Plantar Fasciitis is a physical ailment that affects the bottom part of the foot just below the heel. This orthopaedic ailment mostly affects men between the ages of 40 and 70 who are active. Active participation in long-distance running can be a cause, especially if the running surfaces are downhill or uneven. Other contributing sports could be basketball or any sport that requires you to be active on your feet for long periods of time. Plantar fasciitis shoes are a viable solution to help heal this condition.
Dull or sharp pain and stiffness are common symptoms among those who suffer with this problem. They may experience aching or burning sensations as well. The most severe pain is often experienced when climbing stairs, during periods of intense activity, standing or sitting for long periods of time, or when you first wake up in the morning.
Fasciitis Night Splint
Fasciitis night splints or braces may become necessary to help alleviate your pain. These can be purchased for use at night or when you are at rest. The brace attaches to the foot, ankle and the lower leg. They actually allow stretching of the calf and plantar fascia while you sleep. The prices for these braces or night splints can be on the expensive side. Splints are available for your right and left leg, as well as come in different sizes.
Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
Shoes plantar will provide the support your foot needs to help correct this disorder. These shoes will certainly help minimize the heel pain and also assist in the healing process. As part of the fasciitis treatments, your podiatrist can give you a list of recommended shoes for your problem. There are shoes that are specifically designed for men and women, there are slippers and occupational shoes available as well. Shoes are available that are specifically manufactured for increased arch support.
There is a specific shoe called the plantar fasciitis orthotic walking shoe that was designed by a podiatrist. These are specialty plantar fasciitis shoes that contain shock-absorbing EVA foam and provide a contoured arch for support. These shoes are available for both men and women. Pain relieving sandals are also available. The sandals can range from $35 to $65 and the shoes are priced starting at $100. Walking can also cause pain with the condition of plantar fasciitis.
Other Fasciitis Treatments
Other fasciitis treatments the doctor will give you include information on stretching aids. There are several stretching aids available to choose from such as a hot and cold foot massager. There are rollers and other stretching devices. There is also a trainer that resembles a stretch band that you can use for the exercises. There are home exercises that you can perform to gain strength such as the calf raise, point and flex, the towel curl, and the towel grab to name a few.
Additional fasciitis treatments include pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. Also, resting for a long period of time, at least seven days, to relieve the pressure on the foot and provide some healing time. Applying an icepack twice a day for about fifteen minutes will also help. If necessary, surgery may be a final resort. This will involve a detailed discussion with your podiatrist because any surgery has risks.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Some of the causes of this orthopaedic problem are listed below:
- Arch problems like flat feet or high arches;
- Obesity;
- Pregnancy or sudden weight gain;
- Tight Achilles tendon; and
- Shoes that have poor arch support or soles that are too soft.
If you suspect that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, a visit to your podiatrist should be the next step. You will be given an exam and then, upon reviewing the results, the doctor will recommend treatment. This treatment may require you to purchase plantar fasciitis shoes or stretch aids. You may be required to perform certain exercises as well. You should understand that the non-surgical treatment could take quite a bit of time to completely heal the condition; sometime up to a couple years.
Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
However, in most cases, this is a treatable condition that just requires time, attention and some external aids like the fasciitis night splint, the plantar fasciitis shoes, or pain medication. However, if this does not rectify the condition, surgery may be necessary. Plantar fasciitis shoes are one of the best aids for the condition and certainly works to alleviate the pain and directly assists in the healing. Your attending doctor can answer any questions or concerns.