Plantar Fasciitis is a common, painful condition of the foot that brings many sufferers to our office. Unfortunately, the nasty thing about PF is that it’s an equal opportunity offender whether you’re active or sedentary, young or old. It affects people of all body sizes and can be extremely debilitating. The good news is that it is possible to heal from this chronic, nagging condition. We have had great success in our practice using a combination approach of neuromuscular therapy (NMT) and structural support (orthotics).
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Simply put, it’s inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This tissue is critical for walking and other foot movement as it supports the arch. Because walking, running, standing, and flexing the toes all require the plantar fascia, it’s very easy to end up with an overuse injury. It begins to tighten up as inflammation sets in which causes pain even with basic movement as well as reduced range of motion.
Treatment Involves Consistency
Because it’s very hard to let the plantar fascia rest since most of us need to walk or stand at least part of our day, this condition can become chronic. Treating it requires some commitment on your part. We like to see patients in the office twice a week initially to help release the fascia and relieve pain. But what happens during the rest of your 24-hour day? If you’re walking or standing without proper foot support, you’ll only re-injure this sensitive tissue. That’s why we’ve come to recommend a combination approach involving both manual therapy and orthotics.
How Can Orthotics Help?
Let’s be honest, most modern shoes are terrible for your feet. They typically have narrow toe areas that curl up, which means your toes end up slightly flexed whenever you wear them. Plus, the support in the shoe might be too little or too much for your structural needs. If you struggle with PF, addressing your shoes is not only recommended but generally required for healing. In our office, we’ll scan your feet and provide a custom orthotic from Foot Levelers that gives you exactly the right support. These will replace the factory insole in your shoes and slip easily in and out from pair to pair.
What Shoes Should I Buy?
While no one shoe will be perfect for everyone, there are a few helpful guidelines to help you choose shoes that work with your new orthotic and support PF treatment. We suggest avoiding pointy shoes, especially those with heels (ladies, you’re mostly guilty of this one!). Athletic shoes should have a flat (not turned up) toe box with adequate room for your toes to spread. Make sure to look for insoles that are removable. We can discuss options in person during your appointment as well.
Don’t spend another day in pain due to plantar fasciitis! We can help you get on the path to healing. With manual treatment in office and proper foot support, you can finally be rid of this chronic condition. Schedule your assessment with us today to get started.