In the development of this resource, 18 people with plantar heel pain were interviewed about their experiences of having plantar heel pain and their clinical needs. Participants were asked a range of questions relating to their understanding of the cause, treatments that they have tried, their expectations of health professionals and also advice for others. Included below are some quotes from participants regarding plantar heel pain:
What advice would you give someone else with a similar condition?
“Well, with the benefit of hindsight, I’d probably explain to them that they’ve got to be more patient than I’ve been because I probably was looking for a quick fix because the interruption to my life was so severe that I just wanted it fixed, so I could just resume everything I had. If you find a good practitioner, then to talk through and understand upfront what sort of time is involved and what sort of treatment options there are and actually get very honest about what I’m good at and what I’m not good at. So, make sure (the treatment) it’s tailored (for you) “(Wendy).
“Get a good diagnosis and someone who knows what they’re doing. I suppose looking back, getting a firmer diagnosis at the beginning maybe, trying to get some information that seemed to relate more specifically to your own condition because I found that I was never really quite clear on what advice I was getting really related to what I had because of confusion over what it was” (Christine).
“Well, my advice would be to ask a lot of questions from your GP, your podiatrist, friends, family, especially those who’ve had the same problem – they may give you ideas as to things to do and not to do” (Andy).
“I guess get seen straightaway. Don’t prolong the agony. I just kept trying to persevere thinking it’d go away at first. Seek the advice. Even though the doctors may not have all the answers, at least know what you’re dealing with” (Brian).
“Go invest on a good pair of shoes firstly. Secondly, never walk barefoot or in thongs and even if you get up in the middle of the night, make sure you put a shoe on to walk around and do some exercises. Do those exercises” (Frank).