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26.01.2023

You have pain under your feet? You may have plantar fasciitis

Painful feet can make life much more difficult. Regardless of the type of pain, quality of life decreases rapidly. In a previous article, we discussed heel pain. We focused on heel spurs then. In this blog post, we are once again focusing on a problem in the heel area, namely plantar fasciitis. But what exactly is it? How does it occur and, more importantly, how do you get rid of it? We will take a closer look at these questions in the following paragraphs. Maybe you will discover some useful tips!

What is plantar fasciitis?

Pain in the lower part of the foot can be explained by different reasons. One of the most common causes is an inflammation of the tendon plate, which is also known in medical terms as plantar fasciitis. Runners are particularly affected by this condition, as they constantly put a lot of strain on the tendon during their runs.

How does plantar fasciitis manifest itself? What are the symptoms?

Plantar fasciitis often manifests as severe pain under the heel that burns or pulls. For some, it feels like walking on glass. People with plantar fasciitis often experience severe pain in the soles of their feet upon rising or after prolonged immobilization. For most, the pain subsides when they walk and apply pressure to the heel for a while. However, the pain may reappear more intensely if there is an increase in overload during the day. These problems can occur in one or both feet. In about one third of those affected, both tendon patches are inflamed.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

  • Overload from sports, especially from activities such as running or jumping.

  • Age-related wear and tear - people in their 40s and 50s suffer more.

  • Minor heel injuries can lead to chronic inflammation.

How is plantar fasciitis treated? What is the best remedy?

There are various treatment options for this type of foot problem, ranging from simple exercises to surgical procedures.

The following options are recommended for mild cases:

  • Stretching exercises

  • Adapted orthopedic insoles

  • Adhesive bandages or stabilization bandages

  • Physiotherapy

  • Weight reduction in case of overweight

  • Ointments for pain (including Arnica)

  • Cold to relieve pain and heat to stimulate blood circulation - alternating footbaths can be very beneficial

  • Medication (after medical consultation)

In case of strong or persistent pain, it is always advisable to be examined by a doctor. This will allow us to establish a treatment plan adapted to your problem.

Can plantar fasciitis be cured?

The chances of healing plantar fasciitis are very high, even with conservative (= non-surgical) treatment methods. Nevertheless, the healing process is often long and can take several months or even up to 2 years.

How can plantar fasciitis be prevented?

1. Warming up and stretching

It may seem trivial but warming up before any sport activity is essential for your physical health. Stretched tendons and muscles are less likely to inflame or tear. Stretching exercises are important both before and after exercise.

2. Proper footwear

Healthy feet also require good shoes. Special attention should be paid to support and cushioning. In this way, the tendon is less stressed, and inflammation can be avoided. The shoes can also be combined with suitable insoles to provide ideal support for the foot.

Merino Runners are the ideal shoes for everyday use and are suitable for both light sport and leisure activities. The special EVA sole not only provides sufficient grip for safe walking, but also cushions the feet sufficiently. This provides relief for the heel. The removable insole also makes it easier to wear your own orthopedic insoles.

If you're looking for sports shoes that give your feet enough support, you might be interested in the Wool Peak. The sole cushions each step super soft and relieves the heel - especially if you are a runner who puts a lot of strain on this part of the foot. This is made possible by the innovative Energy Return sole. Of course, you can also enjoy this wonderful cushioning in your daily life. Your feet will love the comfort of these shoes! The Wool Peak also has a removable insole. If you need special insoles to support your foot problems, you can simply remove the GIESSWEIN insole and exchange it for your own.

Although going barefoot helps with some foot problems, this is not really the case with plantar fasciitis. That's why you should wear shoes that offer some cushioning in the heel, even indoors. Our Vent or Veitsch comfort shoes can provide you with extra comfort. They are equipped with an anatomical sole that is not only comfortable for flat or sunken feet, but also has a relieving effect on heel problems. Thanks to the shape of the back of the foot, the foot rests completely on the sole and prevents the heel from "flying" and touching the ground in an unpleasant way. In addition to the cushioning sole, Vent and Veitsch are also equipped with air chambers inside the sole, which have an additional cushioning effect.

3. Seek medical advice

To be on the safe side, it is strongly advised to consult a doctor. If you are overweight, doctors naturally advise you to lose weight. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially since you need your feet for many sports. This is why it is advisable to opt for sports and exercises that are gentle on the feet as much as possible. Swimming is particularly suitable, as it does not strain the bottom of the feet and even takes some of the pressure off them. Cycling can also be a solution, but it is up to you to decide whether it is good or bad for you. The best thing to do is to find out what sport suits you best.

Do you have heel pain?

If you're looking for shoes to prevent plantar fasciitis or relieve heel pain, we've got something that might interest you. The comfortable Merino Runners, which are great for everyday wear and light sport, and the Wool Peak running shoes, which provide nice cushioning, may be able to help you out. At home, Vent or Veitsch comfort slippers can make your life easier and more comfortable.