What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis (say “PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus”) is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.
Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes or soldiers. It can happen in one foot or both feet.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. This is more likely to happen if:
Your feet roll inward too much when you walk (excessive pronation ).
You have high arches or flat feet.
You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
You are overweight.
You wear shoes that don't fit well or are worn out.
You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. You may have less stiffness and pain after you take a few steps, but your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long time.
Here's my story: Three years ago, I was visiting my parents, barely able to walk due to this condition. I asked my father where I could find some decent shoes to wear to help me get through this very painful condition. He drove me to our old shoe store that he would take us to when we were children. If anyone knew about shoes, the owners of this place would. Indeed they did! I told the woman what my problem was and she directed me right over to Dansko shoes. The back row, clodhoppers shoes she showed me were probably the ugliest shoes I've ever seen. Obediently I tried them on. I could not believe how I felt some immediate relief. The woman told me that if I would wear these shoes every day for six months, I would likely be cured. Wow! I could have cared less how much they cost. They are pricey... I paid $120 for this pair. Thank goodness it was winter time and the shoes looked fine with my jeans and jean-type pants that I love to wear in cold weather. In no way did it take six months... by the end of the week I was feeling so much better. I did wear them as recommended.
Here is my current collection of Dansko shoes... the brown and the black sandles are most recent. I can wear the shoes from morning until night.
This is a long posting.. but if you have this condtion I encourage
you to give them a try!
