Is swimming beneficial for plantar fasciitis?

[Boris]

Yet another thread on plantar fasciitis...

So I got a slight form of PF, I read the (very helpful) suggestions in the forum, I have been been using antiinflammatory stickers for a few days, and they helped relieve the pain. I will also change shoes when I feel like playing tennis again.

Yesterday I went to the swimming pool and had a relatively intense one-hour workout. After that, my inflammation is much better. I do not know if this is just a late effect of the antiinflammatories. I guess that swimming acts as a very good stretching exercise on my feet.

Thought this might help someone with the same problem. Did anyone notice similar benefits out of swimming?

Cheers!

 

[Marius_Hancu]

did you find the stretching exercises in my signature?
very important to stretch properly.

it might be that swimming acts as a low resistance exercise/massage, don't know.

 

[Boris]

did you find the stretching exercises in my signature?
very important to stretch properly.

it might be that swimming acts as a low resistance exercise/massage, don't know.

Yes, I found them, as well as a lot of other useful info, including the shoe test (which, by the way, my shoes did not pass: Lotto ATP raptor clay perhaps 4 months old, 5 hours/week of play). If swimming can do such wonders for me, I should definitely try to do some stretching...

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Yes, I found them, as well as a lot of other useful info, including the shoe test (which, by the way, my shoes did not pass: Lotto ATP raptor clay perhaps 4 months old, 5 hours/week of play). If swimming can do such wonders for me, I should definitely try to do some stretching...

I had PF and during the period I didn't change my shoes (from NB800 to Air Oscillates + Spenco full length inserts), as I didn't know yet they were my problem, stretching was hugely alleviating my heel pain after training and in the mornings, especially exercise

C. The Rotational Plantar Fascia Stretch
at:
running foot injuries - plantar fasciitis
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0180b.htm

I am surprised your physio or doc haven't already prescribed you some stretching. Did you go to them?

Mind you, some people don't get results just with the temporary inserts which I used, but need full rigid orthotics, and for them you'll need to consult a good specialist. NoBadMojo listed a contact for such a provider for Achilles.

 

[Rumjungle]

Boris, where did you get your anti-inflammitory stickers? I've never heard of those.

 

[Ronaldo]

Boris, believe the swimming mimics the grasping exercises demonstrated by my podiatrist, towel-pulling, another was picking up marbles using my toes, and to stretch out the toes use a spacer for painting toenails. Actually wore this at night. http://www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/plantar.htm

 

[Boris]

Boris, where did you get your anti-inflammitory stickers? I've never heard of those.

Rumjungle, I am not an English mothertongue, so when it comes to technical terms... What I mean is a sort of band-aid, but much larger (say 5x3 inches or so, it can be cut into smaller pieces). I think the technical term is "sticking plaster". Over a 12/24 hour time, this plaster releases antiinflammatories. It is not much different from the repeated application of gel, but you do it just 1/2 times a day. The one I've been using is called "Flector Tissugel"; in Italy it can be found in any pharmacy, I'm sure in the US similar products are available.

Hope this helps

 

[Boris]

I am surprised your physio or doc haven't already prescribed you some stretching. Did you go to them?

I haven't already consulted a doctor, but I have my visit planned next week. I am not going to play any tennis (at least) until then. I am pretty sure he will prescribe some stretching.

By the way, following the beneficial effect I noticed, I have done two more sessions (about one hour each), which amounts to three swimming sessions in a week. This is doing wonders for my PF. In one week the pain has disappeared and I can walk normally without noticing any discomfort. I still feel some mild pain if I exert a strong pressure on my feet, e.g. lifting some weight. As you guys pointed out, swimming is probably very similar to stretching in many respects.

Mind you, some people don't get results just with the temporary inserts which I used, but need full rigid orthotics, and for them you'll need to consult a good specialist. NoBadMojo listed a contact for such a provider for Achilles.

I'm waiting to see the doctor, I know he could prescribe full rigid orthotics. What can I say? I will have to delay the purchase of a new racquet

And by the way, I looked at the shoes review at TW, and my Lotto ATP raptor are among the most poorly ranked as to comfort and arch support. I'll never do that mistake again, I swear...

 

[Marius_Hancu]

you could also try the stretching exercises I indicated in the above before you go to the doctor and report to him how you felt after executing them. just take it easy, don't do too much and watch the immediate and the 2nd day results. usually, I was executing them in the morning, when the pain was most intense, and they provided an immediate relieft. if the pain intensifies afterwards, don't repeat them.

but glad to see the swimming has worked for you. you might have just a light form of PF. but go to the doc asap.

 

[andfor]

Swimming is good as discussed. Just be careful not to push off the wall to hard on your turns of course.

Deep water running is another good alternative. You can buy a vest to help you float from your local running store or find one online. Do a search for Aquajogger or Speedo for manufactures who make these vest devices.

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/pmr/obser100.cfm

 

[fitat50]

foot pain

I found getting orthodics for my shoes was the only answer. If you decide to do this go to a foot doc instead of a physical therapist. I had great results after getting the proper fit. Good luck. M