Plantar Fasciitis

I have been a patient of Dr. Leaf's for about a year and a half.  I originally came to see Dr. Leaf because at the time I had been experiencing some bad headaches, and I also wanted my children to have regular chiropractic adjustments.  Over the months my headaches ceased, and I felt that my general health and my family's general health also improved.

 I am a runner, and I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis ten years ago.  I never thought to mention this to Dr. Leaf, as I really did not think that he would be able to do much for my feet.  I also was so used to dealing with the pain that it had become almost an afterthought.  I have tried various shoe inserts as well as stretching, icing, rest, Alleve, and pretty much anything to ease the pain I would have in my feet (arches and heels) on a daily basis.  After long runs I would be very frustrated because I felt like the pain was preventing me from doing what I loved to do, and I was not able to enjoy running as the pain would increase as my mileage increased.  At one point I casually mentioned this to Dr. Leaf, and he recommended Foot Levelers orthotics to me.  He scanned my feet and the orthotics were custom made to provide my arches with support where they needed it the most.

 The orthotics have really made a positive difference in my life.  I no longer suffer with arch pain during my daily activities, and when I walk down the stairs first thing in the morning I no longer have to lean on the railing to take the weight off of my feet.  But the most noticeable difference has been in my running.  I have been able to slowly increase my mileage without the pain holding me back.  I have waited so long to have long, pain-free runs, and I finally have that again.  In my first 5K race wearing the orthotics, I ran 40 seconds faster that my previous personal record, and the next morning I didn't have the arch pain that I was so used to experiencing the morning after the race.

 I am so thankful to Dr. Leaf for guiding me to a solution for my foot and arch pain, and for continuing to provide my family and me with excellent chiropractic care.  I will never again hesitate to tell Dr. Leaf about any ache or pain or health concern, as I am convinced that total wellness and chiropractic go hand in hand.

Amy Janow

November 16, 2008