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Description

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. On occasion, plantar fasciitis occurs in the center of the medial longitudinal arch instead of the medial calcaneal insertion. Pain and tenderness are located in the non-weight bearing portion of the plantar surface of the foot. The Plantar Fascia is one of the major support structures of the medial longitudinal arch. Excessive Pronation and excessive supination can contribute to Plantar Fasciitis. Pronation is normal; it is excessive pronation that is damaging. Research shows strength and flexibility deficits in the posterior calf and foot in patients with Plantar Fasciitis. Excessively tight calf muscles work against the medial longitudinal arch and need to be stretched. Heel pads, heel cushions and heel cups are not effective in treating Plantar Fasciitis unless a stretching program is included.

Despite the claims of various product manufactures there is no cure all. It is a fact that excessive motion in certain parts of the foot increase tension on the fascia. A custom orthotic will reduce the excessive motion and give the area the chance to heal. However soft tissue injuries can take up to 36 hours to reach their maximal tenderness so it is difficult to decide when to resume normal activity. If the orthotics are not worn and the excessive motion is allowed to resume the fascia will be re-injured. Treatments vary and usually it is a combination of treatments that work for most people. Custom orthotics, stretching, decreasing activity, physical therapy, taping, ice, contrast baths, ultra sound, reflexology, cortisone injections and surgery being the last resort.

Custom molded biomechanical orthotics are very effective in treating plantar fasciitis and also need to be accompanied by stretching exercises. Ask your health care professional which stretches will work best for you. Good fitting supportive shoes with a firm shank area and reinforced heel counters must also be worn. Some other conditions that can cause heel pain in different areas of the heel may be as follows: Achilles Tendonitis, Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever's Disease in adolescents), Calcaneal Stress Fractures, Retrocalcaneal Bursitis and Pump Bumps. Heel Pain Syndrome is a very common cause of heel pain but is the most poorly understood. Localized, central, or medial heel pad tenderness with no tenderness along the Plantar Fascia and a negative heel squeeze test is usually referred to as heel pain syndrome.

P.T.I. Orthotic Laboratory
2805 Wilderness Pl., Ste-400
Boulder, CO. 80301
Ph# 303-443-9999
Fax# 303-443-4468

Disclaimer: All information published by P.T.I. Orthotic Laboratory or ptiorthotics.com is provided solely for general information and shall not be construed as an attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice and should not be used to make a diagnosis or to replace or overrule a physician, or qualified health care provider's judgment. We strongly encourage users to consult with a physician or qualified health care professional for answers to personal health questions.