Plantar fasciitis... temp staff???

[Honeybeesuckle]

Hi, i've been diagnosed with Plantar fascitis, my doctor says i should go on light duties, as i've now been prescribed stronger medication. or i'll end up on sick leave.
i've been in the job since January. And i really enjoy it, i'm happy and settled and like it.
I have this foot complaint, that has also resulted in a bony lump growing out of the side of my foot, when i tried insoles they pushed on this lump and it was horrendous. The doctor would not refer me to a chiropodist, as they dont have the funds.... can RM pay for this?
i've been there since january and my contract is temp, which will be made permanent next month. I'm not sure what to do... and i dont think i have any rights. Its seems a shame and they are short staffed.
My manager is aware, and sent someone to help me on my walk the other day.
i can only see this ending one way :-(

[krussel]

Sorry to hear about this.

I think you need to look at your long term health plan against a job delivering mail with RM and walking long distances carrying weight..

We have 2 posties suffering from Plantar fascitis at my office and both are on light duties and have been for months and don’t appear to be making much improvement. They are long service employees though.


As you have only been with RM a short time iam not sure how much support you can expect. Are you a CWU member as its times like these where they can offer sound advice and support.

Best of luck with this, and welcome

[madmartin]

I hope you can get help with your foot complaint but what would you do if you were in royal mail's shoes (pardon the punn) you're on a temp contract and are unable to do the job they've employed you to do, would you keep that person on? I hope I'm wrong and hey this is royal mail so there's a chance :-) put your health first no one else will this job isn't worth ruining your life over.

[ashadd]

go and se a podiatrician , they can do more for you than a chiropodist.

[ashadd]

go and se a podiatrician , they can do more for you than a chiropodist.

And theirs me worrying about spelling podiatrician right and i go and spell see wrong, oh well.

[DGP1]

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Plantar-Fasciitis.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I find good quality shoes really helps and stetching out your calf muscles will be your best route to reducing the affects of PF.

As for your doctor not referring you because they don't have any money............I wouldn't stand for that, report them over it, lack of money should have no impact of your health.

[Honeybeesuckle]

thanks for the replies.
I've really tried to everything asked of me, havent taken a day off, and done every duty, passed my driving test, my boss is pleased with me, and the fact i've taken so well to the job. its just such a shame that something as silly as this is holding me back... ulitmately though, my health is the most important factor.

i've so far put on a brave face and just got on with it, but the lump that has appeared has just pushed me over the edge a little.
and if i was royal mail, i would just drop me. sick leave, absenses, unreliable. (although as of yet, i've not been off)

[L8Hatter]

Hope it does clear up and you might be ok. a bloke started at ours a month before Christmas. He wasn't much kop and then broke his arm, falling off a wall (not on duty:) Amazingly, they renewed his contract and he turned up three months later. Only to be sacked three weeks later for being genrally rubish and losing a set of keys.

We had quite a high turnover of temps until recently, as they're making more of an effort to train them and look after them. Have they confirmed they are willing to offer you a permanent contract? If so, I imagine they'll give you a bit of time at least?

[not me]

Are you overweight?
PF is painfull (I suffer with it)
decent shoes and prescription orthotics helped me a lot.
diclofenac is my friend

[not me]

thanks for the replies.
I've really tried to everything asked of me, havent taken a day off, and done every duty, passed my driving test, my boss is pleased with me, and the fact i've taken so well to the job. its just such a shame that something as silly as this is holding me back... ulitmately though, my health is the most important factor.

i've so far put on a brave face and just got on with it, but the lump that has appeared has just pushed me over the edge a little.
and if i was royal mail, i would just drop me. sick leave, absenses, unreliable. (although as of yet, i've not been off)

this could be a heel spur?

http://www.webmd.boots.com/foot-care/heel-spurs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DGP1]

Are you overweight?
PF is painfull (I suffer with it)
decent shoes and prescription orthotics helped me a lot.
diclofenac is my friend

I agree with these, carrying too much weight does have an affect (since I've lost a bit, 3 stone, I don't suffer as much) and wearing good shoes has also helped.

[Honeybeesuckle]

yes, im overweight, had a baby. Have lost 2-3stone since starting. couple more would be ideal. I'm also very tall.
diclophenic, first time i tried it today, and to be fair it didnt hurt so much. And made it much more manageable.

i think to keep my job i need to just get on with it.

i did read about heel spurr, but didnt know if could come out of the outer side. if you push it, there are knots in it. There are knots all over my feet at the minute.
i dont have a coach, or anyone to talk too. And i dont want to kick up a fuss either. Which is why i've not been direct with my boss, he just knows i have a foot problem and struggled the other day and thats it, i did spot him out watching me though... so worried he thinks i'm no good.
(unless i'm paranoid)

[madelin4]

Hi.. I had this when at RM i am left now just over 3 years. I let them IHR me and i have made a full recovery. I now have my own pet care business and im out walking all the time and im grand. My advice is pay private and get custom orthotics to correct any imbalance in your gait. all the best..Mads.

[DGP1]

Hi.. I had this when at RM i am left now just over 3 years. I let them IHR me and i have made a full recovery. I now have my own pet care business and im out walking all the time and im grand. My advice is pay private and get custom orthotics to correct any imbalance in your gait. all the best..Mads.

long time no see, love

[haddie]

i am a distance runner and picked up this injury about 3 years ago. as long as you have a proper rehab it should not inhibit your walking to be honest. there is a taping technique you can use , using zinc oxide tape. this is a common runners injury. there are also stregthening and stretching techniques and of course the icing is a must to tke down any inflamation in the muscle. I am afraid most docs and NHS physios are useless when it comes to soft tissue injuries like this

Chiropodist are not for injuries it would be a podiatrist. you can self treat look up via google and you will get good advice

most common cause is not enough support at arches and the extra stretch is cause. get good pair of insoles to combat the fall of the arch. I now use Dr Foot online. the RM shoes are not really made for distances walking