PSA: Don't run through the pain!
PSA: DON'T RUN THROUGH THE PAIN!
Just don't. I did. I knew I shouldn't have. But, I did. Do not do what I did.
I have had nagging Plantar Fascitis in my left heel for MONTHS now...like over 9 months. I tried all the home remedies. Sometimes, it would get better, and I would think it was going away. I'd run, have more pain. Stop running, feel better, repeat.
A few weeks ago, the pain was really starting to be more constant (except I NEVER had pain while I was running, just afterwards). I was getting heel pain after simply walking my dog. So, I did the *logical* thing, and started cycling on my road bike. 15 miles or so, a few times a week. My heel was getting rest, right? Well, I started having hip/thigh pain. Figured it was just sore muscles from biking. So, went back to jogging a few times a week. I did a slow jog/walk for 3 miles Monday, and Tuesday, I could hardly walk. My thigh was on fire. My heel was in so much pain I couldn't support myself when I got out of bed.
I finally, FINALLY took myself to the doctor. Yesterday, I went from my primary care doctor straight to a podiatrist. Today, I had my first PT session. Bottom line: I have a HUGE heel spur and severe PF; I have IT band syndrome causing the thigh/hip pain; at my PT evaluation, the general consensus is that months of running and generally putting up with PF has caused all sorts of issues with my muscles in my feet, ankles, and hips/glutes. I have to do 6 weeks of PT. I got a cortisone shot in my heel yesterday (YOWIE!!!) and I am on strict orders to do NOTHING for 3 weeks. I actually caused the IT band syndrome by biking with messed up tight hip muscles. Oops. After 3 weeks of PT, I will be evaluated by the podiatrist again and he may allow me to begin running again.
Luckily, it's only June, so there is plenty of time for me to get back in shape for the 10k in January.
The point is, I was stubborn. I felt like I could "deal with the pain" and it was no big deal. I figured it was just PF and it would eventually go away. Not the case, unfortunately. I did a whole lot of damage by simply not addressing the PF after about a month of no improvement in pain.
So, don't do what I did. If you are hurting, STOP and see a doctor. You can really mess yourself up in other areas if you try and compensate for pain by changing how you run or walk. It can really screw you up. I learned so much from my PT appointment about my body that I never knew before and now with that knowledge we are going to work on strengthening my weak areas and loosening up the areas that have been in knots for months.