Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis » treatments for plantar fasciitis

Easing The Pain Of Plantar Fasciitis With Orthotics

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:45:55 +0000

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful foot ailment that affects millions of Americans each year. It is characterized by pain in the heel upon taking the first steps each morning. The pain gradually lessens as the sufferer walks about. Plantar Fasciitis is generally understood to be inflammation in the plantar fascia, the thick fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone towards the toes. Emerging research suggests this painful condition may actually be caused by an inflamed flexor digitorum breves muscle belly. Left untreated plantar fasciitis may become a more degenerative condition known as plantar fasciocis. Plantar fasciitis can be treated using stretching, massage, physical therapy, night splints, motion control running shoes, cold therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs or rest. One of the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis is orthotics.

Orthotics is the only non-surgical treatment that has been proven to be effective in helping to control the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. A variety of orthotics have been used to treat the ailment and all have shown a good measure of success. Some people have their orthotics custom designed and made specifically for their feet. These can be very expensive. Other sufferers buy off the shelf orthotics to treat their pain. Research has shown the success rate is about the same for either type.

Orthotics can provide support, increase shock absorption and play a role in adjusting foot position thereby taking stress off of the affected area. Patients have had success with a number of different types of orthotics. Some sufferers choose heel cushions made of polyvinyl chloride, silicone, leather, thermoplastics or polyethylene foams. The heel cushions help absorb shock and reduce or eliminate pain. Soft or hard heel cups are another popular choice. The soft cups cushion and help contain the fat pad in the heel. The hard cups help reposition the heel pad and can aid in restoring natural cushioning and compressibility. Heel cradles have also helped many patients find relief as have heel lifts. Some doctors recommend patients not use heel lift higher than a quarter of an inch.

Note, for a MUCH MORE comprehensive article about choosing specific orthotic products on the market that best suite your plantar fasciitis condition, we suggest you read our What are the Best Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis article.

Plantar Fasciitis can be very painful. Ask your doctor or your pharmacist to suggest orthotics you can use. Try several of them until you find the one that works best for you.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatments

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 02:59:36 +0000

There are many treatments for the foot pain plantar fascia: medicine, therapy, and surgery. Plantar Fascia is inflammation and stabbing pain across the bottom of the foot. Your plantar fascia is a shock absorbing bowstring, small tears can occur if the tension is too great.

Note: we’ve written a full blown 4000 word comprehensive article talking about the various plantar fasciitis treatments available to you.

Symptoms are sharp pain when you first stand up in the morning. The pain decreases as you move around but may return when you stand for a long time. This ailment is common in runners, obese people, pregnant women and those who wear shoes with poor support.

A good treatment is proper plantar fasciitis shoes — be them running shoes, walking shoes, dress shoes, etc. Shoes are the natural way to help ease the pain of plantar fascia. Another natural treatment is to warm up and stretch your foot before exercising or playing your sport, you may want to change your workouts for awhile. Switch from running and walking to biking or swimming. This may be a temporary change only, but some people may have to switch permanently for the plantar fascia to go away completely.

Stretches include flexing your foot up and down a few times before standing. You can also place a towel across the ball of your foot and hold onto both ends pulling gently toward you, keep your knee straight and hold for 15 to 30 seconds repeat stretch up to 4 times. You may roll a ball under the arch of your foot, first sitting down and increase to stand. Stretching should not cause pain. Get a new pair of walking shoes, look for good arch support and a raised sole. Heel cups and shoe inserts are a natural affordable treatment option. Try wearing walking shoes often even when getting out of bed to check on your children, or walking around your home. There are shoes made specifically for plantar fascia. Other products include a brace to support the plantar fascia, support sandals, cold booties to ice your foot right where you need it, night splints ( which stretch the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon), and even slippers.

Medication may relieve your foot pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen have been effective. Corticosteroids a topical skin solution or injection may help. Shock wave therapy is sometimes used. Sound waves are used to stimulate heeling. Surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone is a last resort. It is for those who have tried other natural treatments or medication for 6 to 12 months and found them to be ineffective. Happily 90 % of people with plantar fascia recover with moderate treatments in a few months.