The Facts About Plantar Fasciitis

The Facts About Plantar Fasciitis

By Ryan Cochrane on June 27, 2020 in Health & Care

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia which is located on the bottom of your foot. It’s the most common cause of heel and arch pain and can be downright debilitating. The thick band of tissue connects your heel to your toes and is extremely important for proper gait patterns. Symptoms can vary slightly but the most common are:

  • Start-up pain
  • Burning or sharp shooting in the heel or arch
  • Increased pain with increased walking or standing
  • Pain is usually worse after exercise versus during

Common Causes

While causes for plantar fasciitis can vary, there are some notable factors that can increase your risk of developing this condition.

They include:

  • Shoe Choice – some shoes are better than others. There are different shoes for different activities and the right shoe choice can affect your overall foot health.
  • Foot Type – people have feet that usually fit into 3 categories, high arched, low/flat arch, or medium arch. The right height arch helps with overall foot mechanics.
  • Certain Exercises – such as long-distance running.
  • Obesity – excessive weight can put more strain on your arch.
  • Occupation – jobs that require you to stand for long periods such as nurses, teachers, and construction workers.

Treatments

Experiencing pain like plantar fasciitis can really inhibit you in your daily life and if you’ve had it long enough, you are probably thinking, will it ever go away? I’ve seen cases where plantar fasciitis has lasted over 15 years and their pain was so bad they had a hard time walking even to the bathroom. It’s important that you try one solution at a time for about a month. This helps determine what is working for you as it can be a re-occurring problem.

Some of the options to try are:

  • foot orthotics
  • new shoes
  • massage
  • shockwave therapy
  • ultrasound
  • night splints
  • plantar fasciitis sleeves
  • physiotherapy

If you ignore the symptoms you are experiencing, it can become chronic and inhibit you from the activities you enjoy. Start with stretches and if that does not work, reach out to a specialist in your area to get their advice on the best course of action.

Here are some product options on our website that can help decrease your pain.
https://adaptive-technologies-inc.shoplightspeed.com/foot-ankle/plantar-fasciitis-supports/

Plantar Fasciitis Stretches

The Benefits of Compression Stockings

The Benefits of Compression Stockings

By Ryan Cochrane on April 15, 2020 in Health & Care, Health Treatments

How they work?

Compression stockings apply graduated pressure that promotes blood flow from your legs back towards your heart. From there the oxygenated blood is re-circulated throughout the body.

Why use them?

Compression stockings have changed a lot over the year and are not the plain beige socks that your grandma use to wear. It’s unbelievable how many colors, textures, lengths they come in so you can wear them with any outfit or activity. Most of the time you hear people wearing them due to medical reasons but they provide benefit with daily use as well. Especially, if your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods of day. When your calf is not moving, blood can pool in your legs which is why the use of stockings becomes so important.

Benefits

  • Decreases swelling
  • Decreases lactic acid build-up in exercise
  • Can help with shin splints
  • Prevent and maintain varicose veins
  • Decreases tiredness and achy legs
  • Prevents ulcers
  • Prevents DVT’s (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Decreases risk of venous insufficiency

Contraindications

Whether you are active, inactive, have a physically demanding job, most people could benefit from compression. The only contraindications to wearing them is arterial deficiency, meaning your blood has a hard time getting to your extremeties. Your doctor will check if  prior to prescribing you compression stockings, if they have any reason for concern. Remember, it is always best to check with your health care provider prior to using medical grade compression stockings.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance companies will cover compression stockings but it is always best to check prior as the stockings can be quite expensive. In addition, the amount that insurance will cover depends on compression level.

Compression Levels

15-20mmHg compression is considered non medical and can be purchased without a prescription, but be mindful as they sometimes do not fit as well as the medical-grade. https://adaptive-technologies-inc.shoplightspeed.com/compression/

20-30mmHg compression is considered medical and should be measured by a certified fitter.

30mmHg and above is strongly recommended that you seek medical advice before wearing that level of compression.

The Takeaway

Compression stockings can be very beneficial for multiple reasons when used properly. Follow instructions provided by your certified fitter on how to put them on and off as well as skin should be checked frequently for irritations.

Compression stockings are an aid that help you improve your well-being in life. Try a pair today and see how they can help change your life for the better!

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