Have any runners had success in using Traumeel injections instead of cortisone for plantar fascia and tendon inflammation? I've been struggling with PF in my arch for about a year and a half. I took almost a year off from running, did orthotics, PT, massage-the only thing that finally brought total relief was when I had a cortisone shot last spring. This lasted for about 6 months, then pain came back. My pain now is only slight and very local-it's actually in the forward part of the arch -my MRI shows inflammation in the flexor tendons and the PF. Before I try a second cortisone shot, which I know can weaken and damage tendons, I'd like to try homeopathic injections with Truameel. I understand this is used frequently by physical therapists in Europe. Has anyone used this, and had some success? Also, at what point should I give in and simply have another cortisone shot, for example, if I still have soreness after 3-4 months? Or do most athletes stay away from cortisone at all costs due to the potential for long term damage? Thanks!
Reply - Janet
I can't say I have much first hand experience with Traumeel injections, though I have heard of them.  I can say I've worked with hundreds of runners with Plantar Fascitis and the pattern seems to be that if you get the muscles flexible and strong, and support the foot with the right combination of shoe or shoe/orthotic - the issue is resolved relatively well (though not quickly sometimes).  Did your PT have you doing stretches for the calf muscles several times a day? Did they do a gait analysis prior to fabricating your custom orthotics? Did they ever do any adjustments to them?  Sometimes it takes several "tweaks" to get the orthotics just right.  Eccentric strength training should work to help the flexor muscles regain their lost strength.  I guess I'd try all that stuff before I'd try either type of injection.  Just because it's "homeopathic" doesn't mean it's risk or side-effect free. 
Hope this helps a bit. - Janet Hamilton, MEd, RCEP, CSCS, Running Strong Coach

I have a sore IT band. I've been running for fitness since I was 16 years old and started running marathons about 5 years ago. I'm 42 now so running isn't a new activity for me. 3 weeks ago at mile 23 of a marathon I walked through the water stop and suddenly as I was about to begin running again I felt the sharp pain on the outstide of my left knee. I've had a slight irritation of the ITB a few years ago, but a week off got rid of it and it never bothered me again until 3 weeks ago. I felt no pain up until that point in my marathon. I finished the last 3 miles very slowly with a limp and my knee was quite sore for a few days. I tried to run a week later and was ok for about 7 miles and then the pain was back. I've taken another 2 weeks off from running and also haven't done any cross training. Today I tried a slow easy run and after about 1 mile I felt the pain creep back. It's not as intense but definately there. My question is what kind of cross training can I do that will not increase the healing time. I can handle 2 weeks of doing nothing, but if this is going to take longer to heal, which it seems it will, I need to do some other form of excercise. Would an elliptical trainer be OK? I've heard yes and no. How about a rowing machine or one of those stair climbers where you don't have to lift your foot off the step. I know a stepmill would probably not be a good cross training machine. I also have a pool at my gym so swimming would be an option, although I'm not crazy about that one. Thanks for any advice.

Reply - Janet
You might do well to do a variety of types of training but do it all at low intensity and short duration at first.  Some people with IT band syndrome do fine with Elliptical, others don't.  You'll just have to experiment.  Also keep in mind that the bike might be an option, and certainly some pool work is worth trying.  I agree that the stepmill would probably flare things up.  Also, it might be worth seeing if you can tolerate walking as a form of cross training. Make sure you're working on lateral hip strength and flexibility exercises for the calves and hamstrings and quads - they're often more the issue with tightness than the IT band is! 
Best of luck, let me know if I can be of help in your rehab process.
Janet Hamilton, MEd, RCEP, CSCS, Running Strong coach