Sunday 21 December 2014

How Shoe Orthotics For Plantar Fasciitis Can Help Relieve Pain

By Claudine Hodges


If getting out of bed in the morning is punctuated by an intensely sharp pain in the heel, plantar fasciitis may be the culprit. One in ten people experience it, and many have long-term issues. The condition is most common during middle age, but is also a problem for younger people who are physically active. Shoe orthotics for plantar fasciitis help eliminate the sources of pressure responsible for causing discomfort.

Orthotics is a general term for describing shoe inserts designed to reduce pain and discomfort. They are commonly called arch supports, even though their purpose involves more than simply raising that portion of the foot. They are intended to create a more natural way of moving that not only soothes existing problems, but also helps prevent them from occurring by altering the way feet move during activity.

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.

In some cases exercises that stretch and strengthen the foot are useful, but not in all situations. The most common culprit is ill-fitting shoes. While they may not be as fashionable outwardly, footwear that has cushioned, thick soles composed of dense, impact-absorbing materials are beneficial for active adults. People who have low arches, or so-called flat feet, often require extra 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.

Although they are not a cure-all, over-the-counter padded shoe inserts can also prove helpful. Some provide more relief than others, depending primarily on the materials used in the manufacturing process. The cushioning pad should be firm enough to resist complete flattening, yet provide enough support to make activities more comfortable. They can be ideal for young people who are still growing.

For most adults, custom designed orthotics provide a better option for long-term relief. Imprints are made to clearly define the problematic areas, and an insert intended to reduce risk factors is made based on that template. Compared to the commercial brands available, most are sturdier, and provide better longitudinal support for arches. Heel cups may be necessary to relieve the pressure of standing.

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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