What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Custom orthotics can help alleviate many foot problems; however, they are most commonly used for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fascia is a flat fibrous tissue that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel bone. It looks similar to fiberglass packaging tape. Its ability to stretch is limited. Its role is to keep the foot from flattening too much and to support the foot. When a foot does flatten too much or pronates, there is abnormal pressure placed on the plantar fascia resulting in pain and inflammation.
When abnormal pressure is placed on the plantar fascia, the band pulls away from the insertion point on the heel. It is almost like a having a small fracture in that area. Inflammation begins as the body responds and tries to repair the area. The body puts down calcium in order to repair the tear.
The problem comes because of the pressure that is put on the plantar fascia. This band will pull away from it's insertion on the heel, and acts almost like a very small fracture. The body reacts to this with inflammation, and it will begin to lay down calcium to repair the small tear. After time this continuous laying down of calcium can cause a heel spur to form. It is not the spur itself that causes this pain, but the process that is going on.
How do custom orthotics help?
By using custom orthotics, pressure will be taken off the foot, the arch will be supported, necessary repair to the plantar fascia can occur, and inflammation in that area will decrease.
What other methods can be used?
A doctor can give a cortisone injection which will reduce inflammation. Stretching, ice and anti inflammatory medications can be taken to help ease the pain experienced with plantar faciitis. The use of custom orthotics can help prevent plantar faciitis from happening. - 30519
Custom orthotics can help alleviate many foot problems; however, they are most commonly used for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fascia is a flat fibrous tissue that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel bone. It looks similar to fiberglass packaging tape. Its ability to stretch is limited. Its role is to keep the foot from flattening too much and to support the foot. When a foot does flatten too much or pronates, there is abnormal pressure placed on the plantar fascia resulting in pain and inflammation.
When abnormal pressure is placed on the plantar fascia, the band pulls away from the insertion point on the heel. It is almost like a having a small fracture in that area. Inflammation begins as the body responds and tries to repair the area. The body puts down calcium in order to repair the tear.
The problem comes because of the pressure that is put on the plantar fascia. This band will pull away from it's insertion on the heel, and acts almost like a very small fracture. The body reacts to this with inflammation, and it will begin to lay down calcium to repair the small tear. After time this continuous laying down of calcium can cause a heel spur to form. It is not the spur itself that causes this pain, but the process that is going on.
How do custom orthotics help?
By using custom orthotics, pressure will be taken off the foot, the arch will be supported, necessary repair to the plantar fascia can occur, and inflammation in that area will decrease.
What other methods can be used?
A doctor can give a cortisone injection which will reduce inflammation. Stretching, ice and anti inflammatory medications can be taken to help ease the pain experienced with plantar faciitis. The use of custom orthotics can help prevent plantar faciitis from happening. - 30519
About the Author:
Dr. Bowden has been helping people as a liscensed Podiatrist for over 20 years. He has used custom orthotics to help many individuals over the years. You can purchase your own custom orthotic from his site today.
