Recruitment manager Andrea Mahn was in so much pain with her feet that she could barely walk at times.
This fit and active 40-year-old had for 18 months been suffering from a common condition called plantar fasciitis – sometimes known as policeman’s heel – which is a painful inflammation of the connective tissue on the sole of the foot.
“I had treatments by an osteopath, a physiotherapist and a sports therapist but nothing really eased the pain,” said Andrea. In her job for Working Links she has to drive, walk and stand a lot but life was becoming unbearable. She is also an enthusiastic runner and her favourite hobby was suffering due to this extremely painful condition.
“I was taking painkillers all the time and it got so bad that I couldn’t even walk down my stairs at home.” she said.
Then Andrea saw an advert for Foot Solutions in Plymouth and decided to pay them a visit. “I just turned up hoping that someone would be able to help me,” she said. “and it was the best decision I have ever made.
“The staff were knowledgeable, helpful and attentive and after about half an hour of tests and examinations they identified the problem. It was the most fantastic service I could have imagined.”
The Foot Solutions team adapted all of Andrea’s trainers and also provided her with a special device to help stretch her foot at night time.
“I wore the device at night and it gave me immediate relief from the pain, allowing me to sleep better.
“But when the special insoles were fitted in my shoes it made a 100 per cent difference.
“I had faced the prospect of never being able to wear high heels – but I can now wear a beautiful pair (which I bought from Foot Solutions) for 14 hours a day if I have to.
“The great thing about Foot Solutions is that the shoes are very fashionable too. I was genuinely surprised at the choice of stylish high heeled shoes available.”
“Now I don’t suffer at all. I can do my job and my running, the difference being I enjoy the experience, rather than being in constant pain.
“I will never buy shoes anywhere else again but Foot Solutions. I have already recommended my
mother and a number of friends to them.”
Andrew Scowcroft of Foot Solutions said: “Plantar fasciitis is like a hidden epidemic. We see dozens of people coming into our Plymouth store every month and we have extremely good success rates with this and other debilitating conditions.”
