by SactoBob » Tue Jan 26, 2010 1:13 pm
I agree, Lani, that it could be Achilles tendinitis too. I also agree that the pain in Achilles is more in the back of the foot, above the heel. I should have asked for a bit more description of the location of the pain.
Plantar fasciitis is felt more in the bottom of the heel, sort of like you are walking with a stone inside your heel. I have had both (for years). If it is Achilles, a shoe with an elevated heel can alleviate the problem. Ice can work for Achilles tendinitis too - freeze a Dixie cup with water, and massage it into the back of your heel. But this advice would come better from a licensed podiatrist or PT. Either way, some treatment is indicated if it does not resolve promptly. Otherwise, it can last for years.
To me, the history of the first few step in the morning being painful, and then feeling somewhat better, is more suggestive of plantar fasciitis. That is a very common history for plantar fasciitis, as I experienced it too. If you press your thumb, or something stiff, into the interior of the bottom of the forward part (towards the big toe) of your heel, you will feel it if it is plantar fasciitis.
My experience was that traditional physical therapy did nothing for my problem, but I am glad if others have achieved success. A lot depends on skill of who treats you. The diagnosis is not usually hard. IMO, the best person to treat this wold be a podiatrist with special training in mechanics. The serious runners and running clubs (or the stores where they shop) would know who the local docs are who are good with this sort of injury.