Plantar Fasciitis
Foot Conditions and Problems
Plantar Fasciosis
Plantar Fasciosis is a common source of heel and arch pain.
Cause
While commonly known as Plantar Fasciitis, an early 2003 study by Dr. Harvey Lemont, DPM confirmed that there is no inflammatory cause or involvement in this condition. Rather, the cause plantar fascia pain is due to a lack of consistent blood flow to the plantar fascia by the tibialis posterior artery. This artery is limited or shunted as the big toe (Hallux) is compressed and elevated in modern-day footwear and running shoes. Additionally, when the foot is consistently supported in conventional footwear, muscles atrophy and lengthen, placing additional stress and impact on the plantar fascia. Rather than being ‘too tight’ the plantar fascia is chronically extended, and needs to be relaxed.
Plantar Fasciosis is prolonged when improperly treated with methods that assume inflammation. Treatments like Ice, Stretching, The Strasborg Sock, Night Splits, etc. will further cause the plantar fascia to strain, and don’t address blood flow.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include pain, and tenderness of the plantar fascia, primarily following periods of inactivity or rest when blood flow is decreased.
Recovery
For a comprehensive understanding about Plantar Fasciosis and Cure details, check out “Treatment of Plantar Fasciosis,” written by Dr. Glenn Ingram, ND and our own Dr. Ray McClanahan, DPM. A brief list of treatments include:
- Naturally shaped footwear that is flat, widest at the ends of the toes, and flexible. This will prevent stretching the bottom of the foot and allow for natural toe alignment.
- Correct Toes help naturally position the Hallux, toe spacers for plantar fasciitis decrease strain on the plantar fascia and compression on the tibialis posterior artery.
- Metatarsal Pads will encourage top-of-foot lengthening and relaxing of the plantar fascia
- Stretches like the Toe Extensor Stretch to relax the plantar fascia
