Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue stretching across the bottom of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis is often the result of the following:
- poor alignment and or mechanics of the lower limb
- trauma to the plantar fascia region
- weight gain
- changes in activity
Signs and Symptoms:
- heel or arch pain after sitting or resting for a long period of time, typically most painful during the first few steps in the morning
- tight calf muscles
How Can We Help?
Custom Made Foot Orthoses
- a customized arch support which aligns the foot in its neutral position, taking the strain off the plantar fascia tendon
Off-the-Shelf Foot Orthoses
- a general arch support which also works toward aligning the foot in its neutral position, taking the strain off the plantar fascia
Splints and Other Assistive Devices
- night splints are used to prevent the plantar fascia from tightening over night
- gel heel cups provide shock absorption at the heel and give the heel a slight heel raise to reduce strain
Stretching and Activity Modification
- there are usually specific stretches or activity suggestions that a pedorthist can recommend in order to assist with the relief of symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis