Plantar Fasciitis

Product Solution

• Shoe Dryer and Sanitizer
• Customised Orthotic footwear
• Heel Pads and Insoles
• Cold Pack

Overview

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia while running or walking. The plantar fascia is a soft tissue, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. If excessively stretched, it can lead to heel pain or arch pain and if left untreated it can lead to heel spurs.

Symptoms

• Pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel or arch
• It usually affects just one foot, but it can affect both feet.
• The pain is usually worse in the morning when you take your first steps out of bed, or if you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while.
• There may be tenderness under the sole of the foot and on the inside of the heel when pressing in.
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Resting your foot usually eases the pain.

Causes

• Over-pronation (flat feet)
• 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
• Overuse injury caused by repetitive over-stretching of the plantar fascia that runs under the foot leads to possible inflammation and thickening of the tendon

Treatment

• Cold Compression: Putting an ice pack on your heel for 20 minutes several times a day helps reduce inflammation. Place a thin towel between the ice and your heel; do not apply ice directly to the skin.

• Rest your foot: This should be done as much as possible. Avoid running, excess walking or standing and undue stretching of your sole.

• Footwear: Do not walk barefoot on hard surfaces. Choose laced shoes with cushioned heels and a good arch support.

• Heel pads and arch supports: You can buy various pads and shoe inserts to cushion the heel and support the arch of your foot

• Exercises: Regular, gentle stretching of your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia may help to ease your symptoms.