Plantar Fasciitis

Foot Facts -- Plantar Fasciitis Why do I have heel pain? Plantar Fasciitis pain usually is felt on the underside of the heel, and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Recovery from Plantar Fasciitis takes time, but can begin with your first steps of the day. Slipping your feet into a pair of Birkenstock sandals will provide superb arch support and take the stress off of the plantar fascia (the thick connective tissue which supports the arch).

Medically speaking, Plantar Fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia that supports the arches of the foot or by biomechanical faults that cause abnormal pronation. When a foot pronates the heel bone angles inward and the arch tends to collapse. This flattens the arch as the foot strikes the ground in order to absorb shock when the heel hits the ground. During the day it is important to wear footwear with complete orthopedic support, such as those made by Birkenstock and Finn Comfort. You can also use Birkenstock and "Birko" inserts for your existing shoes. Styles are available for both dress shoes and for athletic shoes.

Additional Information about Plantar Fasciitis

You're at a greater risk for Plantar Fasciitis if you walk or run for exercise, especially if you have tight calf muscles that limit how far you can flex your ankles. People with very flat feet or very high arches are more prone to Plantar Fasciitis. The condition often results in a heel spur on the calcaneus, in which case it is the underlying condition, and not the spur itself, which produces the pain. You're more likely to get the condition if you're a woman, if you're overweight, or if you have a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces. Walking barefoot can aggrevate the condition. Stretching your leg muscles, especially the calves, can help reduce the pain. Plantar Fasciitis is an injury and recovery will take some time. Be patient, wear the proper footwear, especially brands like Birkenstock and Finn Comfort.