Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel – and it can be very debilitating. The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that lies beneath the skin on the sole and supports the arch of your foot, whilst also connecting the heel to the front of the foot. This ligament absorbs the stresses and strains we place on our feet – however, in some cases too much pressure damages or tears the tissue. The body's natural response to injury is inflammation; plantar fasciitis occurs when that band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in heel pain and stiffness. As we age our feet can “flatten”. This process causes stretching and sometimes tearing of the plantar fascia.
Good support is an important aspect of treatment
It’s believed that more than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis will improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment methods such as stretching, icing, resting – and most importantly wearing the correct footwear to provide support.
Supportive shoes, and in a lot of cases orthotics, are a critical part of treatment. The best types of shoes are those with arch support and extra cushioning, as this can reduce pain associated with standing and walking. Generally when you walk, your heel will strike the ground first – placing a significant amount of tension on the plantar fascia. A cushioned shoe reduces this tension, making walking more comfortable and making it possible for the repair process to begin. An inbuilt arch support, or custom made orthotics provide support under the arch, therefore reducing the tension along the plantar fascia.
Find the shoes you need at Forbes Footwear
Of course, if you require inserts or orthotics then you need shoes that can accommodate this. Forbes Footwear specialises in orthotic friendly shoes for both men and women, from sports shoes and work shoes, to summer sandals, winter boots and stylish options for nights out. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis and are in need of suitable shoes to help support your recovery, browse our online range today or visit our Hornsby, NSW store where you can view our full range and have our expert staff assist you in finding the perfect footwear!