Common Orthotic Problems

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue or ligament on the sole of the foot. It results in pain on the heel or arch of the foot. It is often caused by overuse of the plantar fascia, increases in actives, weight or age. It is a very common condition and can be difficult to treat if not looked after correctly.

Treatment options include; rest, massage, stretching, night splints, orthotics anti-inflammatory medications.

Shin Splints/Shin Pain

Signs and Symptoms
• Pain on the front (can be inside/or outside) of the lower leg
• Pain is experienced when beginning an exercise session and may ease throughout the session
• Pain during impact activities (running, jumping)

Treatment Options
• Short-term: ice, rest, anti-inflammatory medication
• Long- term: improve range of motion and flexibility through soft-tissue massage and frequent stretching, appropriate footwear, orthotics to control pronation

Morton’s Neuroma - compression of the interdigital nerve

Signs and Symptoms
• Pain between any of the toes on metatarsal heads.

Treatment Options
• Appropriately fitting footwear that does not constrict the toes
• Foot Orthotics with metatarsal support to unload the affected area
• Anti-inflammatory medication, Cortizone injections, Surgery.

Metatarsalgia - pain in the ball of the foot

Signs and Symptoms
• Inflammation of one or more metatarsal heads due to excessive loading, pressure, decreased fat pad or sublaxation of individual metarsal heads
• Pain in forefoot with loading/weight-bearing
• Tenderness with applied pressure beneath one or more met heads

Treatment Options
• Appropriate footwear that does not constrict the width of the foot or have a heel that is too high.
• Foot Orthotics with added metatarsal support.

Osgood schlatter

Ozgood Slatters is generally a growing boy problem, normally through pre puberty and puberty. It is a result of the growth plate, just beneath the tibial tuberosity, becoming inflamed. Rest and modification to their activity level is critical in calming the inflamed area.

Sever's Disease

Another “Growing Boy” problem, but again it can also occur in girls. Normally during rapid growth phase 8 -13 years in girls and 10 -15 years in boys. The growth plate in the calcaneous ( heel bone ) becomes inflamed and painful. Treatment options include rest and modification to activity levels. Stretching and massage of the calf and foot orthotics.

Sesamoiditis

Specified pain directly under the 1 st metarsal head. It can be confused with gout and arthritis. Sesamoidittis is usually brought on by poor choice of footwear or an increase in specific loading in the area. Shoes that are too high, too pointy or too tight tend to make the situation worse. Also those shoes without padding in the forefoot or studded shoes ( football boots / golf shoes etc. ) where the stud presses directly on the affected area.

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