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Plantar Fasciitis Tools
By an Amazon.com customer
Archxerciser Foot Strengthening Device : Great for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur SyndromeArchxerciser Foot Strengthening Device : Great for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Syndrome
Buy new: $28.99
This little gadget helps strengthen your toes and arch--a very important component to healing plantar fasciitis. Many resources mention stretching the calf muscles and plantar ligaments but do not mention foot strengthening, which is one of the underlying causes of PF.
The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis SolutionThe 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution by Jim Johnson
Buy new: $26.95 / Used from: $21.00
A lot to pay for a book that has one exercise touted as the cure. Still I was desperate, and I do this exercise (more like a stretch). Book also includes research on what has worked and what has not as treatment for PF.
Injury Afoot: 30 Things You Can Do to Relieve Heel Pain and Speed Healing of Plantar FasciitisInjury Afoot: 30 Things You Can Do to Relieve Heel Pain and Speed Healing of Plantar Fasciitis by Patrick Hafner
Buy new: $13.45 / Used from: $13.44
A lot of the information can be found on the net, but it is a nice compilation in one place.
Fantastic FeetFantastic Feet by Aliesa George
Buy new: $20.00 / Used from: $42.03
This book has excellent foot strengthening and stretching exercises (including toes, arches and calves). All exercises are shown in black-and-white photos. Use it if you are serious about healing. At the author's web site the book is sold in a kit with marbles and "pick up" sticks to be used for foot exercises, but one can buy those cheaper that the local craft store.
ActiveWrap Ankle/Elbow Hot & Cold Therapy, Small/MediumActiveWrap Ankle/Elbow Hot & Cold Therapy, Small/Medium
Buy new: $26.00
I used this 3 times a day during early injury stage. It reduces inflammation and numbs pain. Many sources recommend icing for 10-20 minutes after foot exercises/stretching. This wrap not only cools the plantar fascia but also achilles tendon; you can place the 2 packs in any position (additional packs also sold). Alternating icing with heat (heat before stretching; ice after) helps much.
Pro-Tec Night SplintPro-Tec Night Splint
Buy new: $39.95 - $39.99
Night splints stretch the plantar fasciitis while sleeping by placing foot at 90 degree angle; thus preventing re-injury in AM when stepping down (PF contracts during sleep). The Pro-Tec splints are comfortable, although other models may provide a better stretch angle. Check out dorsal night splints if you think you will have difficulty sleeping with this type of splint.
Yamuna Body Rolling Foot Saver KitYamuna Body Rolling Foot Saver Kit
Buy new: $38.99
Excellent tool. DVD is short and instructional rather than exercise program type. System helps you learn proper foot alignment. Foot savers feel good, although some find them painful and will need to reduce inflammation and heal tissue with stretches before using this. While pressing down may be uncomfortable, I believe this is exactly what is needed (gently).
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second EditionThe Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition by Clair Davies
Buy new: $15.61 / Used from: $9.18
A possible cause of PF is a trigger point (knotted muscle cluster) in the upper calf. Pressing the TP releases muscle, increases circulation, promotes healing and prepares for stretching and exercise. Book makes this topic more accessible and explains other trigger points that cause neck, shoulder and lower back pain. Therapists, athletes and docs have been treating TPs to heal & prevent injury.
TheraCaneTheraCane
Buy new: $30.92
This tool is used on trigger point release the muscle. Better than massage. Releases pain.
Thera Cane Instructional DVDThera Cane Instructional DVD
Buy new: $5.50
Very helpful (low tech production) in explaining how to use the thera cane to release trigger points.
Foot Roller and Porcupine Massage BallFoot Roller and Porcupine Massage Ball
Buy new: $12.95
Aaaah! Rubbing feet with the ball in circular, vertical and horizontal motion feels good. Massages, aids circulation and breaks down scar tissue. Massaging feet and stretching before standing alleviates pain and prevents re-injury after prolonged sitting . The foot roller is OK. The combo costs a few cents more than buying massage ball alone. One could be used at home and other at office.
Portable Ultrasound with multiple settings + 8 oz Bottle of Naturally Medicated Lavender Infusion Ultrasound GelPortable Ultrasound with multiple settings + 8 oz Bottle of Naturally Medicated Lavender Infusion Ultrasound Gel
Buy new: $259.00
Helpful but requires time commitment (2 weeks @ 3/day; 3rd same but alternate days; 4th rest; repeat cycle once more). Treating 1 area takes 5 (achilles) to 10 minutes (heel s OR plantar fascia) on each limb. At least 12 gel bottles needed to complete treatment. I highly recommend high-quality heat wraps (infrared I believe) direct from this seller—incredible penetrating heat direct to PF.
HTP Heel SeatsHTP Heel Seats
Buy new: $24.95
Love these! These heel seats, with stretching & foot exercises and home-made ice packs, can help immensely. Perhaps just as good as professional orthotics but o less expensive and are shipped faster than it takes to make the other orthotics. They support and align feet so well (tried them after using Diamond Tuli & other inserts that are not ½ as good). Pain reduced quickly—no more limping.
Grassy Bath Mat - ClearGrassy Bath Mat - Clear
Buy new: $10.95
When you have PF, you are not supposed to go barefoot; you need arch support and heel cushioning. The hard tub is especially painful. This bath mat is sooo comfortable under the feet. It will take several days for the plastic odor to dissipate.
adidas Women's adissage Slideadidas Women's adissage Slide
Buy new: $24.90 - $29.95
These slippers massage feet. Good for when you can't wear your supportive athletic shoes. Some folks wear them in shower. They have arch support. If feet are very painful and/or inflamed you might not be able to wear them for prolonged periods (the hard knobs can be painful). Adidas now has another model with less firm knobs for sensitive feet.
HealthyToes Toe Stretchers, SmallHealthyToes Toe Stretchers, Small
Buy new: $27.95
Great for stretching "lazy toes." Also stretches plantar area. Helps strengthen toes.