Has anyone who has scleroderma developed plantar fasciitis? If so how is it being treated or has it gone away?

[Amherst]

[Serendipity16]

I have primary raynauds, no schleroderma

I had pain in my heel last summer thought to be plantar fasciitis (or likely to become it) and took diclofenac for about 3-4 weeks. It eased of and mostly disappeared although I have had occasional twinges recently. I did take it easy for the month I was on tablets to try and let it heal.

[titanicus]

Hi AM 1942, I have scleroderma, and I also suffered badly with planter fasciitis some 4 years ago. Because I was working at the time, involving walking standing up all day, I had to stop work because I was literally crippled and could not continue.

Plantar does not just go away, it may ease slightly depending how much walking/standing you do. It is a piece of gristle on the underside of your foot that causes the pain.

You need to see a podiatrist in the first instance, then your doctor might recommend a steroid injection in your heel. This was the way that they dealt with me. After 6 months or so, I was then referred to a physiotherapist at the hospital that showed how to do basic foot/heel exercises.

Since undergoing all of the above treatments( touch wood), I have not had the same trouble, apart from the odd twinge.

Hope this helps you in some way, because I can still feel that God-awful pain!

Take care.

[Amherst]

Many thanks for the responses. I was referred to a physio and he suggested exercises which I am doing regularly. He also recommended gel soles and they do seem to help. My GP has prescribed pregabalin for the pain. A bonus of taking it is that I have been able to sleep at night - a luxury I haven't experienced for ages!

AM

[eletra]

I had planta fasciitis for 3 years before I was diagnosed with Scleroderma, I am sure they ere connected. I did see an authopeadic specialist, who suggested he could do surgery to release the tendon, but it said I would rather work on my own, by stretching every day, wearing orthotics in my shoes and wearing sensible footwear. I got through without surgery, and then I was diagnosed with Sleroderma, I was devastated to say the least, but 7 years now with scleroderma and my planta has not returned. I would suggest stretching every day, keeping your calf muscle stretched, and stretching your toes. Stay warm. Try and hang in there it is not the same for everyone, yo could find it heals faster for you...Don't give

up!! Michele

[Barnclown]

Yes: I've been following the same sort of regime as eletra all my life....and it does help. I am 60, have had bespoke orthotics

Since I turned 20 and always worn sensible footwear. But my infant onset SLE went untreated until 2.5 years go, which allowed the progressive denaturing of my soft tissues to preoceed unchecked, apparently.

My situation had worsened from 2008 onwards, and last nov a foot wizard Bristol prof ortho surgeon helped me to avoid surgery via extreme gastrocnemius stretching for forefoot contracture due to tendon tightening & ligamentous laxity (40 min per day, 20 min am & 20 min pm, alternating legs @ 1min intervals. NB, knee locked back, heel forced down, stretch as wide as poss). I also stretch my toes extra in the am & pm, while sitting with legs straight out in front of me & knees locked...also, in same position, i do foot side to sides & rotations. I've been at this conscientiously daily since November and can now walk without a cane....feels like a miracle

I have not yet been diagnosed with scleroderma, but I have raynauds simultaneous to erythromelalgia + Ehlers Danlos hypermobility & sicca symptoms. My experience is that my hands & feet share the same complex of problems, but because my feet are weight bearing & I have osteoporosis, they experience a greater degree of all issues (I also have mortons neuomas & bursitis/synovitis/capsulitis in my forefeet)

Wishing you all the best