The following post concerns relatively early onset plantar fasciitis and JUST ONE simple tip for faster plantar fasciitis recovery time.
Injured Soft Tissue
Although there has been no specific traumatic injury, the plantar fascia has had cumulative microtrauma resulting in injury . Therefore , it is difficult to treat this condition in your mind like a sprained ankle and/or fracture. Therefore every step unsupported re-injures the plantar fascia.Please refer to my previous posts on plantar fasciitis for further information: https://blog.drgaffneybestfoot.com/why-your-heel-hurts-first-thing-in-the-morning-and-2-easy-ways-that-can-fix-it/ and https://blog.drgaffneybestfoot.com/will-my-heel-pain-ever-go-away-part1-short-answer-yes-follow-what-worked-for-thousands-of-my-patients-below/
There is an injured suspensory ligament from the heel to the ball of the foot i.e. the plantar fascia, so every unsupported step re-injures it . Sometimes if the plantar fasciitis is is bad enough, meaning it’s very inflamed and painful, we resort to offloading in a cam boot which acts like a cast and weight goes on the cam boot and not the foot. Occasionally, if the inflammation and pain is very severe, I totally offload with crutches.
Luckily, most people with plantar fasciitis DO NOT have to go the extent of total offloading with crutches or a cam boot.
But keeping the plantar fascia supported is very important to it’s healing and recovery.
The Common Problem I see holding Patients back
One thing that I have seen over the years holding patients back in their recovery from plantar fasciitis is walking in the house in barefeet, stocking feet, and slippers. This will most certainly continue to re-injure the plantar fascia.
I understand understand that many folks do not want to track dirt on their shoes inside their home. So, I recommend “house only” shoes or sandals. A supportive sandal with an orthotic foot bed such as birkenstocks or vionics would work wonderfully.
There are orthotic friendly sandals such as Naot in which the insole of the sandal comes out and one can replace it with an orthotic. See video below of taking insole out of Naot sandal and replacing with my orthotic.
Another option is a slide on sneaker such as Easy Spirit , Merrell, or New Balance. Both of these have a recessed foot bed after the insole is removed to place one’s orthotic.
I have found this constant support to have a huge benefit on the recovery from plantar fasciitis and shortens the time frame.
Thanks for reading!
Here’s to your Best Foot Forward!
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(Disclaimer: This blog is not Intended to diagnose treat or prevent any disease disorder or condition. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor is it intended to replace medical advice. This blog does not constitute a doctor patient relationship. We disclaim liability for incidental or consequential damages and assume no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the information provided. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. One should always consult their doctor before starting any treatment or concerning any condition.)