My name is Carol Ann Sweeney and I graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. Since this time I have worked in the Pedorthic field and have obtained both my Pedorthic Technician and Canadian Certified Pedothist credentials. A pedorthist is an individual who is trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear for the purposes of alleviating painful or debilitating conditions and providing assistance for abnormalities or limited actions of the lower limb. While working in this field, the predominant foot ailment is Planter Fasciitis.

Planter Fasciitis in an inflammation of the planter fascia. This is a thick fibrous/ligamentous band on the bottom of the foot that is attached to the heel and inserts into the ball of the foot. The inflammation usually occurs at the heel but can also occur in the medial longitudinal arch. The pain is most intense when first standing, after any period of rest (ie. first thing in the morning).

There are several factors, which may contribute to the development of planter fasciitis. Each time we take a step forward, all of our body weight first rests on the heel of one foot. As our weight moves forward, the entire foot begins to support our body weight, and the foot flattens. The planter fascia is under a great deal of pressure and strain. There is very little "give" to the plantar fascia, so as it stretches only slightly and it pulls on its attachment to the heel. If the foot is properly aligned this pull causes no problems. However, if the foot is pronated (the arch falls excessively) this causes an abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia, and ultimately pulls abnormally hard on the heel.

On the contrary, supinated feet are relatively inflexible, usually have a high arch, and a short or tight plantar fascia. As weight is transferred from the heel to the remainder of the foot, the tight plantar fascia hardly stretches at all, and pulls with great force on its attachment to the heel.

In both cases, the abnormal stress placed on the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel usually causes pain, inflammation, and possibly swelling.

Custom orthotics can help by:
1) Stabilizing the foot and bringing it back to a neutral position which will limit the the amount of pronation or supination and prevent this pull on the fascia. This will assist in letting the fascia heel.
(2)Providing arch support will again allow the planter fascia to heel.
(3) Cushion in the heel to protect this area and again allow for heeling of the planter fascia.
(4) Aid in shock absorption to prevent our foot from absorbing the shock from each step but allowing the orthotic to do so. This again allows for healing of the planter fascia.

Should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact me at ActiveLife, 752-9926.