Foot Supports, Night Splints, and Walking Boots FAQ

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the bottom of the foot. It is a common cause of heel pain and is sometimes called a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis can come from a number of underlying causes. Finding the precise reason for the heel pain is sometimes difficult. Even so, several options are available for treatment.

Heel pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis probably comes from several causes. In some cases the heel spur can be so big it causes pain itself, but this is rare. The chronic inflammation of the fascia itself may be the source of pain in many cases. (This condition is probably most accurately called plantar fasciitis.) As we age, the very important fat pad that makes up the fleshy portion of the heel becomes thinner and degenerates. This can lead to inadequate padding on the heel and chronic pain in this area.

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain in the center of the heel when weight is placed on the foot. This is usually most pronounced in the morning when the foot is first placed on the floor.

Most patients get better with the help of nonsurgical treatments. Stretches for the calf muscles on the back of the lower leg take tension off the plantar fascia.

A night splint can be worn while you sleep. The night splint keeps your foot from bending downward, and it places a mild stretch on the calf muscles and the plantar fascia. People seem to get better more quickly when using a night splint, and they report having less heel pain when placing their sore foot on the ground in the morning.

Supporting the arch with a foot product that cushions the foot may also help reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. Also, placing a special type of insert into the shoe, called a heel cup, can reduce the pressure on the sore area and add padding to a heel that has lost some of the fat pad through degeneration.

Anti-inflammatory medications are sometimes used to decrease the inflammation in the fascia and reduce your pain. An injection of cortisone into the area of the fascia is effective. Cortisone should be used sparingly since it may contribute to the process of degeneration of the fat pad, actually making the problem worse. Consult your physician before taking any type of medication.