Nightmare PT (long, sorry)

[Selkie]

I've thought about taping, but 1) I was worried about my foot skin; 2) I'm a swimmer so I will have to reapply/remove/reapply/etc; 3) I'm afraid that it will make the muscles used to it and ultimately, make rehab longer (like wearing a splint).

I am optimistically hopeful. The pain is much much reduced today, almost gone, even after swimming 4,000 yards this morning. I just woke up from a long nap and it still feels super. :-) I won't be pushing it so I don't have any set backs.

I treated myself to this: http://www.amazon.com/Slant-Adjustab...9258990&sr=8-1
Excellent investment. Makes a huge difference because I can now definitely feel the stretch in my calves.

[Artista]

I had my ankle and foot taped off and on for a few weeks. The adhesive is strong enough to withstand several showers and swims. I absolutely second the suggestion to use a "base tape" to protect your skin because the athletic tape sticks so strongly. I still had to work the base tape off of my skin in the shower with lots and lots of soap. Don't use oil to get it off. The oil made the adhesive separate from the tape and the adhesive stayed on my skin. Yuck!

I wouldn't worry about becoming dependent on the tape. The tape provides some support for overworked soft tissues and allows them to calm down so that they can begin healing. Think of it like a band aid that protects a cut while it begins to heal. You don't have to wear the band aid until the cut is fully healed.

On the other hand, it sounds like you're making progress. No need to tape if it isn't bothering you badly.

[Selkie]

It's odd that neither the PT nor the doctor recommended taping. You ladies aren't the first to suggest it, though!

Since I'm improving, I'll forego it. However, if the urge to take a real walk overcomes me, I'll try taping.

[featuretile]

I had plantar fasciitis some years ago. It was quite excruciating, especially when I would wake up in the morning or after sitting for awhile. I don't want to sound like an advertisement, but I went to The Good Feet store and got some orthotics and put them in my shoes. No walking barefoot, no slippers, no sandals. After a few weeks the pain went away. I wore them for a year or so and now as long as the shoe that I have has some arch support, I am fine. I sent some friends there, and they all got better. One friend had custom orthotics, but these worked better. One thing about custom orthotics is that they don't fit in all shoes. These are thin plastic and fit in most shoes, even dress shoes, so you don't skip wearing them. They cost less than custom, too. So, I did not do all the PT and massage and I got better. This is the website to see if there is a store near you. http://www.goodfeet.com/locations/ Hope you get better!