Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spur
Your feet withstand a lot of stress daily, especially if you play sports or work an active job. Overuse or time can eventually wear down your plantar fascia, causing heel pain when you move. Continue reading for more information on this condition and MyoDynamic Health's available treatment options.
Heel Spur Syndrome: a plantar heel spur is the growth of a calcium deposit extending on the underside of the heel. It is caused by the excessive pulling of the plantar fascia on the heel bone and is often asymptomatic in the majority of the population. Heel spurs are often seen in conjunction with plantar fasciitis which can then result in the characteristic heel pain a discomfort.
Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis
When designing foot orthotics for plantar fasciitis our main goal is to absorb shock, while supporting the foot. First, we focus on the heel cup of the orthotic, as a majority of the pain resides around the heel. For the heel cup, we build up the walls of the orthotics to stabilize the heel and cradle the fat pad of the heel to assist in shock absorption. We also incorporate a specific shock absorbent layer between the orthotic layers to aid in direct pressure to the plantar fascia. Next, we analyze and adjust the arch aggression. We want the arch of the orthotics to be supportive but not overbearing in order to prevent pressure pain. The arch aggression will assist in preventing the foot from splaying/collapsing, which may be the main cause of plantar fasciitis. Lastly, we will incorporate a slight elevation on the heel to direct the pressure away from the heel and more toward the forefoot. After this is done, we will perform a 2-week follow-up to see if the pain has subsided and if not we book you in for an adjustment at our onsite orthotic lab.
Learn More About Custom Orthotics
Shockwave Therapy
In addition to our custom orthotics, MyoDynamic Health offers shockwave therapy to assist with managing plantar fasciitis symptoms. This non-surgical therapy can stimulate the production of connective tissue to help heal and strengthen the plantar fascia. This healing process is natural and safe and can be completed within a 10-15 minute session.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain related to inflammation in the plantar fascia — the thick tissue that runs along the bottom of each foot to attach the toes to the heel bone. This usually only occurs in one foot at a time but can affect both feet on rare occasions.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include heel pain, arch pain, stiffness, swelling and tightness in your Achilles tendon. Most often, individuals with plantar fasciitis experience these symptoms worse in the morning or going into a standing position after long periods of inactivity.
What Can Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
Anything that puts stress on your feet has the potential to cause plantar fasciitis. Some examples include being on your feet all day at work, playing a sport that requires running or consistently exercising without stretching or warming up. Wearing unsupportive footwear can also contribute to plantar fascia damage, especially if you have flat or high arches.
Orthotic insoles are supportive inserts for your shoes, providing structure and protection for your feet as you walk, stand and run. Orthotics can help prevent plantar fasciitis and any condition recurrence in the future.
MyoDynamic Health offers customized orthotic insoles for those experiencing plantar fasciitis symptoms. Our orthotic insoles are fitted and manufactured in-house to ensure you get the highest quality support.
Our insoles are created within seven days to encourage healing and prevent further injury as soon as possible. Additionally, we offer a two-year guarantee with no charges for any modifications or re-fittings.
Get Fitted Today at MyoDynamic Health
Getting fitted for your custom orthotics is a simple process that can help you on the road to recovery. Please reach out to the professionals at MyoDynamic Health today to schedule an appointment.
