Jan 05, 2023

Chances are, you’ve heard of or experienced Plantar Fasciitis, one of the most common foot problems humans have faced since we started walking. It’s an inflammation of the long ligament that extends from the heel, along the bottom of the foot, to the toes. When the area connecting this ligament to the heel bone gets injured or stressed, small tears can result in big pain. A dull ache can travel throughout the foot and become a daily guest that no one invited.

Sudden movement can bring it on, or simply the chronic stress of daily walking on tough surfaces. Common conditions like overpronation, flat feet, or high arches can combine to cause tightness resulting in an injury, when, for example, you suddenly lift a heavyweight. Often, poorly-fitting shoes are the culprit. But with a great pair of shoes, we can soothe, improve, and even prevent flare-ups.

 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a debilitating pain experienced in the heel of the foot or your plantar fascia.

The plantar fascia is a ligament attached at the heel bone running along the sole of the foot connecting at the base of each toe.

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed due to excessive stretching which causes bruising and subsequently pain.

 

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Medical experts are yet to pinpoint a single cause of plantar fasciitis, however, either a traction or compression injury seems to be the most likely culprit.

A Traction injury occurs when the plantar fascia is repeatedly overstretched, this may be due to overpronation when the ankle rolls too far downward and inward with each step or weakness of the arch muscles in the foot.

A compression injury is due to trauma, by stepping on a sharp object that causes bruising of the plantar fascia. Pain is usually experienced under the arch of the foot rather than the heel.

 

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

The most common plantar fasciitis symptom is a pain in the sole of the foot and occurs where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. The pain is usually most severe during the first steps you take in the morning or after training. Commonly seen as a running injury it is true plantar fasciitis is reversible when successfully treated, and we have just the Tips and Tricks for you to assist in the comfort of your own home.

 

1. Protect Your Feet

Wear shoes that offer arch support, cushion the entire foot, and provide excellent stability. Orthotic footwear assists with realigning the foot, effectively alleviating heel, knee, and back pain.

2. Use an Ice Compression

Use a frozen water bottle, and roll the arch of your foot on the water bottle for 10-20 minutes. The cold compression will reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.

3. Rest Your Feet

Rest your feet by wearing recovery footwear. The Groove is a recovery sandal providing pain relief and enhanced support for sore feet.

The top footbed layer provides cushioning, and moulds to the shape of your foot whilst the firm layer underneath corrects foot posture and elevates the heel to relieve strain on muscles and tendons.

The uniquely designed Plantar Fascia Groove provides relief for people suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.