The Ankle Foot Othoses (A.F.O.) is used for a large variety of orthopedic and neurologically based conditions. This device maintains the foot and ankle in a more functional, orthopedically stable position. An A.F.O. can stabilize the ankle to maintain a foot flat position. ... more
Custom and prefabricated foot orthoses available for fitting
Plantar fasciitis is probably the most common foot condition that we treat at Island Orthotics Inc.. It is simply an overuse condition that is unfortunately occurring in your foot. Meaning if you had a similar overuse condition in your index finger you could simply splint that finger for a week or so thereby decreasing its use and the overuse pain would more than likely settle out. Unfortunately with this overuse condition occurring in your foot there is little to no opportunity for the average individual to splint that foot or not use it for a week without greatly upsetting their daily life.Therefore the next best thing that you can do is to get properly fitted foot orthoses to decrease the traction pull of the plantar fascia while going about your day.
Along with the foot orthoses there are a number of other common recommendations that should be consider as well.
Recommendations:
1. Wear shoes indoors- a great deal of our time is spent indoors in our homes and if the fascia is not supported during these times healing will take that much longer2. Decrease your activity level to where you are doing what you need to do and nothing more….that means NO RUNNING!!!
3. Consider taping your foot following the guidelines outlined at this web site:
www.nismat.org/traincor/pl_fasciitis.html
4. Whenever you are at rest try to keep your foot and ankle at a 90 degree position, healing takes place any and every time you get off your feet. Adhesions form at the origin of the plantar fascia and you tear those adhesions when you stand up, that is why it classically hurt in the morning. Keeping your foot and ankle at this 90-degree position allows the adhesions to form in an elongated position thereby minimizing the tearing upon weight bearing. A night splint is very helpful in this situation, ask your Orthotist for details
5. Ice your heel whenever possible, this minimizes the inflammation in the heel and decreases the symptomatic pain.
6. Buy a new pair of supportive shoes, running shoes or walking shoes are best
7. Stretch foot up to at least a 90 degree position before you get out of bed in the morning
8. If you need to use the bathroom during the night try to walk tippy toe, it will decrease the pain and minimize your sleep interruptions
9. Be patient, remember it is your foot not your fingers