What we call the “plantar fascia” is actually a fairly thick band of tissue that runs the length of the bottom of the foot. It’s responsible for the arch of the foot and connecting the heel bone to the toes. One develops Plantar Fasciitis when this tissue swells or becomes inflamed.

Why does one get Plantar Fasciitis?

Collagen makes up the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that weakens and tears with use over time, leading to irritation, inflammation, and stiffness. It is common for people to feel the most discomfort directly under their heels. There is no known reason why plantar fasciitis happens, but the following things may make you more likely to get it:

• If you are suffering from obesity
• If your arch is extremely high,
• If you’ve just begun a new exercise routine or increased the intensity of an existing one
• If you have trouble flexing your feet and lifting your toes because your calf muscles are tight
• If you do things like running that involve doing the same thing over and over,
• If you don’t wear the right shoes,
• If you’re over 40 and still active,
• Having Arthritis can cause plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis: what are the symptoms?

 Some common signs of plantar fasciitis, all of which show up in the heel or longitudinal arch, are:

• Experiencing a sudden, severe pain
• a burning sensation
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness

After a period of rest, such as a night’s sleep or sitting for an extended period of time, these symptoms manifest themselves in full force when you put your foot down for the first time after getting up.

How can I alleviate the discomfort of plantar fasciitis?

The good news is that plantar fasciitis is usually manageable and rarely causes permanent damage.

Pain relief is possible with the help of orthopedic shoes made specifically for your feet.

Below, you’ll find our expert advice that’ll get you back on your feet in no time. 

• Shoes: Doctors often recommend orthotic shoes as the first line of defense against plantar fasciitis. The correct footwear can have a major impact on the severity of your foot pain and the rate at which you recover from plantar fasciitis. But what shoes should you wear? We’ve compiled a list of features to look for in a shoe to help those with plantar fasciitis find the right one for them. However, with customization, you’ll be able to wear the shoes that best suit you. American Heelers is one of the oldest orthopedic shoe repair centers in the United States, providing professional shoe customization services for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.

• Support for the arch: Shoes that provide better arch support at the correct position under the arch help relieve pain by supporting the foot, thereby reducing the amount of overpronation, and consequently reducing the amount of tension that is placed on the fascia.

• A heel cup: The right heel cup will provide cushioning and prevent excessive pronation or supination by snugly fitting around your heel.

• Personalized padding: For maximum comfort, the shoes should have a good cushioning system to reduce the shock felt by the heel when it hits the ground. Most feet find the most relief in shoes made of memory foam or another material that molds to their shape.

• Flexibility: The most effective shoes for plantar fasciitis are those that provide gentle arch support and a degree of resistance at the ball of the foot. Overly rigid or unstructured shoes are useless for foot protection. Try bending and twisting the shoes to see how well they hold up.

• Comfortable and supportive midsole: Shoes for plantar fasciitis should have an ergonomic sole that propels the foot forward, allowing for natural foot motion and reducing impact.

• Extra space for your toes: Most of the time, the shoes we buy are too narrow and uncomfortable. Foot pain can be alleviated by avoiding the aggravation caused by a narrow toe box.

• Design with added depth:  Extra-deep shoes can accommodate custom orthotics.

The description above might help you buy shoes that support your foot condition and make it easy for you to walk comfortably. Custom shoe modification is also available if you have specific needs. But make sure you engage the best orthopedic shoe repair experts to do the job for you. Contact American Heelers to get the best orthopedic shoe customization service in the USA.

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