We Understand Your Frustration
Plantar fasciitis is often the bane of many a morning first step.This debilitating condition can result in excruciating heel pain. This is precisely why My Foot Guy is here to equip you with the knowledge and tools to overcome plantar fasciitis, right from the comfort of your own home.
Plantar Fasciitis: My Foot Guy's Mobile Solution
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. More specifically, it’s generally most painful at the front, bottom aspect of the heel where the plantar fascia inserts. Plantar Fasciitis acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. When overworked or stressed, this tissue become inflamed, leading to heel pain.
Often misdiagnosed, plantar fasciitis is also known as "First Step Syndrome" because the pain is typically at its worst upon waking or after prolonged sitting. This stabbing pain is usually centered on the front, bottom aspect of your heel and can radiate up the sides and into the arch. Additionally, you might experience tightness in your Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
While the cause isn't always clear, certain risk factors increase your chances of developing this unwelcome visitor.
- Foot Mechanics: Flat feet (pes planus) or high arches (pes cavus) can alter how weight is distributed on your foot, putting undue stress on the plantar fascia.
- Activity: Repetitive high-impact activities like running, jumping, or dancing can irritate the plantar fascia.
- Overuse: Whether it's work-related or recreational, putting excessive stress on your feet for extended periods is a recipe for trouble.
- Weight: Carrying extra pounds puts additional strain on your entire musculoskeletal system, including your feet.
- Tight Calves: If your calf muscles are inflexible, it can affect your foot biomechanics and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
Footwear: The wrong shoes or shoes past their prime can lack the proper support your feet need.
How Can You Overcome Plantar Fasciitis?
The good news is plantar fasciitis is often treatable without resorting to surgery. My Foot Guy offers a range of non-surgical solutions, including custom orthotics services, to alleviate heel pain. Let’s take a look at some of those options below:
Non-Physician Based Treatment:
R.I.C.E Method
Tried and True first aid method around for decades.
- Rest: Give your feet a break. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Compression: Wrap your foot snugly with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Elevate your foot above your heart when resting to promote healing.
Custom Insoles:
- This is where My Foot Guy comes in! Custom orthotics, designed based on your unique foot structure, can be a game-changer.
- Improve Arch Support: Distribute weight evenly, taking pressure off the plantar fascia.
- Promote Proper Biomechanics: Align your foot and ankle, preventing abnormal movement that irritates the fascia.
- Reduce Pain: Provide cushioning and stability, offering immediate relief.
Proper Footwear
Choosing shoes with good arch support and shock absorption is crucial. Invest in footwear specifically designed for your activity and replace them regularly before they wear out.
OTC Iflammatories
Over the counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Graduated Compression
Graduated compression garments increase circulation and blood flow, reducing swelling & inflammation: My Foot Guy offers the following medical grade devices:
** It's recommended you don't introduce the FS6 & FS4 at the same time you start wearing new orthotics. Could be too much. Wait a week prior to wearing both!
Physician Based Treatment
Immobilization Boot:
A doctor may recommend a walking boot to immobilize your foot and promote healing for severe cases.
Cortisone Injections:
A cortisone injection can provide targeted relief from inflammation, but repeated injections are not recommended due to potential side effects.
Shockwave Therapy:
This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate tissue healing.
Surgical Procedures:
Surgery is a last resort and is only considered after exploring all other options.
How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis:
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep those foot demons at bay:
- Proper Footwear: Invest in quality shoes with good support and cushion and replace them regularly. Look for footwear that won’t twist in the middle, have firm heel counters, quality midsole and outsole, good cushioning for shock absorption and a removable inlays to accommodate custom orthotics.
- Custom Orthotics: Wear custom orthotics, or prefabricated insoles that work for your foot structure to support the foot structure and fix any alignment abnormalities.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts extra stress on your feet.
- Calf Stretching: Regularly stretch your calf muscles to improve flexibility.
- Avoid Overuse: Gradually increase your activity level to avoid overuse injuries. Rest your feet after intense activity. Take a rest day from high-impact activities at least once a week.
Avoid Walking Barefoot: Support your arches by wearing supportive shoes, even indoors.
Don't let plantar fasciitis rule your life.
Incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
My Foot Guy offers a comprehensive approach to plantar fasciitis prevention and treatment. Our mobile service provides personalized foot assessments, gait analysis, and shoe assessments to determine the root cause of your foot pain. We then recommend tailored solutions, including custom orthotics, to address your specific needs, prevent future issues, and help you overcome the complications of plantar fasciitis.
Schedule your appointment today to experience the relief of personalized foot care and take control of your foot health. If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, call us at (804) 821-1321 or schedule your appointment online here.