Korrie Hicks has suffered from plantar fasciitis for seven years, and as anyone who has experienced this painful condition can confirm, you do suffer.  For those who don’t already know, plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, the plantar fascia, becomes torn and irritated, causing severe pain.

I would wake up because my foot was hurting so bad, said Hicks, an avid runner, cyclist and swimmer who competes in marathons and triathlons.  I think I had tried just about everything. Stretching, molded inserts, night splints, specialized shoes, pain killers, you name it, I have tried it.

Hicks experienced some limited relief from these other methods, but nothing relieved the pain completely.  Doctors suggested she try surgery or give up running, neither of which were an option for the active athlete. Instead, she lived with the excruciating pain.
But at this year’s San Francisco marathon, Hicks discovered a sample pack of KT Tape in her race “goody” bag the night before the race.  As it happens, her plantar fasciitis was flaring up us well.

It especially hurt going up and down stairs.  I really didn’t know how I was going to run the race. I knew how bad I was feeling and decided “what the heck?”.  I figured if the tape didn’t work, I would stop and take it off.
Hicks checked out the easy-to-follow instructions included in the package, and applied the pre-cut KT Tape strips to her feet.
That same night I had to go get some water at the mini mart outside the hotel. That meant I had to use the stairs. I went down the stairs and back up with no pain.  I really couldn’t believe it.  I was amazed and thought I must be slightly crazy.  How could tape give instant relief?
Hicks was impressed, but the true test of KT Tape came on race day.

I ran the race with no plantar flare up.  The tape stayed secured where I placed it and I never noticed it during the race.  It wasn’t irritating in anyway.  I have found my antidote!

Because KT Tape is long-lasting and water-proof, Hicks leaves the tape in place for five days at a time, getting 24 hour relief from her plantar pain. No more midnight “wake-up calls” from the pain.
I bike, swim, and run.  I run marathons, triathlons, and shorter runs regularly.  This is the best thing for my active lifestyle.  I’ve worn it swimming, biking, and running.  It never fails!

Hicks now uses KT Tape on her knee as well.  She’s become a KT Tape “ambassador” at work and at the gym, handing out her own free samples and giving impromptu taping demonstrations.
KT Tape is by far the best relief I have ever received.  I swear by it and have no problem giving out a few pieces for others to try.  I have even helped tape them up.  For example, a guy at work strained his lower back and had a bowling competition that day.  I taped him up per the directions.  He came back to work the next day and couldn’t stop talking about how he was able to bowl without pain and how he was able to get through the competition.

Thanks Korrie, for saving soles and spreading the word about KT Tape.

Filed under: Aches Pains Injuries, Featured | December 12, 2009
Tags :foot pain , Korrie Hicks , marathon , plantar fasciitis , running , San Francisco Marathon