Let's Talk About Feet by Pedag

Pedag Insoles, Orthotics and Inserts: Our Full Range

2011-01-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons why Pedag is different from other foot care manufacturers. But one overlooked reason is the incredible range of items available from Pedag.

1. Pedag makes flat shoe liner type insoles for warm and cold weather, dress shoes and comfort shoes.

2. Pedag makes orthotic inserts for to relieve every part of your foot or for overall foot supports for the entire foot.

3. Pedag makes specilized orthotic inserts for conditions like pronation/supination, heel spurs, heel lifts, arch arch inserts.

4. Pedag makes items that help shoes fit better such as forefoot grips, heel grips and strap cushions.

5. Pedag does not forget children. Pedag makes a full line of orthotic footbeds and shoe liners just for children's needs.

Look at our current foot care catalog to see what I mean about the range of Pedag products: Pedag Insoles and Orthotics Catalog

Now instead of always looking for solutions from the usual brands you know, think about Pedag when you want foot care. Pedag is anatomically designed, made with skin tested and natural materials, allows the foot to breathe inside the shoe and makes life easier on your feet.

More on Barefoot Running

2010-10-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Last December I wrote a Post about the barefoot running phenomenon. I quoted proponents and cautions from the American Podiatric Medical Association. I wondered if it was wise to run barefoot when so many experts felt it would be very risky. In the past year the cautionary voices have not changed but the proponent voices have reached a critical mass. Anecdotal, experiential and theoretical support for the benefits of barefoot running is everywhere. Enough people have run barefoot for enough time now to "prove" that barefoot running does not inevitably cause terrible foot problems. In fact, many runners who had foot problems have found that running barefoot has allowed them to resume their favorite sport pain free.
Of course all proponents agree that there is a new technique to learn. You cannot run barefoot the same way you run with a thickly cushioned, classic running shoe. In a nut shell the change in technique is to shorten the stride and strike on the mid-forefoot arch area rather than the heel. Here is a link to Dr. Oz demonstrating the correct technique (at the 3.47 minute mark). By the way at the 3.13 minute mark Dr. Oz talks about orthotics and uses a pair of Pedag Viva!
At least one barefoot running shoe is now made by the top athletic shoe manufacturers. Shoe stores and athletic shoe stores now all sell this fast growing category.
I think that Pedag Viva is the ideal orthotic to wear while you see if barefoot running is right for you.
· Viva is thin enough to fit into your barefoot running shoe.
· Viva will not add bulk and will allow the foot to feel the running surface.
· Viva will not interfere with the proper technique needed to run barefoot but it will support
the arches while you test this new technique.
· Using Viva will be a good way to begin barefoot running while your build up your foot's
muscles.

Plantar Fasciitis: Part III

2010-06-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have had no heel pain for 2 months. My podiatrist says I may never have a recurrence or the symptoms could return tomorrow. However, he says he had plantar fasciitis 15 years ago and has never had a recurrence so I can be optimistic.

What finally "cured" me?

I had exhausted all the conventional treatment options and we were at the point where we were going to start trying experimental therapies such as shock wave treatments and painful deep tissue massage. However, my podiatrist wanted to try one last more conventional option (with a twist) first. I had already had about 6 cortisone injections with no benefit but my doctor wanted to try a few more injections spaced only 3 weeks apart rather than 4-5 weeks apart. The idea was to "dissolve" the scar tissue and promote new plantar fascia growth.

After the 2nd injection my heel pain was gone. I had a third injection anyway just to finish the treatment course.

I can walk again! I still have problems with the same foot though. After 1 1/2 years of heel pain, very limited walking and walking with a limp my foot lost a lot of muscle tone and I had developed an unnatural gait. I will need to build up my tolerance for walking over time. In addition, I think I have some plantar fasciitis symptoms in the arch of the same foot that I will need to treat if they do not go away soon.

But hey! I feel so much better I really cannot complain.

I hope I never have another word to say on this subject ever again.

Sexy Summer Sandals Can Be Comfortable

2010-05-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

Summer is when feet come out to play. Sandals, whether sexy and strappy (with or without toe posts), flat or high heeled, glamorous or rugged are what your feet will be wearing for the next 3-4 months (not to mention your winter vacations).

