Plantar Fasciitis
PROBLEM: Plantar Fasciitis also known as heel pain is the name given to a strain, pull or partial tear of the Plantar Fascia.
CAUSE: Overuse injuries
RECOMMENDED INSOLES: Resting the injured ligament is a necessary first step and is accomplished through the use of taping, heel pads and/or cups, such as the Sof Sole Gel Heel Pad and Gel Heel Cup and over-the-counter arch supports, such as the ¾ Orthotic.
Plantar Fasciitis is the name given to a strain, pull or partial tear of the plantar fascia. The Plantar Fascia is a tough, slightly elastic ligament that runs along the arch of the foot from the front of the heel to the base of the toes. As with other overuse injuries, the plantar fascia becomes injured when excessive forces are applied and/or the structure is inadequately prepared for those forces. The excessive forces usually involve some form of training error and/or biomechanical fault. Preparation for those forces, such as thorough warm-up followed by Achilles and Fascial stretching while wearing stable, well-constructed sport-specific athletic shoes, often is proven to be inadequate in retrospective analysis.
Successful treatment of Plantar Fasciitis begins with early recognition and initiation of treatment. Resting the injured ligament is a necessary first step and is accomplished through the use of taping, heel pads and/or cups, such as the Sof Sole Gel Heel Pad and Gel Heel Cup and over-the-counter arch supports, such as the Sof Sole ¾ Orthotics. In cases deemed to be related to significant abnormal biomechanic function, functional foot orthoses may be necessary. Activity modification is also necessary, however, there are many fitness activities that put little strain on the injured Plantar Fascia that can be implemented as a temporary substitute while the Plantar Fascia is healing. This injury tends to heal slowly- expect a 3 to 6 month recovery.
Early recognition and aggressive early treatment is the key; it has been said that it takes 1 day of treatment for every day that symptoms have been present, and this is not a bad rule of thumb to go by. Rehabilitation of the fascia is also a necessary component of the treatment program and involves individually-tailored, well-supervised stretching, strengthening and judicious use of ice. Physical therapy is often necessary to address the scarring and tissue damage that occurs with some severe cases of plantar fasciitis. Cortisone injections, certain oral medications, and even below-the-knee casting may also be used in recalcitrant cases. Surgery is reserved for only the most resistant cases of plantar fasciitis. When surgery is performed, the Fascia is released from its attachment to the bone, and any spur present is resected. The recovery period from such surgery is generally eight to twelve weeks.
Athletes Foot
Athlete's Foot is the name given to one of the more common conditions of the foot. Athlete's Foot is a skin condition that affects both athletes and non-athletes alike, but is more closely associated with individuals who are involved in sporting activities.
Athlete's Foot, or Tinea Pedis, thrives in areas with an ample supply of moisture and warmth. It manifests as an area of itching and sometimes cracking, which usually appears between the toes, most often between the fourth and fifth toes. From there, it can spread to the sides and occasionally across the bottom of the foot.
Treatment of Athlete's Foot must always begin with the elimination of the circumstances which facilitate the growth and spread of the organism. Feet should be carefully dried after showers, especially between the toes. Socks which wick moisture away from the foot, such as the Sof Sole Coolmax® Lite should be worn. Foot powders can be used to further reduce moisture. Topical over-the-counter antifungal medicine should be used only if the moisture causing the condition is addressed.
If the condition persists for more than seven to ten days, medical attention should be sought.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a name given to pain that occurs in the ball-of-the-foot, typically in the area where the second, third, or fourth toes connect with the adjacent metatarsals. Pain in this area can be categorized as either structural or functional in nature.
Structural causes of metatarsalgia include metatarsals that are excessively long or sit lower relative to the metatarsals on either side. Functional causes typically relate to a foot that is overpronated, or rolls inside excessively. Other functional circumstances that create excessive pressure on the ball-of-the-foot, including wearing high-heeled shoes and practicing ballet, tennis, or other sports that require heavy forefoot loading, can lead to metatarsalgia.
As with so many overuse injuries, this injury benefits from good biomechanic control and cushioning. The Sof Sole Motion Control and Graphite Orthotic will reduce the degree of overpronation and will disperse pressure from the forefoot by supporting the arch. Cushioning can be provided by the Sof Sole Athletes Plus, Sof Sole Airr, or Sof Sole Ball-of-Foot Cushion.
If symptoms persist, seek consultation from a medical professional.
Runner's Knee
Runner's knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a common name for pain that occurs underneath or around the knee cap. Runner's knee rarely exhibits swelling, locking, or giving way, but pain usually increases when walking or running up or down stairs or hills. Runner's knee frequently occurs in adolescent females. It often results from excessive shock or overpronation.
Treatment of runner's knee starts with a stretching and strengthening regimen. Control of excessive pronation has been shown to improve this condition. The Sof Sole ¾ Orthotic helps with overpronation.
If symptoms persist, a medical professional should be consulted.