Berkeley Parents Network: Plantar Fasciitis

Berkeley Parents Network

Plantar Fasciitis

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > Plantar Fasciitis

Looking for Acupuncturist for Plantar Fasciitis

June 2002

I have had plantar fascitis for 7 years and have tried most medical options to relieve my pain (ie. cortisone shots, orthodics, pain management, air casts, night splints, swimming, special shoes, etc.) and am now ready to try alternative medicine. Though no longer terrible, I hope to one day be free of this ailment. I live in the Oakland Hills and am looking for recommendations for acupunturists preferable in the area though I would be willing to travel. Also, what questions should I ask before beginning treatment? Ariane

Recommendations received:

Anita Chen Marshall

Pam Heaton

Mark Reiley Berkeley Orthopaedic Medical Group

Hi, Ariane. First an apology--this is not a recommendation for an acupuncturist, but as someone who has suffered with Plantar Fascitis and numerous other foot ailments, I wanted to share what worked for me just in case it can help someone else. I too had tried nearly everything, including stiff orthotics from a podiatrist. Ultimately, my salvation came from someone called a Pedorthist. A pedorthist studies all kinds of foot problems and works with soft orthotics and shoes as the solution. Soft orthotics redistribute weight on your feet instead of artificially buttressing them.

The place from where I now buy all my shoes is Foot Soluions/ Walkrite shoes. Unfortunately they're only located in Palo Alto and San Jose [(408) 376-0495]. If you've tried everything else, it can't hurt to talk with them (Try to talk with owner Marge Bonsall). All I can say is that I thought my active days had come to an end, and three months after Marge set me up with shoes and custom soft orthotics, I completed a 7-day hiking trip in Bryce and Zion. I wish you the best of luck. Valerie

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