The pain you feel as a result of plantar fasciitis can be frustrating and debilitating, but it’s a common condition. In fact, nearly 2 million Americans seek treatment for plantar fasciitis every year. Fortunately, many people have found relief by investing in orthotics, and you can, too.
Dr. Brian Schuessler and his team at Pro-Active Medical Center in Niceville, Florida, specialize in treating plantar fasciitis with custom orthotics. Here’s how orthotics can relieve your plantar fasciitis pain.
Plantar fasciitis overview
Your foot has a long band of tissue called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia runs across the bottom of your foot, connects your heels and toes, and supports your arch. This band absorbs shock as you walk, run, or jump, so it takes on a lot of daily stress.
If you injure or tear the plantar fascia, you can develop plantar fasciitis, which simply refers to the heel pain you experience as a result. Most often, the pain is worse when you wake up in the morning and take your first steps. Some causes of plantar fasciitis include:
Certain exercises
If you enjoy or participate in exercises that put lots of stress on your feet, like running or dancing, you’re at greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Foot structure
Having flat feet (low arches), high arches, or problems with your gait can cause you to experience pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Obesity
Excess weight puts excess stress on your feet and can cause the plantar fascia to tear or become injured, resulting in pain.
Your occupation
Jobs that keep you on your feet or require you to walk for long periods of time put you at an increased risk of injury to the plantar fascia.
No matter what’s causing your plantar fasciitis, we can help you find relief from pain by creating custom orthotics for you.
Orthotics and plantar fasciitis
We at Pro-Active Medical Center strive to treat you in the most conservative way possible. The best treatment for plantar fasciitis is orthotic insoles that go in your shoes and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Depending on the specific cause of your plantar fasciitis, our team prescribes orthotics specific to your anatomy and needs. Orthotics have two main goals: to support and cushion. In the case of plantar fasciitis, you need your orthotics to do both.
Custom orthotics increase support to your plantar fascia and cushion your heel to help relieve any pain you feel. Adding orthotics to your footwear helps your body naturally distribute pressure evenly and reduces the stress put on your heel.
Another kind of orthotic that’s been proven effective in treating plantar fasciitis is a night splint. When you sleep, your foot is likely pointed downward, which shortens the plantar fascia. Wearing a night splint keeps your foot at a 90-degree angle, which gently stretches the tissue in your foot and helps to alleviate pain.
Using cutting-edge technology, Dr. Schuessler takes an exact impression of your foot so you get a tailor-made, comfortable orthotic you can wear for years to come.
Orthotics can help you wake up in the morning without foot pain and finally walk comfortably. If you’re ready to experience life without pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Schuessler at Pro-Active Medical Center. Call our office today or book your visit online.
