overdew

I awakened in the night with horrible pain in the center bottom of my right foot. After 2 hours of trying everything to get it to stop hurting, I fell asleep. It was sore for the next several days(still is). I discovered the cause is the rectangular tall metal foot pedal on my old Kenmore/ newer Singer serger that I had been using for many hours the previous days. I'm in my 60ies and this has never happened before. Anyone have a solution for curing "pedal foot" so I can continue quilting?

MdmSew'n'Sew

Sounds like Plantar Fasciitis, which is inflamation of the thick tissue on bottom of foot connecting your heel and front of foot. I had it many years ago - I remember the doctor giving me a cortisone shot in the foot to relieve the pain, then telling me to get orthotics to support my arch - I tried them but went back to my regular arch support shoes, haven't had it since, but whenever I get a twinge in the sole of my foot I immediately flash back to the Plantar Fasciitis - I also had heel spurs at the same time, so I was almost totally crippled for a while.

I think an NSAID (tylenol, asprin, ibuprofen), resting the foot and applying ice will help alleviate the problem, also making sure you wear shoes with some sort of arch support - check it out online and follow the recommendations there. If it continues definitely see your doctor! Feel better soon.

QuiltnNan

i would consider trying to replace the foot pedal if you tend to sew for long periods of time.

Tartan

It sounds like it might be the arching of your foot to press on the tall foot pedal? Could someone make you a wooden box or platform to put your foot pedal into that is big enough for your foot to rest on also. You could inset the foot pedal down into it so you pressing down rather than up?

AliKat

This is a great idea. Have the box so both feet rest on it though to prevent uneven strain on your other leg & foot. the box top could even have a slight angle in it to help provide more relief.
Remember you might want to adjust your chair height accordingly and maybe your sewing surface height.
guess it depends on how short/tall you are and how comfortable you'd be.

Personally, I'd try for a new foot pedal, one not quite so high.

ali

BellaBoo

I turn my foot pedal backwards. I also keep the pedal under my sewing chair not in front so my foot is not extended in front of me.

GagaSmith

I saw a video (I think it was Leah Day) and she uses a phone book to rest her foot on in front of the foot pedal.

yngldy

Think I read somewhere that you can use the door stoppers to change the angle of the footpetal, (and also you machine).

mucky

Sounds like lots of god ideas. Now if someone could cure the muscle neck pain I get I would be happy

IAmCatOwned

The sewing pedal didn't cause it but it can make an existing problem worse. There are various helps for plantar fasciatis. The only solution for me was custom insoles. My Mom just had to get better sneakers for work and spend a little more time off her feet. Not sure what to recommend other than to raise your heel somehow to change the angle.