Understanding Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an injury caused by stretching or tearing of the plantar fascia. This fibrous tissue connects the heel to the toes and supports the arch of the foot.
This common source of pain can often be treated withcustom foot orthotics. If it is not treated in time, plantar fasciitis may lead to a heel spur, often called a Lenoir spur in Quebec.
Treating plantar fasciitis is one of our specialties at Laboratoire Orthopédique Jérôme Marier.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can cause specific symptoms:
- A sharp pain under the foot, often near the heel and more intense after rest. Pain can affect the entire plantar fascia but is usually concentrated around the heel bone.
- A burning, stinging or stabbing sensation in the heel.
- Stiffness in the foot or ankle with tension along the outside of the foot.
- Mild swelling around the heel.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a professional to confirm the diagnosis.
How is plantar fasciitis assessed?
The professional will begin by asking about your symptoms, when they appeared and how intense they are, as well as your medical history and physical activities. During the examination, pain when the plantar fascia is palpated or flexed can help confirm the diagnosis.
We also perform movement and flexibility tests to assess range of motion and determine whether certain movements worsen the pain.
Are you experiencing pain and need orthotics?
When pain and reduced mobility affect daily life, our products can provide meaningful relief and improve quality of life.
Plantar fasciitis: causes and risk factors
Plantar fasciitis has many possible causes, which is one reason the condition is common. The main causes and risk factors include:
- Certain predispositions, including flat feet, high arches or inflammatory arthritis;
- Anatomical factors such as excessive pronation or supination, which can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis;
- Participating in sports without preparation or without enough rest between periods of exercise;
- Sports that place excessive pressure on the plantar fascia, including running, skiing and tennis;
- Poorly fitted or low-quality shoes, rigid soles or heels that are too high;
- Additional weight related to pregnancy or obesity, which places more pressure on the feet and may increase stress on the plantar fascia.
Treatment
Treatment for plantar fasciitis can include foot orthotics and orthopedic shoes.
After a consultation to assess your needs, we handcraft custom foot orthotics. They provide appropriate support while the foot strengthens. We also offer night braces and may recommend orthopedic shoes to help relieve pain.
Foot orthotics play an important role in treating plantar fasciitis because they can correct excessive pronation, absorb impact during walking and physical activity, and compensate for biomechanical imbalances. By stabilizing the foot, they support better alignment and force distribution, reducing tension on the plantar fascia.
This can relieve pain, help prevent repeated strain and support better walking mechanics, which are important for recovery and preventing recurrence.
In addition to orthotics, we provide plantar fasciitis exercises to perform regularly to release tension under the foot and support recovery.
What if plantar fasciitis does not heal?
If plantar fasciitis persists beyond six months despite following the exercises provided by our orthotists, shockwave therapy may be considered.
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
If plantar fasciitis remains untreated, it may lead to another problem: the formation of a heel spur.
A heel spur is a bony growth that forms where the plantar fascia meets the heel bone. It develops as calcium accumulates in response to ongoing tension in the area.
Treat plantar fasciitis at Laboratoire Orthopédique Jérôme Marier
Treatment for plantar fasciitis can involve orthotics or orthopedic shoes. At Laboratoire Orthopédique Jérôme Marier, we offer custom devices adapted to your feet and needs to relieve pain and improve comfort.
Are you experiencing pain and need orthotics?
When pain and reduced mobility affect daily life, our products can provide meaningful relief and improve quality of life.