Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Dec 31st, 2011 by admin
The plantar fascia is the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, creating the arch in the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of this tissue, caused when the tissue is too stretched or overused. This painful condition makes walking difficult, especially in the morning. Perhaps the most common foot ailment, plantar fasciitis most commonly affects men aged 40 to 70, although it is also common in those who wear shoes that don’t evenly distribute body weight, those who are pregnant or suffering from obesity, and very active people who spend a lot of time on their feet. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the shoes you wear can make a big difference in your ability to continue leading an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Shoes for sufferers of plantar fasciitis should distribute the body weight evenly and offer high arch support. Sneakers that offer support for athletes are commonly worn by those with plantar fasciitis, due to their comfort and high level of support. New Balance, a company that specializes in high-support shoes, is perhaps the best brand of shoes for plantar fasciitis. Stylish and comfortable, New Balance shoes allow those with plantar fasciitis to continue the activities that, with any other shoe, make even walking painful. Many boot styles also offer support for the foot, especially those with high arches. For dressier shoe options, sandals with a cushioned sole and slightly-raised heel will offer comfort and support for plantar fasciitis.
For existing shoes that may not give the support required for alleviating the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, corrective insoles are an effective remedy. Placed in the shoe, corrective insoles, such as pressure relief inserts or gel inserts, offer support and cushioning that will help make the shoe more comfortable and support the feet more effectively.
The good news is that plantar fasciitis is treatable. Wearing the proper shoes for plantar fasciitis helps promote healing and keeps pain to a minimum during the healing process. Stretching your feet twice a day will also help with the condition. Stand on a stair step with the front of the foot on the stair and the back of the foot off. With the ball of the foot, slowly raise and lower your body as far as possible each way; two sets of 20 stretches each day will help with the pain and symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis. Ice the soles of your feet for 10 to 20 minutes a few times a day to help with inflammation; an over-the-counter inflammatory taken according to directions wlll also help heal plantar fasciitis. If the pain doesn’t get better, consult a podiatrist about special therapeutic shoes that will allow more severe plantar fasciitis to properly heal.
