I’ve been battling plantar for about 2 years now. I’ve done the sock, frozen roller, stretching, cross friction massage and every other thing you can think of. I’ve come to the conclusion it will never go away. I’m ok with that because it really doesn’t hurt except first thing in the morning. I was wondering if switching to a more minimal shoe like the Saucony Cortana 3 might help with my plantar. I was thinking by going to a midfoot strike that it may help reduce the irritation in my planter. I guess I should point out that I’m a heel striker. I’m currently on my last pair of Asics GT2170’s so I need to find a new shoe either way.
have you tried a plain night splint? The sock didn’t work for me, but a night splint does. I find the sock just yanks my toes back. I would also suggest when “massaging” it (roller, golf ball, whatever) to be fairly gentle. I know a lot of people recommend really “working” it, but that wasn’t effective for me. It’s a fine line between breaking up the tissue and causing more damage which triggers more scar tissue formation.
Might as well try a different shoe. I’ve known people that have benefited from that. Don’t really try to alter your natural gait or you could end up with a new, different injury.
The Cortana is not a minimal shoe by far, it is as cushioned as the Triumph but with a 4mm drop, compared to the Triumph which has 8mm. This lower drop can make it seem more minimal, while still having ample cushion. If you want to stick with heel striking try out a Brooks Glycerin or Adidas Energy Boost, lots of cushion and support for the heel. For more of a midfoot strike do stick with lower drop shoes such as the Cortana, Altra’s, or even the NB 980’s. Make sure to get an insert to support your arch though.
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Night splint works great.
Cortana 3 could… could… help you land more midfoot, or its’ reduced cushion on your heel will make you PF even worse. You’d have to really focus on it. I love my Cortanas. I just retired a pair with almost 500 miles on them and will get another after my achillies issues clear up. I’m running in Ride 6’s and Hurricanes for now.
A word of caution. I’d be sure to swap back and forth for 3-4 months while transitioning and pay close attention to any foot or achillies soreness from landing more midfoot. You do not want Achilles tendonitis… trust me. I had PF, I would take PF any day of the week. It cleared up quicker for me and I was never in fear it was going to go POP one day. Also PF was not aggravated by cycling my achillies is.
Use the night split. Best thing for it along with stretching.
I will also say that if you find you like the Cortanas, you might end up loving the Kinvaras… which is a slightly less cushioned, lighter, more flexible version of the same shoe.
I’m going on 8 months now with PF. My foot feels best after running in my Inov-8’s.