When getting up in the morning becomes associated with an intense, sharp, stabbing sensation localized in the heel, the issue may be plantar fasciitis. Affecting nearly one-tenth of the population, it ranks among the most prevalent foot problems. Although common in middle age, anyone spending long periods on their feet may experience it. Shoe orthotics for plantar fasciitis help eliminate the pressure points that are responsible.
Orthotics is a term describing shoe inserts designed to eliminate pressure on the foot. They are commonly known as arch supports, but the job they do involves more than just placing a foam pad inside a shoe. Supports are designed to make standing, walking and even running feel more natural, reduce existing pain, and prevent future problems from developing by changing the way feet meet the ground.
Because other conditions can have the same symptoms, self-diagnosis of the issue may miss more serious problems. When the pain becomes severe, is long-term, or makes normal movement difficult, an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is highly recommended. Although the discomfort may be minimal in many cases, complete recovery can take longer than a year. The most common solution is rest.
Exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot are also helpful, but may not be useful in every situation. Poorly fitting shoes are the number-one cause of pain. Even though they might be considered less than stylish, footwear with comparatively cushioned, thick soles constructed from impact-absorbing, dense materials is best during activity. People with flat feet due to low arches may require greater support.
While arches generally do actually collapse, they are often a source of discomfort. People born with them cannot absorb hard-surface impacts in the same way as those with ideal foot imprints. Additional support may be added by wearing specially made shoes, inserting cushioning pads, or by taping the foot daily. In some cases, these solutions provide greater relief than regularly using NSAID pain medications.
Relatively inexpensive over-the-counter supports are not a panacea, but can be helpful. Their benefits vary according to the materials used in manufacture, and some provide longer-lasting relief than others. The supporting material should be dense enough not to completely flatten, while still providing additional support during activity. They are especially helpful for growing adolescents.
The most promising solution for many adults involves custom-made orthotics. Potential problem areas can be revealed by taking a foot imprint, which forms the template for the creation of an insert specific to the problem. They are generally more rigid than commonly sold versions, and provide greater longitudinal support. The addition of heel cups may be necessary in stubborn cases.
Although the cost of creating custom inserts is not insignificant, and may not be paid for by insurance, the outcome can be worth the investment. Foot pain makes all activities more difficult, and impacts all aspects of life. If taping, rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, and standard arch supports are not effective, orthotics created under the guidance of a doctor can be a welcome solution.
Orthotics is a term describing shoe inserts designed to eliminate pressure on the foot. They are commonly known as arch supports, but the job they do involves more than just placing a foam pad inside a shoe. Supports are designed to make standing, walking and even running feel more natural, reduce existing pain, and prevent future problems from developing by changing the way feet meet the ground.
Because other conditions can have the same symptoms, self-diagnosis of the issue may miss more serious problems. When the pain becomes severe, is long-term, or makes normal movement difficult, an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is highly recommended. Although the discomfort may be minimal in many cases, complete recovery can take longer than a year. The most common solution is rest.
Exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot are also helpful, but may not be useful in every situation. Poorly fitting shoes are the number-one cause of pain. Even though they might be considered less than stylish, footwear with comparatively cushioned, thick soles constructed from impact-absorbing, dense materials is best during activity. People with flat feet due to low arches may require greater support.
While arches generally do actually collapse, they are often a source of discomfort. People born with them cannot absorb hard-surface impacts in the same way as those with ideal foot imprints. Additional support may be added by wearing specially made shoes, inserting cushioning pads, or by taping the foot daily. In some cases, these solutions provide greater relief than regularly using NSAID pain medications.
Relatively inexpensive over-the-counter supports are not a panacea, but can be helpful. Their benefits vary according to the materials used in manufacture, and some provide longer-lasting relief than others. The supporting material should be dense enough not to completely flatten, while still providing additional support during activity. They are especially helpful for growing adolescents.
The most promising solution for many adults involves custom-made orthotics. Potential problem areas can be revealed by taking a foot imprint, which forms the template for the creation of an insert specific to the problem. They are generally more rigid than commonly sold versions, and provide greater longitudinal support. The addition of heel cups may be necessary in stubborn cases.
Although the cost of creating custom inserts is not insignificant, and may not be paid for by insurance, the outcome can be worth the investment. Foot pain makes all activities more difficult, and impacts all aspects of life. If taping, rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, and standard arch supports are not effective, orthotics created under the guidance of a doctor can be a welcome solution.
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