Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

This condition can be attributed to a variety of factors, including:

• Over-Pronation: The most common cause, it occurs when the arch collapses upon bearing weight, thereby stretching the plantar fascia away from the heel bone.
• Excessive Stress: This could be due to being overweight or pregnancy.
• High-Arched Feet: An uncommonly high arch can also trigger plantar fasciitis.
• Increased Physical Activity: Especially when sudden or intense.
• Poorly Fitted Footwear: Shoes that don’t offer proper support can exacerbate the problem.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Most commonly, you’ll experience pain at the point where your heel and arch meet, typically most acute when you first wake up or after a period of rest. As your foot becomes more active during the day and the plantar fascia stretches out, the pain often lessens.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Effective treatment starts with identifying the root cause of your plantar fasciitis. For example, if you’re dealing with over-pronation due to flat feet, a specialized foot orthotic featuring rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support can be incredibly beneficial.
For those with high arches, options include cushioned heels, shock-absorbing insoles, and well-fitted shoes designed for maximum comfort.
Other widely-recommended treatments include:

• Stretching Exercises: To improve flexibility and relieve tension.
• Night Splints: These keep the foot in a dorsiflexed position overnight, helping to alleviate morning pain.
• Heel Cushioning: Wearing shoes with cushioned heels can minimize shock and discomfort.
• Heel Cradles or Cups: These add an extra layer of cushioning, reducing the stress and shear forces encountered in daily activities.

Simple Lifestyle Changes

• Choose Softer Surfaces: Avoid running on hard or uneven terrain.
• Shed Excess Weight: To relieve additional stress on your feet.
• Get Supportive Footwear: Shoes and custom orthotics that support the arch can help mitigate overstretching of the plantar fascia.

For personalized treatment plans and advice, we invite you to reach out to Ortho Bliss Systems at (905) 231-3852. Our team of professionals are here to help 🙂