Plantar fasciitis painful

May 21, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I had a bout with plantar fasciitis several years ago. The treatment at that time was cortisone shots in my feet to help ease the pain until it went away. I have developed another case, but this time my doctor will not do the shots. He has given me exercises to do and pain medication to ease the pain. However, it is not working, and I do not understand why he cannot give me the shots, which were like a miracle last time.

I am on my feet on concrete most of the day. Do you know of any other remedies to help with this so I don’t have to miss work?
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Reader questions long-term effects of steroids

May 5, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My lady friend has had problems with arthritis and plantar fasciitis for about five years. She is 51 and postmenopausal. Her doctor prescribed methylprednisolone, which has helped both problems, but we are concerned about the underlying soreness that is a sort of weakness of bones and muscles. She is sore slightly but worse when poked or bumped. What are the long- and short-term side effects of this drug? Is a multimineral program best?

DEAR READER: Arthritis is pain and stiffness of the joints. You don’t specify what type she has, so I will generalize because there are actually more than 100 forms.
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Give foot pain the boot

February 21, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My 63-year-old mother has complained every day for three months about a sore heel. It feels better when I massage it for her, and it also helps if she stays off her feet. She believes it’s only the sole that hurts but refuses to see her doctor, so we would appreciate your thoughts on the matter.
DEAR READER: There are a number of reasons for a person to complain of foot pain, whether it presents in the heel or in the sole. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a full history from you, such as whether your mother is still employed and stands on her feet all day, whether she is dedicated to fitness and jogs to stay in shape, whether she is somewhat sedentary and has recently gained or carries excessive weight, or whether she simply prefers to wear shoes that don’t support her feet properly. [Read more...]

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