Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation and possible tears of the plantar fascia ligament that attaches to the base of the heel bone on the bottom of the foot. The ligament extends to the metatarsal heads in the forefoot area. The plantar fascia ligament is very much like a guitar string when it is pulled tight.
Plantar fasciitis not only creates pain in the heel region of the foot; it can also cause arch pain and can be triggered by a number of different situations.
One of the most common triggers of plantar fasciitis is excessive pronation within the foot. If the foot pronates (tilts inward), collapses and elongates, it pulls on this ligament and stretches it. It is this pulling and stretching motion that takes place in the 8,000-12,000 steps we take per day that puts stress on the plantar fascia ligament and causes it to become inflamed and possibly start to tear.
There are other situations that can trigger plantar fasciitis, like wearing a shoe that isn't the right shape or doesn't offer the right amount of support, or certain types of impact to the bottom of the foot. HIgh impact may put pressure on the plantar fascia ligament, causing it to become bruised or stressed.
Plantar fasciitis is commonly treated with an insole or orthotic in an attempt to stabilize the bone structure of the foot. By supporting the bones in the foot, elongation and pronation are reduced. This helps the plantar fascia remain relaxed without placing undue stress on the ligament.
It is important in plantar fasciitis situations to wear a very stable shoe that offers the foot a lot of support. More importantly, wearing a supportive insole or orthotic inside stable shoes will help the foot function properly with the least amount of stress on the foot.
Superfeet does not claim that it can cure plantar fasciitis. There are many different variables involved in each case such as how far along the plantar fasciitis is, where it is located within the ligament, what type of shoes are being worn, environment, body weight, range of motion within the foot and the amount of time the individual spends standing, running or working on their feet. There are also other methods of reducing pain from plantar fasciits like icing and stretching the calves and tendons.
But a supportive insole is certainly an excellent place to start the healing process.
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