Tag Archive for: Plantar Fasciltis

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Could Your Foot Pain Be Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition located along the bottom of the foot, predominantly in the arch area. It is caused by overuse of the arch tendon (plantar fascia) of the foot; and if you’ve ever suffered from Plantar Fasciitis, you know that this can be one of the most irritating and hard to treat injuries there is.

The most common causes of plantar fasciitis are overly tight or inflexible calf muscles and/or surrounding and supporting tendons which leads to persistent pronation of the foot. This pronation can produce over-stretching of the arch tendon, and can lead to inflammation and thickening of the tendon.

The Plantar Fascia is a band of tissue that runs from your heel down through most of the length of your foot. It could be considered to be a “shock absorber” for your arch. This tissue is also known as the arch tendon. When this tissue becomes inflamed, the result is Plantar Fasciitis, a condition that can result in moderate to severe pain in your heel and foot.

Plantar Fasciitis, over time, can also cause a heel spur. If untreated, the condition can become degenerative, causing further pain, symptoms and long-term treatment challenges.

Not surprisingly,  runners, golfers and tennis players who spend long hours on their feet are some of the most common victims of Plantar Fasciitis.  Additionally, those over 40 are more susceptible, as is anyone who is predisposed to the condition. People with tight calves are thought to be more likely to develop the condition, as is anyone who spends time on their feet without proper footwear.

Temporary relief from Plantar Fasciitis can often be found through stretching localized massage, or anti-inflammatory medications. This relief is typically short-lived, however, as the condition will usually persist until it is properly treated and the underlying cause is identified and addressed.

Permanent relief from Plantar Fasciitis will usually come from a combination of the following approaches:

– Improved footwear for the activity you’re engaging in

– Orthotics, if determined to be necessary to proper foot alignment and support.

–  Specific Stretching for the foot and calf muscles

– Physiotherapy; IMS is often used in this area.

– Massage

– Laser Therapy to treat the inflamed area

– Athletic tape to support the arch tendon

– Shockwave Therapy to treat the inflamed area

You should seek treatment if you suspect that you may have this conditions as it can become more severe if left unattended.

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Shoe Insoles: Cushioned or Supportive

Orthotics Victoria BC

The first step when wearing orthotics (shoe insoles) starts when you shop for shoes. In order to take care of your feet, you need select a shoe, runner, or boot with a great fit and is specific to your chosen activity.

The next step is to determine if the insole (sock liner) that comes with your new shoe will be adequate for your gait, or if you need to replace it with a specific type of purchase a new insole.

What is a sock liner?

A sock liner is the removable orthotic or insole that sits between the foot and sole of most shoes. Though sock liners can vary in thickness and comfort, the primary function is to prevent the foot from rubbing against any stitching or materials that are used in the making of the shoe. Most sock liners that come in a new pair of shoes provide little support or cushioning.

There are two main types of shoe insoles:  cushioned – which will mold to our foot bed and supportive – which are functional.  In order to provide cushioning, the insole need to be flexible, and soft. In order to provide support, the  insole must be firm, and provide structure under the load of our body weight. (Materials can make a big impact on the size and weight of a support insole).

The need for additional support is the major reason to consider an insole. Most people need a more rigid arch support that can help hold the foot in an upright and stable position. Wearing a supportive insole can help control motion, relieve strain, and stabilize a foot that might have arch or heel pain.

Cushioned inserts are designed for people who want to reduce shock. Metatarsal pads for instance, are simply cushioned pads that fit behind the ball of your foot, distributing weight which  offloads and reduces pressure under the troublesome spot.

Foot conditions that can be helped by wearing an insole:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Arch Pain
  • Bunions
  • Diabetic/Arthritic Foot
  • Flat Feet
  • Heel Spur
  • Over Pronation
  • Plantar Fasciltis
  • Shin Splints
  • Under Pronation

If your foot pain or discomfort continues or becomes worse , please talk to your healthcare practitioner to see if something more serious is going on.

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