Sunday, September 25, 2011

Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis


For many who come down with plantar fasciitis, wearing a night splint can help correct the condition and make the worst part of the day much more manageable. The problem is getting used to wearing it. But if you're persistent and, especially, if you have an ongoing problem with inflammation and heel pain, getting used to wearing one of these contraptions will surely pay off.

It keeps your foot at a 90 degree angle from your leg. This prevents the plantar fascia from shrinking up as you sleep. Our natural tendency is to relax our feet so the toes end up pointing towards the foot of the bed. Then when you arise in the morning, the pain is especially bad until you get that muscle loosened up and stretched all over.

When you wear the night splint, the muscle is kept in the optimum position. Helping the muscle and helping your pain.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Orthotics and Inserts for Plantar Fasciitis


If you are experiencing foot problems including plantar fasciitis, using an orthotic insert in your shoe can give you a great relief from discomfort and help to correctly distribute the pressure on the foot. By using these little helpers, you can be more comfortable as you go about your day even when you plantar fascia is inflamed.

There are over the counter orthotics sold in more department stores and drug stores. If this is all you can afford to purchase at the time, these can give you some comfort. The best orthotic is a custom design. It would be made to conform to your foot and give your arch some comfort.

What Causes Inflammation of the Plantar Fascia?

There are certain conditions that can contribute to your chances of acquiring this condition. Wearing shoes with poor arch support. You should always wear quality shoes with proper support. This is especially true if you tend to be on your feet for a large part of your day.  Quality shoes should be a priority for everyone.  If you take good care of your feet throughout your life, you are less likely to end up with a case of plantar fasciitis.

People that work in a job that requires them to be on their feet are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Waitresses and sales people are two occupations that are prone to the condition.

Another item that can increase your chances is carrying around excess weight. It puts unnecessary strain on the feet. We know that excess weight can strain our knees and joints. The muscle in the bottom of the foot is also strained by supporting the excessive weight.

Sports. On the other end, people that participate in strenuous sports, can develop a strain on the plantar fascia. It's a common condition for long distance runners.

Sometimes, it's brought on by a sudden burst of physical activity. For instance, my friend's case came about after a hard night of dancing at a Christmas party.

Plantar Fasciitis


I first learned about this condition when one of my good friends spent a long time dealing with the condition. I didn't realize at the time that the extent of her injury with the realm of plantar fasciitis goes was one of the worse scenarios you'll find when it comes to that injury.

The plantar fascia is the connective tissue between your heel and your toes. A very important muscle that, when you think about it, gets used and abused for many years. Even if you don't have some of the typical