Has your doctor recently told you that you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis? Many people only become familiar with this condition when they’re diagnosed with it. Plantar fasciitis, which results following injury or overstretching of the plantar fasciae ligament, can result in heel pain, arch pain and even heel spurs.

FootSmart is one of the leading sources on the Internet for products and comfort footwear to treat and prevent irritation of the plantar fasciae ligament. FootSmart has also teamed with The Podiatry Institute to answer some frequently asked questions on how to help keep the plantar fascia ligament healthy, and also how treat already existing conditions of plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciae Ligament: Question 1

Where is the plantar fasciae ligament located?

The ligament stretching from the ball of the foot, along the bottom of foot, and up to the heel is called the plantar fasciae ligament.

Plantar Fasciae Ligament: Question 2

Why do I have plantar fasciae pain?

When someone puts too much stress on their plantar fasciae ligament, and the plantar fasciae ligament is forced to stretch too much, you may end up with plantar fasciitis or heel pain. Since the plantar fasciae ligament also supports the foot’s arch, arch pain is another possible result of inflaming the plantar fasciae ligament.

Plantar Fasciae Ligament: Question 3

Is the plantar fasciae connected to my morning heel pain?

Yes. Many people who have harmed their plantar fasciae often experience horrible heel pain when they first wake up. This morning heel pain is due to the foot muscles tightening up while you sleep. The newly tight muscles heighten the pull on the heel bone and plantar fasciae ligament, making your first steps quite painful.

Plantar Fasciae Ligament: Question 4

What are some ways I can inflame my plantar fasciae?

Many factors can intensify the stress you put on your plantar fasciae ligament:

If you move suddenly after sitting still for a while, you may over-stress the plantar fasciae ligament.
If you don’t warm up before exercising you can risk harm to the plantar fasciae ligament.
If you wear improperly fitting footwear, you’re at risk for inflaming the plantar fasciae ligament and developing plantar fasciitis.
If you increase how long you spend exercising and overuse your muscles and joints, you may be causing harm to the plantar fasciae ligament.
If you are obese or pregnant, the extra weight can cause you to place too much stress on your plantar fasciae ligament.

Plantar Fasciae Ligament: Question 5

Do any conditions predispose you to plantar fasciae pain?

Yes. Two main conditions come to mind as causing particular high risk to the plantar fasciae ligament:

The first condition that can predispose you to plantar fasciae pain is flat feet. Many people who have flat feet may also have an inflamed plantar fasciae ligament, and thus plantar fasciitis. As the foot’s arch begins to weaken and collapse, the plantar fasciae ligament can start to absorb the impact of pressure from standing or walking. Eventually, the plantar fasciae ligament stretches beyond its limits, leading to possible muscle tears and bone spurs. To avoid putting too much stress on the plantar fasciae ligament, people with flat feet should be sure to wear arch supports in their shoes and often non-comfort shoes like high heels.

The second condition that can predispose you to plantar fasciae pain is leg length discrepancy, where one leg is longer than the other. People suffering from this condition are at a higher risk for developing plantar fasciae pain, so it’s important to correct leg length discrepancy using adjustable heel lifts like Adjust-a-Lift heel lifts.

Plantar Fasciae Ligament: Question 6

How can I relieve and prevent plantar fasciae pain?

The best way to treat plantar fasciae pain is to immediately take pressure off the foot and plantar fasciae ligament.

The best way to prevent plantar fascia pain is by properly stretching on a regular basis. When exercising, you definitely need to stretch the plantar fasciae ligament as part of your warm up routine.

FootSmart sells a great product for stretching the plantar fasciae if you’re worried about not stretching the plantar fasciae ligament correctly. The product is called the StretchRite® Trainer and is available to buy on this Web site.

You can also try the following products – all available at FootSmart – to help relieve and prevent plantar fasciae pain:

Heel pads, heel cushions or slight heel lifts all help treat and prevent plantar fasciae pain.
Comfort shoes with support – especially in the heel to absorb foot shock – help treat and prevent plantar fasciae pain.
- You can also try adding heel cups to add extra shock absorption to shoes to help treat and prevent plantar fasciae pain.
Insoles, shoe inserts and arch supports designed to support the arch and reduce tension on the plantar fasciae ligament can help treat and prevent plantar fasciae pain.
Night splints can help make sure you don’t wake with morning heel and plantar fasciae pain.

In addition, you can try giving the afflicted area an ice massage to reduce inflammation and relieve tension on the plantar fasciae ligament. Stretching the Achilles tendon and calf muscles is also crucial to helping prevent inflammation of the plantar fasciae ligament.

If you think you may have injured your plantar fasciae ligament, talk to you physician.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions like plantar fasciae pain provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on musculoskeletal health.