How Custom Orthotics Helps Plantar Fasciitis
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by: Dr. Brent Bowden
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Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 Time: 4:40 PM
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What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common problems that custom orthotics are used for. The plantar fascia is a band that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. This band is made of a flat fibrous tissue. It has a limited ability to stretch. It looks very much like fiberglass packing tape. Its function is to help support the foot and keep it from flattening out too much. Where there is abnormal pressure put on this band from the foot pronating or flattening out too much, it will become inflamed and pain will be produced.
When pain does occur, the pain location is the bottom inside part where the arch begins. Sometimes the pain can even spread as far as the the metatarsal area, making it almost unbearable for the person. This pain occurs due to pressure being placed on the plantar fascia.
The band's insertion point is located on the heel, but in this instance, the band pulls away from that insertion point. It is almost like a small fracture occurs in that area. The body's response to this occurrence is inflammation, and in its efforts to repair the injury, puts calcium down on the tear. With calcium continuously being put down on the tear, a heel spur can begin to form. The process, rather than the heel spur, is what causes the pain.
What is the purpose of custom orthotics?
The purpose of custom orthotics is to take pressure off the foot and support the arch; thus allowing repair to the plantar fascia to occur and the inflammation to lessen.
What other methods can be used?
Ice, stretching and oral anti inflammatory medications will also help with this problem. Often a doctor will give the person a cortisone injection to help reduce the inflamation, but often the use of orthotics will alleviate this problem.
Article Source :: Simply Articles
About the Author
Dr. Bowden has been helping people as a Podiatrist for over 25 years. He has used custom orthotics to help many individuals over the years. You can purchase your own custom orthotic from his site now.
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