Plantar fasciitis - anyone had it?

[PH5121]

I have had this on and off (more on than off) for over four years. It is basically discomfort in the heels which can be painful.
Over this time period I have been to the doctors who have sent me to the foot clinic at a local health centre, who have in turn sent me to hospital.

I have done the stretching exercises, taped my heels up, I wear stout walking shoes to support my feet, I have had arch/heel supports made at the hospital which I wear all of the time, and have had cortisone injections in my heels.

The only thing which has offered any relief was the injections. I had 8 months from December last year to August this year without discomfort.

Unfortunately the discomfort is back with avengence. I lay awake this morning from 3.30am with an uncomfortable burning sensation in my heels, and by the time evening comes after a day at work I am hobbling.

The condition is annoying more than painful, but I wondered if anyone else here had suffered from it, what treatment helped alleviate the symptoms and if so how long did it take to clear? I don't want to be taking pain killers or anti inflammatry tablets all of the time.

Unfortunately I suffer from pie-retention so assume that losing some poundage would perhaps help matters, so am trying to do more activity whilst minimising my consumption of unhealthy stuff (beer, crisps, sweets, junk food).

Thanks

Edited by PH5121 on Wednesday 28th September 16:25