Should I run?
 

Hi, I think I may have developed Plantar Fasciitis. I have not been to a Podiatrist. I have been having pain in my arches over the summer and it has gotten really bad starting late August. I think it has been caused by my wearing crappy flip-flops over the summer and has been aggrivated by running.

I stopped running beginning of September and started wearing my hiking boots. They are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own and they have a metal shank so there is little flex. I tried just wearing my running shoes everywhere, but I think the flexing kept aggrivating my condition because it was not getting better. The pain has subsided greatly. I only feel pain when I get out of bed in the morning or I have been sitting for a long time and stand up. Cycling doesn't seem to give me problems.

Anyway, there is a 10k race that I really enjoy running coming up October 24. My friend that trains with me for tri was going to run with me (his first time on this course). I know I could run this race, but I don't want to re-injure my feet. My buddy would like to run this race, but probably won't if I don't (he isn't pressuring me to do it).

Should I run the race? Should I wait until there is no pain at all before I start running/training again?

thanks...

Probably not. PF takes a long time to heal. See http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/tr5854.asp

If they were my feet, I wouldn't run on them until they were pain free.

Go to a podiatrist. I had PF pretty bad and it went away quicklike once I got my orthodics. Running with PF will only make it worse. It's ended the career of more than one pro athelete.

I would say ease off of the running for a while, and keep cycling to stay in shape. After giving your feet a rest for a while, get some decent running shoes, and slowly get back into running. Listen to your body's warning signs...but your comment that you don't have a good pair of running shoes sounded like a red flag to me...get some good shoes.

You can also consult your chiropracter because the way your arches are affects the way you stand. He should be able to order some custom orthodicts that will correct any problems with your arches

Jeff Galloway reccomends running in a pool when you have injuries such as that one. You maintain at least 80% of your running muscles ... with a lot less impact.

A friend of mine from work was telling me about something called the Strassburg sock - you wear it at night and it streches the tendon. Might be worth trying for $30?

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've decided not to race this one. Better safe than screwing next year. I'll focus on rebuilding for next season when my feet start to feel better (hopefully soon). They have already improved a lot. I'm eager to get back to work, maybe this short break will give me added determination and motivation and push me harder.

Underhill, The pool is a great idea. I don't know why I didn't think of that earlier.

PATriGal, I have not heard of this sock. I'll have to check that out. Thank you very much!

I can recommend walking in cold sea water, mixed in wih some of the other suggestions here.

This is probably too late to help but those in the Philly area might find the info useful. Dr. Nick Romansky is a podiatrist that comes highly recommended from several runners I know. He is one of the docs for the US Women's Soccer Team. He has helped me with shin splints and has kept many a marathoner healthy. His number is 610-933-8644 (and no, I am not affiliated with his practice--I just know how hard it is to find a doc who will give you more helpful advice than rest & ice).