Plantar fasciitis is the most common ailment that brings people into the doctor’s office or to the Dr. Scholl’s display at the drug store. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the broad band of fibrous tissue that connects the heel to the forefoot. The area of most complaint is at the heel pain but pain in the arch or a sense that the arch is falling are also symptoms.
The arch serves as a shock absorber for the rest of the body; each foot bears all of a person’s body weight – one foot at a time – before switching weight bearing over to the other foot. This places a great deal of pressure and strain on the plantar fascia. Over time, without adequate protection, the plantar fascia will become stiff and inflamed and the arch will begin hurting or fall. Another way it affects one is that the plantar fascia pulls at the heel, causing pain in the area where the arch meets the heel.
The most telling symptom is “first step pain” which is pain upon first walking in the morning or after sitting for awhile. The pain is reduced while one is active.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Strained arch
- Fallen arch
- Heel spurs
Symptoms:
- “First step pain” – stiffness and pain in the heel or arch (or both) upon taking the first step after sitting or waking the morning, with relief as the foot warms up
- Arch seems to be falling or feels like it
Signs to look for:
- “First step pain”
- Pain in the heel, arch, ankle and/or top of foot
Possible Causes:
- Normal wear and tear over time resulting from not having support under the arch
- Wearing shoes that allow side to side movement
- Overuse – Increase in walking, recreational activities or walking for long periods on flat, hard surfaces
Goals:
- Heal the inflammation
- Restore flexibility to the plantar fascia
- Provide support in the arch
- Shoes that prevent lateral movement at the heel
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear or shoes with titantium springs
- If regular flip-flop wearer, wear only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
- Wear heels or pumps on a minimal basis only
Activities:
- Program for regular stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and arch structures
- Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2007-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Aquasolesreview.com Text: OurFootDoctor.com, Foot.com