So how do you make your sandals comfortable? Pedag has some good ideas.

1. For straps that pinch or rub try Pedag Sling: Narrow, soft suede leather strips with a self adhesive backing can be added to your strappy gladiators or other sandals. No more blisters or slippage. 4 strips to a package, they can be cut to fit your strap length or problem area.

2. To make sandals with toe posts comfortable try Soft Flip: Prevents toe post rubbing and abrasion and cushions the forefoot. Move freely from sandal to sandals. Hand washable too.

3. When your sandal does not have a toe post you can prevent your forefoot from sliding forward even in heeled sandals or open toed pumps with Girl: Holds the foot in place and cushions the forefoot. Come is 3 colors: Black, White and Tan leather.

Summer is here and you are "good to go"!

All items discussed here are available from Amazon.

Pedag FAQ

2010-04-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

I thought I would do a post answering the most frequent questions we get from our customers.

Below are some of the questions we get most often:

1. How do you pronounce "Pedag"?
English speakers say "PED ag" but Germans pronounce it "PAY dag"

2. What if I wear a 1/2 size ?
We suggest 1/2 sizes wear the next larger whole size.

3. Where do I put the metatarsal pad (Drop or T-Form)?
The location of the met pad is somewhat a matter of personal comfort. Since the adhesive dot is extremely good once the pad is stuck, it's stuck. So, you might first try using double sided sticky tape on it before exposing its adhesive, to test positioning in your shoe. Once you like its position, mark around it and then expose the adhesive applying it carefully where marked. Once stuck, it is nearly impossible to remove and tears up if you try.

4. What is the difference between Viva, Vitality, Solar Plus, Holiday, Master and Pro-Active XCO?
These foot beds comprise a "family" group of Pedag orthotics because the orthotic elements are identical. All have the same metatarsal pad, heel cushion and polypropylene, semi-rigid, longitudinal arch support.
But each insole differs in the surface material and other component properties such as:
Solar Plus is warming due to 3 thermal layers, Pro-Active XCO is cushioning and resilient, Master is non-abrasive, Viva and Master use active carbon to prevent odors, Vitality and Pro-Active are hand washable, Holiday is a 3/4 length so it fits easily in sandals, shoes with tight toe boxes, etc., etc. Read about each insole in detail to help you make your choice.

5. How do I know which orthotic to buy for my foot problem?
The best way is to have your podiatrist recommend one of our orthotics but if this is not an option then:
1. First, look at our Foot Conditions page and see if your problem is discussed.
2. Next, look at our list of all our insoles and browse the suggestions mentioned on the Foot Conditions page for your condition.
1. If your problem is not mentioned exactly by name or if you do not have a diagnosis from a podiatrist look at the conditions that address the part of the foot that is bothering you.
2. Then read about the orthotics mentioned using the list of all our insoles page.
Finally, our orthotics such as Viva, Vitality, Solar Plus, Holiday, Master and Pro-Active XCO are constructed so that any foot, except one that has an extreme foot condition that has seriously deformed its structure, will benefit from the support these insoles provide. These orthotics are designed as much for prevention of problems as they are for relief of problems.

Other good sources of information are the Mayo Clinic website and the APMA website.

If you have a question about Pedag which is not answered here please contact me at info@pedagusa.com and if I do not know the answer I will find someone who does.

Why Do Our Feet Have Arches?

2010-02-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

The arch on the right is in Bagdad. It was built in 2000 B.C. (4,010 years ago!) and is the oldest known arch in existence. However, the ancient Romans were the first to use arches in a variety of structures like aqueducts and buildings.

Architects know "that by using the arch configuration, significant spans can be achieved. This is because compressive forces hold it all together in a state of equilibrium". (Wikepedia/Arch)
Arches like the one in Bagdad or the Roman aqueducts have stood for centuries due to the incredible strength characteristics that arches provide regardless of the material used. The strength of the material is tripled when formed into the shape of an arch.
The body has many arches for the same reasons (strength and durability): The spinal column is made up of arches. the skull is curved in an arch and of course the foot has several arches.

