I think I have Plantar Fasciitis, should I go to the Doctor?

Plantar fasciitis manifests itself with a stabbing like pain in the heel. It hurts mosting when you rise up from a resting state, for the first few steps. Then the pain will ease up a bit. Does this sound like your pain? Do you need to see a doctor? What kind of doctor should you see? Well, dstinct heel pain, I first did research on the internet. I diagnosed myself with plantar fasciitis.

Ok, great, I think I have plantar fasciitis. What kind of doctor do I see? I had no idea, so I called my friendly insurance company.   The nurse suggested that I either see an orthopedist or a podiatrist.

So I decided to go to an othopedist. I couldn’t stand the pain any longer. Maybe he can give me some information I didnt already know. The first thing the orthopedist did was take x-rays of my feet. This is done to see if there are any fractures or heel spurs. In my case, nothing showed at all.

So he told me I had plantar fasciitis. Ok, that I had already figured out. Then he told me how to stretch my calf. I already knew that too. Then he told me to use heel cups. I bought them from him becuase insurance did not cover them. These particular heel cups made my feet feel worse. I eventually had to take them out.

Next I tried store bought insoles. They helped a little for a while. I eventually gave up and decided to see a podiatrist. I mean they are FEET doctors, right?

After hearing my description, he too said I have plantar fasciitis and the other growing pains in my feet are because of the way I was walking to avoid the heel pain. He told me orthotics are the answer. Well I hope so, as they are a big investment that most insurance plans will not cover, mine included. I decided to go for it, its not the end of the world and I will be a much happier person if they help.

He then proceeded to fit me for my custom orthotics. This process consisted of fitting a special type of foot bootie over my foot and after wetting it it hardens to the shape of your foot.

Well I cannot finish the story just yet, I am awaiting the arrival of my new orthotics. But am very hopeful they will help me greatly.

One other thing that I did is purchase a special pair of shoes. These are now my favorite shoes. They are from Kuru Footwear. I totally reccommend checking these out.

So what is your opinion? Orthopedist or Podiatrist?