Do you experience pain in the arch of your feet when walking? Is this at its worst during the first few steps of the day? Have you tried getting it treated and it still isn’t gone? Custom orthotics may be the right fit for you!
The most common cause of pain in the arch of the foot is plantar fasciitis. This pain is usually at its worst when taking the first few steps out of bed in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is characterised by pain and/or inflammation of the plantar fascia of the foot. The plantar fascia is a system of dense, fibrous connective tissue that protects and supports the sole of the foot. One of the most important functions of the plantar fascia is to create and support the arch of the foot. The arch of the foot is essential to foot function as it allows the foot to absorb, transmit, and produce force through the foot when walking, running, balancing, or doing anything else with the foot when bearing weight.
A variety of different factors can contribute to plantar fascia. Mechanically speaking, one of the major factors that can contribute to plantar fascia pain is overpronation of the ankle. Pronation is a normal motion of the foot and ankle that helps this area absorb force while walking or running. However, excessive pronation causes a functional collapse in the arch of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis typically responds well to care if treatment is initiated early enough. Helpful treatments include rehabilitative exercise, manual (hands-on) therapy, laser therapy, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy. While these treatment methods can be helpful, a vital management consideration that has been shown by research to help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis is custom orthotics. Custom orthotics have been shown to be effective as a standalone method of treatment for plantar fasciitis but research supports its use alongside other treatment methods (such as the ones listed above) as the most effective approach. For more on custom orthotics or to book an appointment, please check out our page!