With a very heavy heart

[virginiajim]

 

[hurricane]

It happens to all of us.  I rode yesterday and my left foot was in pain the whole ride (plantar fasciitis).   And then it hurt worse last night.  Probably have to go to a dr about it at some point.  When I can't ride without pain, then it's a convertible for us.

Hey, Hurricane here from Downunder. I was diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in left foot just yesterday, immediately after a bout of Sciatica in right hip/lumbar area. I think the left foot problem came as a result of stressing the right foot while holding right hip secure during sleep and driving, and before this daily riding to work and a 2 month/10000km ride through Europe late last year (the left foot holds all the weight and rotation of on/off bike). My ride in Europe was not much lighter than the GTR (new BMW R1200RT) so I didn't get much respite (have to say, not as quick as GTR of course but definitely a better choice in the Alps!). Back to topic - my brother has this Plantar thing as well, and his podiatrist gave this advice - rest (stay off the bike!) for a while, Voltaren Gel cream 4 times a day, and while sitting, roll the foot back and forth on a plastic drink bottle full of (iced) water for a long time. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Voltaren rapid every 4-6 hours - after a week or so the foot should come back to normal. Other exercise == anything that stretches the hamstrings and the tendons into the foot along the arch into the toes. Good luck!   

[O.C.]

Thanks Hurricane, I'm always open to any advice especially from those that have similar experience of back related issues.

I suffered a prolapsed disc in 1979, (at the time I was playing quite a lot of rugby) the resulting treatment was 4-5 weeks traction,  which wasn't much fun  and then  4 -5 months wearing a steel braced corset, which was equally unpleasant   

A couple of spinal cortisone steroid injections over the following 6 -8 years (also very painful) had some effect and I continued with things until I finally gave up playing rugby in about 1990 

I was then diagnosed with Lumbar spinal stenosis in or around 2001, at first I thought it was sciatica, however it developed into a worsening condition which I have struggled with since then, it now seems that my hip has been affected so until I have a follow up meeting with the specialists following my recent x-ray I really can't  embark upon any other exercise or physio.

Painkillers are a daily routine ( there are plenty ! ) and I have been left with no real alternative but to make a sensible decision about a number of lifestyle activities, one of which is my biking, ( which I refuse to quit on) however I have to let my head rule my heart and I must try a lighter bike, hence my decision to change my beautiful GTR, it's a crap but necessary decision 

No one can accuse me of not trying     

[virginiajim]

Hey, Hurricane here from Downunder. I was diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis in left foot just yesterday, immediately after a bout of Sciatica in right hip/lumbar area. I think the left foot problem came as a result of stressing the right foot while holding right hip secure during sleep and driving, and before this daily riding to work and a 2 month/10000km ride through Europe late last year (the left foot holds all the weight and rotation of on/off bike). My ride in Europe was not much lighter than the GTR (new BMW R1200RT) so I didn't get much respite (have to say, not as quick as GTR of course but definitely a better choice in the Alps!). Back to topic - my brother has this Plantar thing as well, and his podiatrist gave this advice - rest (stay off the bike!) for a while, Voltaren Gel cream 4 times a day, and while sitting, roll the foot back and forth on a plastic drink bottle full of (iced) water for a long time. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Voltaren rapid every 4-6 hours - after a week or so the foot should come back to normal. Other exercise == anything that stretches the hamstrings and the tendons into the foot along the arch into the toes. Good luck!   

I've either got PF or a heel spur or both on my left foot.  Had the issue for about 2 months and going to a doctor this week to get diagnosed.   Went out on a shortish ride (175 miles or so) and while I felt it, it wasn't bad.  However, that night it was excruciating.  Went to my massage therapist and had her work on it.  Nearly put me through the ceiling when she pinpointed it.  I've been using the rolling pin and using foam inserts for awhile.  I really would like to know what it really is.  Hoping the doctor can figure that out.  I've seen some speculation about the sciatic nerve being trapped by a muscle causing the foot issues, but if mine is a heel spur, I can't see that being a cause.  It's only the one leg that's giving me the issues.  It's really a PITA as it only really hurts when I get out of bed or out of vehicle.  Can't really do a lot of walking around these days as I severely pay for it at night.  I've tried Voltaren and anti-inflammatory tablets but they haven't seen to do any good. 

Bit of advice on the sciatic issue.   Change the side of the bed where you sleep and face the opposite way.  That alleviated my pinched nerve in the neck.  Quite miraculous about that considering I was wearing a cervical collar at the time and scheduled for surgery (cancelled the surgery and the neck issue hasn't really come back).   Also get a good massage therapist who understands how the sciatic nerve can get trapped in the muscles.  I did have some issues with that a few years ago and she fixed it.    She also found a bad spot yesterday in my hip area I wasn't aware of.

Today the foot is feeling fairly good after she worked on it.  She thinks it's a heel spur based on the pain I'm feeling and what she felt with her hands but she isn't a doctor and told me to get it checked out.

Based on what I've read about (plantar and heel spur) it may heal on it's own and it really doesn't make any difference what you do to it.  All you can try to do is to make yourself as comfortable with it as you can.

[Burchy]

I experienced plantar fascitis after a drunken walk around a french town while wearing flipflops.  Pained me for 6 months, especially 1st thing in the morning.  Good news is that it will gradually go away.  the excercises mentioned above do help as will stretching your achilles every morning.  Don't spent too long on Voltarol or similar if you have it in pill form, it rots your stomach.  You should take something like Lansoprazole at the same time to help counteract this.

@OC  I've been living without discs at L4 and L5 for the past 18 years, so I know how you feel!

[virginiajim]

I'm hoping Scotch and Gin will also help.

[O.C.]

I experienced plantar fascitis after a drunkem walk around a french town while wearing flipflops.  Pained me for 6 months, especially 1st thing in the morning.  Good news is that it will gradually go away.  the excercises mentioned above do help as will stretching your achilles every morning.  Don't spent too mlong on Voltarol or similar if you have it in pill form, it roots your stomach.  You should take something like Lansoprazole at the same time to help counteract this.

@OC  I've been living without discs at L4 and L5 for the past 18 years, so I know how you feel!

  or Omeprazol...I have some of that too

[virginiajim]

My goodness, we're old!

[Kwikasfuki]

My goodness, we're old!

Speak for yourself!

[O.C.]

My goodness, we're old!

Correctamundo     

Speak for yourself!

   

[Rusty]

Roger .. I am sorry to be so late reading this thread ( not been here much ! ) and sorry to read the Gtr has to go  Your health is the main issue here and the number 1 priority  What ever you end up with I am sure it will be a good ride for you. Take care.

[O.C.]

thanks Rusty, the decision had to be made.

The new lighter Versys 1000 has arrived and I hope to be getting a ride out today....it's  65 Kg lighter BTW       

[PRD]

Looking forward to seeing pictures of new bike.

[O.C.]

Looking forward to seeing pictures of new bike.

to follow soon     

[O.C.]

Here ya go