I have suffered from plantar fasciitis for the past 5 years. Over the years, I have kept a diary account of my treatments, outcomes, and experiences with this condition. I would like to share this with you all:

2005: Summer-- After cutting my grass (~1.5acres with a push mower) I experienced severe pain in my heels. It felt like I was stepping on glass with each step. I thought this was due to my wearing work boots while cutting the grass, so I tried switching to running shoes to do housework. This didn't help.

2006: Spring-- the pain was back. I noticed it at first while out for a hike, or while on my feet for any length of time (ie. to wash the cars). I didn't have a family doctor, so I saw a chiropodist instead. He fitted me with orthotics, which definitely helped the pain. I also started seeing a physiotherapist and would have my feet taped by him. The taping helped me get through my days, but the pain was not gone. Winter-- I got a family doctor. He told me to try arch supports with good shoes. No improvement with this. In fact, the pain increased to the point I couldn't go for walks anymore. I was officially diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The pain was worse in the morning, or after sitting for a while and then getting up. Anytime I was resting, the tendons in my feet would tighten up. When I would stand and start moving, the pain was excruciating. After moving for a little while, it would get better, but then if I was on my feet for too long, the pain would come again. It was just a vicious cycle!

2007:

March-- My fam doc gave me a cortisone shot in the bottom of both heels. I felt great post-shot, but as soon as the freezing came out, the pain was back. I couldn't walk for 3 days afterwards and had to literally crawl all over the house. The actual shot was EXTREMELY painful to have done. I was told it would improve (but there was no time associated with this). I will NEVER have this done again by my doctor.

April-- vacation. I was sore most of the trip and couldn't walk ANYWHERE. I wore supportive footwear 24/7.

May-August-- improved, then regressed by end of August.

September-- to the point I couldn't put weight on my R foot so I saw a podiatrist in the city. He gave me a cortisone shot (R foot only). His was placed on the inside of my heel (not the same placement as the fam doc's shot).

November-- I began ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) with the podiatrist. He could only do my L foot. My R foot would have to wait until 6wks post-cortisone shot. I was also re-fitted for orthotics (My old ones were overcorrecting my feet). I was the WORST CASE of PF my podiatrist had ever seen. I was told to allow 6months to 1year to see improvements related to the EWRT.

December 2007-March 2008: I noticed immediate improvements with my feet (I believe related to the new orthotics mostly). I began stretching everyday and resting my feet as much as possible. I also began icing my heels (counter indicated with EWRT, but was so relieving, I did it anyways). I also started wearing a night splint to bed. 

2008: March-- L foot 80% with mild pain. R foot 70% with mod pain. Started walking A LITTLE bit.

May-- back to housework and walked for 1km!!! Although, R foot suffered for 3 days afterwards. Remedied with ice, rest and stretching.

July-- vacation. Walked barefoot to waterfront. STUPID decision!!! Paid for this for many days afterwards. I will NEVER go barefoot AGAIN!

August-- regressing again. ++ icing and stretching now to get through my days.

September-- 2nd set of EWRT. Will have 3 sets total.

October-- L foot 90-95%; my feet feel the best they have since this all began! Still icing, resting, stretching and wearing the night splint. 

December-- Christmas day. On feet ALL DAY. Sore for 2 days post-xmas.

February-- regressed again. not sure why.

April-- 3rd and final set of EWRT. I have been stretching daily and that's about it. No longer icing or wearing my night splint. I have orthotic shoes on 24/7!!!! (even in the shower). Doc order to be off work for 3 weeks with another 5 weeks of light duties following. This allowed me to stay in the city for the 3weeks and receive a new trmt (Magnetic Biostism Laser) every day for the 3 weeks. Done to speed healing.

May-- developed scar tissue in R foot. So-- had it EWRT'd again.

Sept-- Both feet pretty good, with the occasional twangs/twinges. I have been resting as much as possible. I am back to work and doing house work with no issues. I make sure to stretch everyday!

October-- I walked 2.5km (slowly, mind you) with my family. Very little pain afterwards!! Very happy about this.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Fam docs are not qualified to treat this, as it is a specific condition that they are not educated well enough in

- See a foot specialist (I prefer a podiatrist, but a chiropodist works too)

- STRETCH daily, REST, ICE and get ORTHOTICS fit

- NEVER go barefoot.... EVER (even in the shower)

- Be patient. It takes time to heal and there will be setbacks.