PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by repetitive strain and is the most common cause of localized heel pain. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia and is a clinical diagnosis based on a history and examination completed by a physician.

Night Splints are designed to comfortably position the foot in a controlled amount of dorsiflexion to provide a gentle stretch to the plantar fascia and Achilles Tendon. This gentle stretch helps reduce the muscle contracture, inflammation, and associated pain. It has also been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis.*

 

Night Split



Night Split
 

What is the Plantar Fascia?

The Plantar Fascia is a ligament structure that supports the longitudinal arch of the foot.

It is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot.

What are the symptoms?

• Starts as dull, intermittent pain in heel or arch, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain.
• A sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through heel and foot that usually occurs in the morning or after resting and gradually disappears with walking.
• Tightness in calf muscles.
• Symptoms may be spontaneous.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Inflammation and pain resulting from increased activity or in association with aging.
• Inflammation is usually the result of athletic activity and can be very painful, especially in the morning after cramping of feet and legs during sleep.
• Flat feet or high arched, rigid feet.
• Poor supporting shoes.
• Large weight gain in short period of time.
• Other family member with plantar fasciitis.
• Running on hills or balls of feet.
• Running on uneven surfaces.

How is Plantar Fasciitis treated?

• Use Night Splints to maintain a gentle, constant stretch across the plantar fascia.
• Wear proper shoes. Running or sports shoes with excellent support, no or minimal heel, and well cushioned soles. Padded or gel inserts or arch supports may also be used.
• Use heel pads. Felt, gel, viscoelastic, or synthetic heel pads spread and absorb shock as the heel lands, easing pressure on the plantar fascia.
• Decrease standing and ambulatory activity.
• Get periods of "relative rest" and ice to reduce inflammation. (The problem often reoccurs if one rests completely.)
• Stretch the heel cord and plantar fascia.
• Perform stretching exercises followed by icing.
• Massage area of pain, especially in the morning after a warm bath or shower.
• Wear "Birkenstock"-type sandals instead of bare feet or slippers.
• Tape the foot to maintain the arch and release tention off the plantar fascia.
• Lose weight.
• Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain and inflammation.

*"The Use of Night Splints for Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis." Foot & Ankle, Vol. 12 No. 3, December 1991., Keith L. Wapner, M.D., and Peter Sharkey, M.D., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Oakland, California.