Plantar Fasciitis – Proper Footwear is Crucial
Jan 13th, 2012 by admin
Most podiatrists could probably diagnose plantar fasciitis over the phone. They must, of course, insist on an office visit and an X-ray to verify their opinion. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue between the skin of the heel and the tendons beneath it. It can be caused by over-pronation of the foot, heel spurs, overweight, over work, or a combination. The problem is that the weight on the heel flattens the foot and causes the heel bone and tendons to rub against the plantar fascii. It can be excruciatingly painful.
The podiatrist can fashion an orthotic insert to be worn with ordinary shoes. It will provide support for the inflamed tissues. A better solution is to switch from ordinary shoes to good quality running shoes such as New Balance. Cheap or poorly made athletic shoes will not provide the same relief. Running shoes are designed to deal with the impact on the foot created by running. They do this, in the case of the heel, by forming a rigid cup around the heel instead of a flat surface. This squeezes the inflamed tissue away from the source of inflammation and relieves the irritation to the plantar fascii. Wearing good quality running shoes is a quick solution to the problem of plantar fasciitis in most cases.
Anyone who has experienced the agonies of plantar fasciitis has vivid memories of it. For most people it comes on gradually as a mysterious pain in the bottom of the heel. As it becomes worse one limps and avoids walking. Seeing a podiatrist is the logical next step.
One way to obtain immediate relief is an injection directly into the inflamed area. Many patients are frightened of a big needle in the bottom of their heel, even those who are unconcerned about needles and injections. Although this provides immediate relief from the symptoms it is not permanent. It must be repeated regularly. The other solution is to provide for permanent relief by adopting more supportive footwear.
Plantar fasciitis is almost always a treatable condition. The solution of wearing good quality running shoes from a maker such as New Balance is simple and even stylish. When the condition is resolved ordinary shoes may be worn if the occasion dictates. If pain returns resuming the full-time wearing of running shoes will relieve it.
