Hello,
Hope to get some help here.
I began developing heel/arch pain this past week, due to overextending myself while playing a "casual" kickball game with my daughter. I felt pain that night, but it was light. The next day, I wore my old reeboks and felt a sharp pain in my arch while walking. Since then, it has gotten worse, especially at night and in the morning. But the pain persists throughout the day, even after icing and laying low.
I've been reading about sole inserts, night splints and heel cushions. Do these help and could someone recommend some products listed on this site? I saw the night splint, but little info is stated, as with this product labeled, FABS.
And should I be stretching at this point. I do notice that if I rub the bottom of the foot and heel with a tennis ball it works for awhile.
Thanks in advance for any input.

Mary

Dear Mary,

It sounds like you may have plantar fasciitis, also known as heel pain. Usually the worst pain is when you first step out of bed in the morning. This is because the tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of your foot shortens when you sleep and the when you stand, you pull it from it's insertion (where it attaches to the heel bone).

Stretching and massage before you step out of bed will help loosen the tissue. The tennis ball is a great way to massage the the tissue. Also, if you sit for more then 20 minutes, you should stretch and massage the heel before stepping down.

The products that you mentioned can all be helpful. Which one would work best for you depends mainly on your footwear and foot type. An athletic shoe or comfort shoe has more room for an orthotic, where as a dress type shoe may only be able to accomodate the FABS. If you have flat feet you may want to consider a posted orthotic.

Here are my recommandations:
Athletic shoe - Anti-Shox full length orthotic or Lynco orthotic
Anti-Shox have more cushion, Lynco has more control and the option of rear foot posting if you have flat feet.

Dress shoe - (no high heels) FABS is thinner, like an ACE bandage and will work with most shoes.

PF Night Splint - this helps to keep the tissue from tightning while you sleep. I would suggest this product if the others do not give you relief.

All of these products can be found on Foot.com

Sincerely,
Suzanne Belyea, DPM, C.Ped.