About a year ago, I was flirting with what may or may not have been plantar fasciitis - which is basically a running/overuse injury. I scaled back my miles and then, after rest, applied some kinesio tape per their video instructions. I don't know if it was the rest, the tape, or the mental fix that helped it. At the time, I didn't care.
Now, I'm thinking it might not be overuse. I think it's shoes.
I feel the pain creep back in when I spend a lot of time on my feet, or when I wear heels to work. Normally I wear sketchers (flats) but sometimes I wear sensible dressy shoes (rounded toe, secure strap, thick 1.5-2" heel**).
It feels as if someone's jamming a ballpoint pen into the center of my arch, just below the ball of the foot.
I'm fairly sure the return is not due to mileage, I've been pretty conservative lately. My running shoes are relatively new, no where near replacement time, and they're the model I've used for more than a year. Nor do I have the usual aches that crop up when I've blown out a pair of running shoes.
Seriously, I'm ready to go around in my socks for the rest of the day. I work in a research lab with bacteria, chemicals, glass, etc. This should tell you how uncomfortable I am.
So... I need your help. What shoes do you wear all day? Do you have suggestions for a brand or style that I can wear when I need to look nice at work, that will still provide support post-run?
Tell me in the comments below. Seriously, my socks will thank you.
* I know, just one!
** There may in fact be no such thing as a sensible heel. I'm trying to ignore that fact.