So, you say your heel hurts, huh? Well, guess what the #1 foot issue is that our Board Certified Pedorthists see when working with our customers? That’s right, Plantar Fasciitis. Schuler Shoes has 7 Board Certified Pedorthists that rotate throughout our Twin Ciites and St Cloud stores. These Pedorthists offer free foot evaluations to our customers on a first come, first serve basis. They see a lot of customers and look at a lot of feet!
It seems like everyone I talk to has had Plantar Fasciitis at one point or another. I’ve had it. It was awful. It felt like a nail was being drilled into the center of my heel. Of course, I would talk to anyone that would listen to me about it and if they had it, they would almost always agree…that is what it feels like.
So, what exactly is Plantar Fasciitis? Well, here is the Mayo Clinic’s definition…
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your very first steps in the morning. Once your foot limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.
Plantar Fasciitis is particularly common in runners. In addition, people who are overweight, women who are pregnant and those who wear shoes with inadequate support are at risk of plantar fasciitis.
So, what do you do about it? Well, if you think you have it, I would suggest seeing your doctor first. The 2nd thing I would suggest is to get one or two really good pair of shoes that support your feet.
If you come into one of our stores and you meet with one of our Board Certified Pedorthists (let’s say Morynn) and you tell her that you have been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis, this is what will happen (I asked her…so really…this is what she said will happen).
Morynn says “Plantar Fasciitis is often also a result of a tight or contracted calf muscle. I will do an in-store evaluation, which will include checking range of motion, especially looking for inhibited range of motion and limited dorsiflexion. I will teach them stretches that will be the most effective for them. I will talk to them about the do’s and don’ts of Plantar Fasciitis and then make a recommendation for shoes and orthotics based on the free foot evaluation”.
If you have been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis and you would like to discuss footwear options, come in and see us. If your symptoms are like mine, your heel REALLY hurts. When stuff hurts, we tend to talk about it more. Guess what? Our Pedorthists LOVE to talk about feet, foot issues, shoes and much more. Get in here and tell them about it…they will listen. They understand what you are going through and will help you and your doctor to get you on the road to recovery.