In architecture and in the body if the shape of the arch is compromised the arch strength is compromised. If this happens in the body, the body will bend and shift in unnatural and painful ways.
Unlike many over the counter orthotic insoles, Pedag has many orthotics that have a semi-rigid longitudinal arch support and have a metatarsal arch pad because Pedag wants to add to the strength of your natural arches. A cushioning insole might feel nice but it does not provide the foot with the extra strength it needs to fight the affects of gravity, weight and the erosions of time.
For orthotics that provide your feet with the strength they need to support your body in the correct alignment (of feet, ankles, knees, hips, back and neck) look to these Pedag insoles:

Holiday, Master, Pro-Active XCO, Solar Plus, Vitality, Viva

Sweaty Feet

2010-02-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

Unless you are an athlete who has run a great race or a Swede in a sauna, being sweaty is not something most people enjoy. Being seen sweating (when you are not Swedish) provides clues to others that you are not the cool, confident character you want them to see since sweating is associated with being nervous, frightened or guilty of something.
But the physiological fact is that people sweat for a good reason. Sweating and shivering (thermo regulators) are the two main ways our bodies regulate our temperatures. If you are running a race (either for a prize or to catch your next meal) you sweat so your body keeps cool enough so you can continue to run without overheating.
Some parts of the body sweat more than others. Palms of the hands and soles of the feet have the largest number of sweat glands in the body. In fact, normal feet produce a shot glass full of sweat (about 1/2 cup) per day. Some people suffer from an inherited (genetic) condition known as Hyperhidrosis or sweating far in excess of the body's temperature regulatation needs. Plantar Hydrohidrosis is the term for feet that sewat excessively.

Whether you sweat normally or abnormally the confines of the shoe are ideal condions for problems to occur as a result of trapped moisture, warmth and humidity. These conditons inside the shoe create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus to grow. Bacteria and fungus cause odor in the shoe, destroy the interior of the shoe and can also promote and aggravate foot conditions like athletes foot.
In an effort to improve the environment inside many hiking boots and expensive dress boots, manufacturer’s use expensive, high tech linings made of air permeable membranes which allows air to circulate but prevents water from the outside from penetrating. This is the same material used to waterproof jackets so that they repel water but at the same time keep air circulating and your body heat from building up. Hikers know that the clothing worn under the jacket is equally important since clothes and jacket must work together to keep air circulating and wick away moisture from the body.
The same thing is equally true of your shoes and boots. The socks you choose and the insoles, orthotics and inserts you select, will enhance or ruin the cooling, moisture wicking effect of wearing shoes with leather linings, or canvas or cotton textile or a high tech membranes.
To prevent moisture from staying trapped inside your shoes, Pedag uses natural materials like vegetable tanned leather, cotton, wool, sisal and jute which allow the foot and shoe to "breathe". Pedag insoles will absorb the moisture from your sweat glands and keep that moisture away from your feet. All you need to do at the end of the day is allow the insoles to air dry and they are ready to go again.
In addition to the use of natural materials on the surface of Pedag insoles, Pedag also uses natural materials to add extra odor prevention. Natural active carbon filters used in many of our insoles to prevent odor build up (Viva, Master, Leather, Stop Odeur and Siesta). Recently, Pedag incorporated silver, which is a natural antibacterial agent, into several insoles. “Nano particle" sized silver ions are woven into the cotton of the Vitality and Deo-Fresh insoles providing permanent antibacterial properties. These two items are so comfortable and hygienic that they are ideal for when you do not want to wear any socks at all! Finally, some Pedag insoles and orthotics are even hand washable: Deo-Fresh, Vitality, Pro-Active XCO, Soft, Ultra Heel, Summer and Arctic Blue. To further enhance air circulation Pedag perforates some insoles: Soft, Aloe Vera, Alaska and Summer.
So you see, with every item Pedag makes, we think about your foot’s structure but also your over all comfort and well being.

www.pedagusa.com

Pedag Solar: Tested in extreme conditions!

2010-01-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

This product review is as good as it gets. The customer who bought Pedag Solar posted this review on Amazon.com.

