I have been diagnosed with Plantar fascitis. My doctor tells me to wear arch supports. Can I wear them when I do Bikra yoga?

It sounds like you're in pain and concerned about doing the right thing for yourself. Without knowing the details of your condition you should know that we've had students diagnosed with plantar fascitis who have gotten relief and healing by practicing Bikram yoga. Without shoes. Without supportive arches. All the postures. However, if your plantar fascia is actually torn, you may need to take the doctor's advice and hold off on some of the postures till at least the ligament knits back together. Of course if there's a bone spur involved, you will definitely want arch support to prevent the nerve

Generally we recommend If it is difficult to do a posture completely, do it partially providing that it does not cause injury. You can usually tell if it is simply the pain of stretching (which is a good pain) or the pain of inury (which is to be avoided). It will be the increased circulation from Bikram yoga practice that will help improve the condition, possibly even washing out the calcification if there is any, but for sure helping to strengthen the ligamens, tendons, bones, and muscles of the feet.

As always, it is your body, so therefore it is your decision whether to wear support or not; whether to do all the postures or not. But certainly attending class and gradually doing more will be to your advantage.

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