What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition of the foot and one that we see plenty of at The Physiotherapy Place. It is essentially damage to the plantar fascia tissue, the structure that holds up the arch of the foot.
The function of the plantar fascia is to absorb shock when our foot lands on the ground and to provide a spring in our step to propel us forwards when walking and running, so it can be quite debilitating when it is injured.
Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
Pain at the bottom of the foot, commonly in the heel or the arch of the foot
Pain worsening when we weight bear after long periods of rest, e.g. first thing in the morning
Pain when raising your toes off the ground
Pain when standing for a long time
Pain often eases when warmed up during during exercise but returns after rest
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis happens due to the tissue being overly stressed. This can be due to:
A recent increase in exercise frequency or intensity
Tightness in the calf muscles can put additional stress on the plantar fascia
Foot mechanics and gait pattern - the way that you walk and where your weight goes can stress the plantar fascia
Footwear - wearing footwear with poor support can contribute to worsening symptoms
Footscan Technology And Plantar Fasciitis
At The Physiotherapy Place we are proud partners of Gait and Motion Clinics, whose Footscan Technology provides cutting edge data on where the forces go in our feet when we stand, walk, and run. It produces a detailed report that allows us to identify areas of high pressure and force distribution, which areas of the feet might be taking the most load, and where and when each part of the foot is in contact with the ground.
The results are then used to tailor your physiotherapy treatment so that we can be confident that we are targeting the problem areas. For example if there are tight muscles or stiff joints that are putting more pressure on the plantar fascia, then we might do a program of manual therapy, soft tissue release, and targeted exercise to address this. We would then reassess in 2-3 months to see if the footscan results have changed and symptoms have improved.
The other amazing feature of the footscan system is that it is the first system that allows us to construct 3D printed orthotics from the data gathered in the analysis. Whereas traditionally orthotics have been prescribed based on a static mould of the foot, these are made based on the dynamic forces going through the foot whilst walking. This means that these orthotics are likely to be very effective at treating your pain.
Plantar Fasciitis And Custom Orthotics
Appropriate footwear has long been regarded as an effective component of non-invasive treatment in individuals with plantar fasciitis. There is now a wealth of evidence suggesting that approximately 83% of people diagnosed with plantar fasciitis wear inappropriate footwear. What we do know is that inadequate footwear can place additional stress on the plantar fascia and contribute to worsening pain. So what does “appropriate footwear” mean?
Typically, appropriate footwear for plantar fasciitis refers to a shoe with a supportive arch and a thick sole. However, this does not consider the individual differences in foot mechanics, weight distribution, and walking pattern - factors that cause and worsen plantar fasciitis symptoms. For this reason, the customised orthotic insoles offered by us at The Physiotherapy Place are created using your personalised dynamic foot scan data.
Unlike insoles off the shelf, custom orthotics cater to your individual foot shape, force distribution and support needs, ensuring that your feet are getting the exact support that they need. Our orthotics are the first 3D printed insoles based on your foot scan analysis and can be inserted into whichever shoes you prefer. They are lightweight, stable and extremely durable so not only can one pair provide a quick resolution to your pain, they will also last for years keeping you doing the things you want to do pain-free.
Book your Footscan Assessment with a member of our physio team at our Musselburgh location by clicking here and remember we are here to chat before you book if you are unsure if this is the correct route for you. You can book your FREE phone consultation directly online here and one of our physios will call you back as soon as possible.
Thank you for reading and as always, stay healthy!