I dropped a laptop on my bare foot over a month ago. It hit right where my toes connect and you probably heard me yelling from miles away. It was a heavy macbook and fell from waist high. I knew instantly it was going to take time to heal. I couldn’t even get a shoe on for days, and even now — the 2nd toe on that foot looks like a bent sausage. ARG!
What is plantar fasciitis anyway?
Plantar fasciitis is the result of excessive strain or stress on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel to the toes. This strain leads to inflammation, micro-tears, and pain, especially near the heel. What causes that excessive strain or stress can vary… from overuse to high impact activities — and from flat feet or high arches to improper footwear. Or in my case, it can occur when one foot has to take on the work of two.
Avoid walking barefoot.
While self-care includes reducing activity, ice therapy, stretches and more — the main advice is to avoid walking barefoot. I already have several pair of shoes that are supposed to be the best for back challenges and they tout their advantages for heel pain, as well. I just have to make myself wear them all the time instead of just when I go outside or get on the treadmill.
The sandals I’m wearing in the photo above are orthotic and I bought them on the advice of my friend, Julie, who said they cured her heel pain. So far, they aren’t as comfortable as my Oofos recovery slides, but they aren’t quite as ugly either.
(Interesting to note that I already have Birkinstocks, Kuru footwear, Oofos, Vionics, Brooks, Hokas and other brands that claim to be “the best” for plantar fasciitis and my heel still hurts. I’m pretty sure it just has to heel — pun intended.)
Now you know: Due to an agreement between the National Archives and Caroline Kennedy, the jacket Jackie Kennedy wore on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated cannot be displayed in public until 2103.