If you've had Plantar Fasciitis and/or heel spurs, would you kindly share your experience and advice with me?

My heel pain has been getting progressively worse over the past several months. It fits the classic symptoms of plantar fasciitis, so I have self-diagnosed. In my case, it is not an athletic injury. It is a result of being overweight and having a hard heel strike in my walking stride.

I have used kinesiology tape, foot rollers and stretches, and the Strasbourg socks. Admittedly, I am inconsistent in their use – especially since they haven’t made a whole lot of difference when I have used them. And I hate socks, especially when I’m sleeping.

Of course weight loss is important to helping my feet hurt less; but since using my feet hurts, it isn’t easy to increase my physical activity. I do not do well with bicycle riding, becaus that makes my rear-end hurt too much. I do like swimming, and have pre-joined a gym that is being built a couple miles from my home, but that isn’t set to open until November.

I plan on seeing my primary physician next week, because I am unsure which specialist to see. I know than that Podiatrists treat heel pain, but I view Podiatry much like Chiropractic… it is a viable medical field, and there are some quality practitioners out there—but there are also a large number of people who go into those fields as an easier way to get the “Doctor” title and earn a nice salary. I worry that an Orthopedist might be inclined to suggest tests and surgeries as a routine. Physiatrists – well, I’m honestly not entirely sure what they do. I am also considering a rheumatologist, because the tightness and pain isn’t only in my heel, but through my feet, ankles, and calves, but I have some similar tightening in my hands, wrists, and forearms – and I think 46 is a bit young for that, no?

So if you or someone you know well has dealt with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or similar, what experience did you have and what suggestions might you have for me? Thanks!