PLANTAR FASCIITIS. Most sufferers call it –“HEEL PAIN”

Plantar Fasciitis sounds serious doesn’t it?  Like a rare ailment found only in the back pages of a podiatrist’s medical manual.  It’s even hard to say properly.  Most people just call it – “HEEL PAIN”

Plantar fasciitis happens to be the most common foot complaint found in the foot care profession today.  Most sufferers of this condition don’t have any idea that it even has a technical name.  Plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the plantar fascia, is the most common cause of heel pain.

Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the balls of the toes.  It holds the bottom of the foot together and stretches to absorb the shock of two to three times your body weight with every step.   Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia causes it to pull away from the heel bone, that leads to inflammation and discomfort at the heel.  If plantar fasciitis is not treated for an extended period of time it could develop into a heel spur.

The pain is often at its worst first thing in the morning or after a long period off your feet, because while resting the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape.

In this shortened condition, it pulls even harder during your first few steps.  As the fascia gets restretched as the day progresses the pain often subsides.

Flat feet (over-pronation) is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis.  When a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing in the walking process, it causes extra strain on the plantar fascia.  Other possible causes of plantar fasciitis are:  A foot with an unusually high arch, a sudden increase in physical activity, excessive weight on the foot or improperly fitting footwear.

The treatment of plantar fasciitis is largely a matter of treating the conditions which are causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia in the first place.  An orthotic (custom made arch support) to fully support the long arch of the foot with rearfoot posting has proven to be very effective in controlling over-pronation.  Limiting the stretching of the fascia will prevent the inflammation which causes the pain and will allow the condition to begin to heal.

A custom orthotic, which is manufactured for your particular foot, will provide the ultimate in fit and support.  A custom orthotic can assure one hundred percent contact with the entire bottom of the foot, no matter what unique shape it may be.  Corrections and modifications can also be built into a custom orthotic to provide the best benefits for your particular conditions.

Proper fitting footwear with good shock absorption and heel cushioning will also help to comfort the foot.  Stable footwear will not flex excessively through the arch and should have a strong heel counter to properly support the foot.  Many shoes can accommodate custom orthotics.  This combination can provide the best foundation for healing plantar fasciitis.

To prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia, avoid going barefoot or running on hard surfaces. Lose any excess weight and wear proper shoes with orthotics that support your arch.  Stretching exercises and night splints can also be beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis.