Plantar Fasciitis Supports
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What is the Plantar Fascia?
The Plantar Fascia is a band of connective tissue at the bottom of the foot. It stretches from the heel to the bottom of the foot. It is designed to absorb stresses and strains that are placed on the foot. If the area becomes inflamed or irritated, it is called Plantar Fasciitis.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Feeling of plantar fasciitis can vary from sharp sudden pain, to more gradual and dull pain in the bottom of the heel or foot. There may also be pain in the ball of the foot. Patients typically complain of plantar fasciitis pain being worse in the morning, after the foot has been in a shortened position all night, pain with the first couple steps out of bed, increased pain with prolonged walking on hard surfaces, and following exercise or standing for long periods of time.
Image of a person walking on a treadmill
What are the common causes of Plantar Fasciitis?
- Lack of plantar fascia support.
- Falling arches from aging.
- Sports that involve a lot of running and jumping.
- Shoes with improper arch support.
- Walking barefoot.
- Obesity or a sudden weight increase.
- Tight calf muscles.
Plantar Fasciitis Supports and Relief
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Brace Name |
What it does |
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Plantar Fascia Night Sock |
Put the sock on at night and clip it so that it pulls the foot forwards and upward to allow the plantar fascia to remain stretches at night. |
|
Plantar Fascia Brace |
Looks like a normal ankle brace that can be used during the day. It has a heel cushion to improve the shock absorption at the heel, relieving pain. In most cases, the brace includes an arch support, as well. |
|
Taping |
Arch support taping can be done to improve the height of the arch. Kinesiotape can also be used to decrease the strain on the plantar fascia |
|
Shoe Orthotics |
In most cases, a standard over the counter shoe insert will help plantar fascia pain and improve arch support. In more stubborn, painful cases or with foot abnormalities, a custom orthotic may be necessary |
|
Supportive Shoe |
Shoe wear is very important. Select a shoe that has good arch support. Wear supportive sandals, if necessary |
Which plantar fasciitis supports work, may vary among people. What works for one person, may not work for another, especially depending on the severity of plantar fascia, type of training or work the person does and mechanics of the individuals foot. Along with plantar fasciitis supports, plantar fasciitis treatment consisting of physical therapy should be used in co-ordinance to improve mobility, flexibility and strength. If you are looking for an alternative low impact exercise to ease your plantar fasciitis, yoga is a great alternative.
To schedule physical therapy appointments for JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045. To learn more about orthotic inserts for your shoes, please go to: ORTHOTICS. For orthotics, JOI Rehab uses a force plate scanner to get a custom orthotic insert for your shoes. Our orthotics are a great price as most insurances don’t cover this item.
Learn more about Plantar Fasciitis
JOI Physicians and Rehabilitation Team are currently offering telemedicine services to all of our patients. Our physicians are also offering ASAP fracture care for those who would like to avoid the emergency room. To learn more or call for appointments at 904-JOI-2000.
By: Nikki Clayton, PT, DPT, ATC
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