“I purchased these insoles to go in my fire "bunker" boots. I work at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and our airfields are on snow and ice surfaces. The steel shanks and toes in our protective boots suck the heat right out of your feet - so much so that most of my colleagues use "toe warmers" in their boots every shift! These insoles are spectacular - they're thin enough that they don't really change the fit of my boots, the insulation is comfortable without being TOO spongy like some insoles, and the aluminized layer keeps the cold out below and the heat inside my boots. I would recommend these without hesitation to anyone who has to stand around on cold surfaces for any length of time, especially in footwear that isn't designed for cold weather. I've already given a pair to a colleague, and he's as excited about them as I am.”

Thanks very much!

By the way, it you need orthotic support in addition to the warmth of Solar try Solar Plus which is identical but also has full longitudinal and metatarsal arch support and a heel cushion.

Tip: How to find the correct location for Pedag inserts inside the shoe

2010-01-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

This tip came from one of our customers and it is so easy and useful I thought we would "adopt" it (steal it) for our own.

Pedag makes small inserts, as opposed to full length or ¾ length insoles, which fit into shoes to support just the metatarsal arch or just the longitudinal arch. Once the insert is stuck to the shoe it can be difficult to remove. This tip will help you locate the correct spot in the shoe before you remove the adhesive "dot" so you will not need to move the insert again.

This customer who gave us this tip purchased Pedag T-Form metatarsal pad but the advice will work for any of our inserts such as: Drop, Step or Balance.

“I purchased these to help with the neuroma in my foot. It (T-Form) really helps ease the symptoms. The thing is that the adhesive is extremely good. That can be a problem if you stick it in the wrong place. Once it's stuck, it's stuck. That's great once you're walking, but it complicates things if you don't get it into the correct position on the first try. You might try using double sticky tape on it before exposing its adhesive, to test positioning in your shoe. Once you like its position, mark around it and then expose the adhesive applying it carefully where marked. Once stuck, it is nearly impossible to remove and tears up if you try.”

The thing that makes this such a good tip is that the location of inserts really should depend on user comfort based on user trial and error to find the perfect spot. There are formulas can instruct how to place the insert based on a line drawn across the widest part of the foot bisecting a line drawn from the heel to the second toe but this method does not address your unique, individual foot.
The “Velcro” method allows you to wear the insert for a few hours or days to be sure it is supporting the right spot for you.

Barefoot Running-Good or Bad?

2009-12-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

The running shoe industry revenues total $2.3 billion annually. Barefoot running "shoes" sales topped $10 million this year. This new type of running shoe is probably sold in a store near you. What is the latest scientific thinking regarding the claims for and against running barefoot or with minimalist running shoes? The theory that supports barefoot running is expressed by Daniel Lieberman, a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University, “People have been running for at least 2 million years and walking around for millions [of years] before that, and nobody ever wore shoes until fairly recently," In addition he says, "I do take an evolutionary approach to running, and I do believe one can run safely and healthfully barefoot." He has even begun to run barefoot himself. According to Christopher McDougall author of “Born to Run”, the problem with the modern running shoe is that the raised rear section of the shoe, which offers so much comfort, fundamentally alters your stride, encouraging you to land on your heel. But the heel that nature gave you was never intended to handle the impact forces of running. Each running stride brings forces equal to as much as three times your body weight down on your foot, which was designed to absorb that impact on the mid-sole and forefoot. Because they offer so much protection, and because many models control the way your foot lands, the shoes have made the muscles, ligaments and tendons in your foot and lower leg weaker, the argument goes. Over time, this can lead to injuries. The shoes also bunch toes that were meant to splay outward for balance. Many runners and some scientists, like Irene Davis, a professor in the department of physical therapy at the University of Delaware, agree.

According to a 2009 review article for the British Journal of Sports Medicine researchers could find no studies over the past 30 years that demonstrated that running shoes made people less prone to injury.

Barefoot running coach Ted McDonald believes that the easiest way to start barefoot running is to gradually incorporate it into your running workouts so that your ankles, etc. have time to get stronger. “Be light, be quick and be upright: Land gently and then instantly lift that foot back so you feel like you are in the air more than you are on the ground. At the same time keep your back straight and your feet right under your hips" he advises.

