Do you have pain that radiates from your heal down towards your toes when you wake up each morning? Does the pain lessen or go away after you walk around for a few minutes? You may be suffering with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a debilitating illness that sometimes troubles high endurance athletes or people who are over-weight. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue running from the heel to the toes. When the band receives excessive pounding, swelling and pain may result. Foot orthotics, appliances you place into your shoes, have proven to be the best non-surgical method to deal with the problem.
There are numerous foot orthotics that can help people who suffer with plantar fasciitis. One benefit of foot orthotics is their low cost. Another reason is their ability to be easily inserted. Heel seats are one product that has proven to be effective in alleviating the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. It works by applying acupressure directly to the areas of the foot that hurts. Heel seats also help to properly align the feet and correct improper posture. These two issues can often lead to plantar fasciitis.
Buying shoes with thick soles and extra cushioning is an excellent way to protect your feet from plantar fasciitis. Soft silicone heel pads also help. They elevate and cushion the feet and prevent the trauma that can damage the feet with every step. Buying shoes with extra arch support or purchasing arch supports to place inside your shoes can also be helpful. The sufferer should seek arch supports made of the most dense material that is still comfortable to walk on. Some people call these types of arch-supported shoes, shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Two special characteristics of the orthotics used to treat plantar fasciitis is the need to control over pro-nation and metatarsal head motion, especially in the first metatarsal head. Many doctors proscribe the use of semi-rigid three quarters to full length orthotics with longitudinal arch support, Some of these elements can be found in over the counter orthotics while some people have their orthortics custom-made to ensure they fit perfectly.
Heel cradles, heel cups and heel lift can all help to align, cushion and protect your feet and alleviate some of the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis.