Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Definition
Whether you spell it Plantar (planter) fasciitis and: fascia, fascitis, faciitis, faciitis, facitis, faciatis, fasciatis, faciitus, faceitis, fasciaitis, facia, facilitis, facitius, faciaitis, fasc, fas, or fasiitis, it all means foot pain! Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, the 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 forefoot. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs.
Cause
Plantar Fasciitis often leads to heel pain, heel spurs, and/or arch pain. The excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that leads to the inflammation and discomfort can be caused by the following:
- Over-pronation (flat feet) which results in the arch collapsing upon weight bearing
- A foot with an unusually high arch
- A sudden increase in physical activity
- Excessive weight on the foot, usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy
- Improperly fitting footwear
Over-pronation (flat feet) is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when a person’s arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone. With Plantar Fasciitis, the bottom of your foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet. The pain is often acute either first thing in the morning or after a long rest, because while resting the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape. As the day progresses and the plantar fascia continues to be stretched, the pain often subsides.
Treatment and Prevention
Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain and stress on the plantar fascia by following these simple instructions: Avoid running on hard or uneven ground, lose any excess weight, and wear shoes and orthotics that support your arch to prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia.
Foot Solutions has several products that are ideal for this support:
- Custom arch supports to support the plantar fascia
- Supportive shoes from athletic to dress
- Chung Shi - shoe with rocker sole that has been found to help with heel pain.
- Night splits to keep the plantar fascia stretched at night
- Massage tube that can be ½ filled with hot water and ½ filled with ice water – to help accommodate heel pain
- Wool clogs (house shoes) with great arch support – for when you aren’t wearing your orthotics and supportive shoes
If problem persists, consult your foot physician.
Check out products for plantar fasciitis in our online store!
