I see that this is an older post, but I only come through this site now and then, and thought to comment anyway, fwiw.

One alternative way to deal with PF is to lose your shoes.  It sounds counterintuitive, but barefoot running has allowed many former PF sufferers to not only run again, but to run with joy.

I will now go into the required disclaimers:

- read up!  There are many excellent sites to give you tons of "how to begin" info.  Look at the Barefoot Runners Society to start.  Also, check in with Barefoot Ken Bob's and Barefoot Ted's blog sites.

- Believe what you read when you see START SLOW AND EASY.  The essence of transitioning to BF running is to work with your body, and your feet are your first line of defense when it comes to self regulation.  They are not trained or ready for you to jump in running at the same level you were at with shoes on.  You will build up strength slowly and without problems IF you keep it easy and gentle.

I wish you luck with your running, however you carry on. If you want to try just one non-running step that will help with learning about BFrunning, read "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougal.  He was moved to write it as he tried to answer the question "Why can't I run without pain?".  Maybe his answers might help you.  If nothing else, it's a great read in the winter when good running is hard to find.