The case against barefoot running is summed up by Howard Ostermann, president of the District of Columbia Podiatric Medical Association who believes efforts to strengthen feet and ankles by gradually withdrawing the support that running shoes offer make sense. But (my emphasis) in the real world, he believes, "we lack the intrinsic musculature to run barefoot, or run in these minimalist shoes, without risking injury."
In addition, without running shoes, people would be susceptible to injuries from glass, rocks and other objects. And many exercise regimens would be ended, he says. The APMA Position Statement on Barefoot Running is: Barefoot running has become an increasing trend, and a possible alternative or training adjunct to running with shoes. While anecdotal evidence and testimonials proliferate on the Internet and in the media about the possible health benefits of barefoot running, research has not yet adequately shed light on the immediate and long term effects of this practice. Barefoot running has been touted as improving strength and balance, while promoting a more natural running style. However, risks of barefoot running include a lack of protection--which may lead to injuries such as puncture wounds--and increased stress on the lower extremities. Currently, inconclusive scientific research has been conducted regarding the benefits and/or risks of barefoot running. The American Podiatric Medical Association, along with the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, encourages the public to consult a podiatrist with a strong background in sports medicine to make an informed decision on all aspects of their running and training programs.

So what do I think? The potential for injury when running barefoot is real. The human body comes in a great variety of shapes and sizes. Not every body type is designed for running long distances, let alone running barefoot for long distances. Our ancestors did not live as long as we do and we do not really know whether they had painful feet or not! So my cautious approach says to wait until more evidence is gathered that indicates who candidates to regularly run barefoot are and who should stick to supportive, cushioned running shoes.

There is a way to try a minimalist running shoe without taking too big a risk. For those who want to take a cautious approach to their foot health but still want to try running in minimalist running shoes, Pedag USA recommends using our semi-rigid sports orthotics such as: Vitality, Pro-Active XCO and Master. These insoles are very thin with little added cushioning so they will fit into minimalist running shoes (after all it is the cushioning in normal running shoes that is believed to alter the runners stride and cause injuries). These insoles all have a heel cushion, metatarsal pad and semi-rigid longitudinal arch support. Why not support your arches even if you decide to run without the bulk and restrictions of a stiff cushioned running shoe?

Sources and Links:

http://www.apma.org/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/12/AR2009101201591.html

http://www.aapsm.org/

http://www.parade.com/health/2010/01/03-barefoot-running.html

Update to Post dated 11/23/2009: New Items are Selling Well & A Fun Consumer Review

2009-12-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

It is always exciting to introduce a new item. Last month we introduced 5!
We created 4 Kits with a different selection of Pedag insoles in each and we added Pedag Angora to our product line.

We can now announce that the new items are selling really well. It seems customers like help with selecting insoles for various activites and they do not mind getting a discount when they buy the insoles in a Kit.
Angora is a nice year round item. Angora hairs keep the rabbit (and the human) cool in summer and warm in winter. The insole is ultra thin and perfect for even the dressiest shoes and boots.

We got a really cool review from a consumer who bought Pedag Solar Article 145 .

Scott Mosher posted this on Amazon December 2nd, 2009:

"I purchased these insoles to go in my fire "bunker" boots. I work at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and our airfields are on snow and ice surfaces. The steel shanks and toes in our protective boots suck the heat right ouf of your feet - so much so that most of my colleagues use "toe warmers" in their boots every shift!

These insoles are spectacular - they're thin enought that they don't really change the fit of my boots, the insulation is comforable without being TOO spongy like some insoles, and the aluminized layer keeps the cold out below and the heat inside my boots.

I would recommend these without hesitation to anyone who has to stand around on cold surfaces for any length of time, especially in footwear that isn't designed for cold weather. I've already given a pair to a colleague, and he's as excited about them as I am."

Thanks Scott!

One year anniversay of the start of my Plantar Fasciitis saga

2009-12-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

For the first part of the story see the Post dated 11/19/2009.
Also, for information on Plantar Fasciitis use the following link to the Foot Conditions page on the Pedag USA website.

