes--you need the arch supports/stretchers in those shoes as well as your biking shoes. There are also braces to keep you feet flexed in a "normal" walking postion.
Go get it checked out by a doctor, as you might have something other than the plantar fascitus. If you are diagnosed with the plantars, try for some physical therapy, as this may help--try to get a cycling orientated therapist as they can check the alignment of your feet ankles and knees and can suggest something that you can do that might help--they are all connected and work together.