Plantar Fasciitis

What is it?

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot — connecting your heel bone to your toes.

Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in runners. People who are overweight, women who are pregnant and those who wear shoes with inadequate support are at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis.

Key Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis 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.

Insight and Recommendations

from Schuler Shoes' Board Certified Pedorthist

This is not a medical diagnosis but a footwear recommendation to offer symptom relief. It is meant to supplement your doctor's treatment plan. 

Plantar Faciitis typically responds well to a good supportive insole, with certain insoles working better with certain types of foot structures. As a starting point, a Four Seasons insert will normally offer a noticeable degree of relief. However, there are several over-the-counter brands available and each has its own merit based on the type of foot, planned activity, and type of shoe the person requires.

Generally, a stiffer sole with rocker motion will offer the greatest relief. An example of this is a Haflinger clog or house shoe which has proved to be a great tool to aid healing.

This condition normally will require a significant amount of additional stretching and range of motion exercises in order to obtain lasting results, thus one cannot rely on the shoe or insert alone. If this is a long-term issue or is chronic and not responding to stretching, this may not be an isolated foot issue and it is recommended to have the problem evaluated by a medical professional.

 

A consultation with a certified specialist is recommended in order to come up with and implement a plan that is best suited to the individual.
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References: Mayo Clinic