How Custom Orthotics Help You Deal With Plantar Fasciitis
Apr 01, 2024
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes sharp heel pain when you bear weight and walk. If you’ve noticed this pain, you shouldn’t ignore it. People with active lifestyles may think it’s simply due to overuse of their foot muscles; however, the condition can affect anyone, whether they’re active or sedentary.
You don’t have to live with plantar fasciitis — our expert team can ease your pain and help you regain that spring in your step. At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas, our seasoned podiatrists offer a full scope of treatment solutions for plantar fasciitis, from medication and physical therapy to surgery.
One conservative way we like to treat plantar fasciitis is with custom orthotics. Here, we explain how they work and why they’re an ideal way to manage this painful condition.
Your foot has many working parts, and your plantar fascia is one of the most important. It’s a ligament-like band that stretches from the ball of your foot to your heel, supporting your weight when you walk and absorbing shock. When your plantar fascia is overworked, it can become inflamed, causing pain anytime you bear weight.
Many factors can trigger plantar fasciitis, including your foot structure, obesity, and wearing the wrong types of shoes. Catching the condition early is key to preventing more severe problems and complications.
If you’ve been experiencing heel pain that feels the worst when you get up in the morning — or becomes aggravated after you’ve been at rest or standing for an extended time — consult with our podiatrists as soon as possible.
Ill-fitting and poorly designed shoes are a leading cause of plantar fasciitis, but custom orthotics can help you fix it. A simple way to view them is as precisely made insoles sculpted just for your feet, specifically designed to address any structural irregularities.
Custom orthotics help redistribute your weight and relieve pressure on your plantar fascia, providing support for your feet in the areas where it’s most needed. They align your foot in a way that a one-size-fits-all solution, such as a regular store-bought insole, simply cannot.
While getting custom orthotics is a great place to start, you need to make certain lifestyle changes to get the most out of them. If you’re overweight or obese, shedding excess weight takes significant pressure off your plantar fascia.
Regular exercise is also a great way to manage symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Consult with our podiatrists to find the best stretching and strengthening exercises to improve the health of your plantar fascia as well as your entire foot. Our podiatrists can also help you select shoes that best support your foot.
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Prompt and proper diagnosis, treatment, and management will make your feet feel as good as new in no time. If you’re tired of wincing in pain with each step you take, call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, office in San Antonio or Kerrville, Texas, today.