Will They Help Me?
Below are some more common symptoms that can be developed due
to improper foot biomechanics. All of these problems can be helped
by Aerodyn orthotics.
- Achilles Tendon: Tendinitis and Tears
- Shin Splints
- The Sprained Ankle
- Runner's Knee
- Bunions
- Flatfeet
- More Common Symptoms
Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a ligament-like band running from your heel
to the ball of your foot. This band pulls on the heel bone, raising
the arch of your foot as it pushes off the ground. But if your
foot moves incorrectly, the plantar fascia may become strained.
The fascia may swell, and its tiny fibers may begin to fray, causing
plantar fasciitis.
Causes
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor foot mechanics. If your
foot flattens too much, the fascia may overstretch and swell.
If your foot flattens too little, the fascia may ache from being
pulled too tight.
Symptoms
With plantar fasciitis, the bottom of your foot may hurt when
you stand, especially first thing in the morning. Pain usually
occurs on the inside of the foot, near the spot where your heel
and arch meet. Pain may lessen after a few steps, but it comes
back after rest or with prolonged movement.
Related Problems
A heel spur is an extra piece of bone that may grow near the spot
where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. The heel spur may
form in response to the tug of the plantar fascia on the heel
bone.
Bursitis is the swelling of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces
friction between a ligament and a bone. Bursitis may develop if
a swollen plantar fascia presses against a plantar bursa.
X-rays of your foot may be taken, or you may have a bone scan
to confirm a suspected heel spur or a stress fracture of the heel
bone.
Reduce Symptoms
Let the World to Know Your Opinion With Personal Dating Blogs at FirstClickFriend.com. Reducing symptoms is the physician's first goal. If your pain
is due to poor foot mechanics, custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) may help. To relieve mild symptoms, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory
medications may be effective. Rubbing ice on the affected area
may also help. To reduce severe pain and swelling, your physician
may prescribe medications or injections. Physical therapy, such
as ultrasound, may also be recommended.
To reduce symptoms caused by poor foot mechanics, your foot may
be taped. This supports the arch and temporarily controls movement.
Night splints may also help by stretching the fascia. If taping
helps, your physician may prescribe orthotic devices. Built from
plaster casts of your feet, these inserts control the way your
foot moves. As a result, your symptoms should be relieved.
If surgery is needed, and other types of treatment do not control
your pain, cutting the plantar fascia to release the tension can
be performed. As you heal, fibrous tissue fills the space between
the heel bone and the plantar fascia.
You can not stay off your feet altogether, but you can reduce
overuse and the risks that come with it. Also, be sure to follow
your physician's treatment plan. Take medications as directed,
and wear orthoses if you have them.
Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is
stretched. You can reduce the strain on the plantar fascia and
the possibility of overuse by following these suggestions: lose
any excess weight, avoid running hard on uneven ground, and wear
shoes that support your arch.
- Achilles Tendon: Tendinitis and Tears
- Shin Splints
- The Sprained Ankle
- Runner's Knee
- Bunions
- Flatfeet
- More Common Symptoms
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Last updated: 30 August 1999
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