I went on a 9 day trip to visit relatives on the east coast earlier this month. Before I left, my plantar fasciitis related heel pain was bad enough that I could not walk even a few blocks without pain. So I went to my podiatrist again just before I left for another silicone injection so that I could get around while I was away. My podiatrist said I was an obstinate case. It seems some people get better after a round of silicone injections, OTC orthotics and massage. Not me. In my case, I can expect everything to take longer.
So after my shot I went on my trip. Unfortunately, the pain did not appreciably improve. My trip was a happy one but not because I could walk around comfortably.
When I got back I planned to see my podiatrist again. However, I am putting it off because every once in a while I realize that the pain is virtually gone! Then the pain comes back, in a different spot on my heel and then it goes away again!
I think I will wait and see what is going on before I make an appointment.
I'll let you know if anything changes or if a new therapy is successful.

Happy New Year!
Rose

Pedag Gift Ideas

2009-11-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

When we give a gift to a friend or loved one, we always hope that they will love it. Giving gifts is a way of brightening the dark days of winter, sharing our good fortune, reminding people that they are loved and appreciated.
Thankfully, gifts do not need to be expensive to do all these nice things. Pedag has some ideas for you to make your gift giving easier and longer lasting than your usual bottle of wine, gloves, perfume or sweater.
Make a gift of healthy and comfortable feet (to someone you care about and/or yourself) with a pair of Pedag insoles made in Germany or a gift set of insoles for several types of shoes or activities.
For example give any of these insoles individually or in a group as a great set:
1. Lifestyle Kit: Viva for all dress and fashionable shoes, Vitality for warm weather, golf, tennis and sailing and Master for all boots such as hiking, work, riding and trail running.
2. Travel Kit: Holiday for all comfort and open toe styles, Vitality for hot weather or adventure touring, Alaska for cozy feet after a long day either in your hotel room or restaurant.
3. Active Life Kit: Pro-Active XCO for all impact activities like basketball, running and walking, Vitality for tennis, sailing, golfing, sightseeing and Master for all adventure activities like hiking, climbing and camping.
4. Shoe Fit right Kit: Always have the necessary fitting item on hand: A mix of 2 pair of Girl forefoot grips, 2 pair of Stop Heel Grips and 2 packs of (8) Sling strap grips to create a complete fitting kit to make all women’s size shoes “fit right”.

None of these insoles is more than MSRP $30 and the Kits range from MSRP $22.00 to $68.00.
Visit our website: http://www.pedagusa.com/ for locations that sell all the insoles and inserts mentioned above.

Actual experience of foot pain is humbling and enlightening

2009-11-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

I have proudly sold Pedag orthotic insoles for many years. Pedag says that the right orthotic can "help prevent and relieve” many painful foot problems including plantar fasciitis. I do not think I ever really understood what this meant until the past year. For the past year I have been in treatment for plantar fasciitis. I now finally understand the role insoles play in the treatment and prevention of foot problems. I know that Pedag insoles alone could never have "cured" me of Plantar fasciitis, a very painful, scary and debilitating condition.
In January 2009 I began to experience my first symptoms. A stinging sensation along the back edge of my right heel which developed in about 2 months, into pain located on my entire right heel. At first the pain was bearable and all I did about my problem was to wear good athletic shoes and sport sandals. I think I must have been embarrassed because the problem is often weight related or due to aging. Both, of which describe me! In July, after a two week summer vacation spent sightseeing in NYC, I came home with a right heel so inflamed I could not walk.
I finally went to a podiatrist who, indeed, diagnosed Plantar Fasciitis. For the past 3 months I have been in treatment for this condition and I am happy to say that I am much better. I know the symptoms can flare up again but I also know treatment helps enormously so I will not wait so long next time.

Here is what worked for me and what I would now advise: 1. See a podiatrist immediately. Do not wait till the scar tissue and inflammation builds up because the whole problem will be harder to treat. My podiatrist injected my heel with cortisone to reduce the inflammation. I needed two series of injections because one was simply not enough in my case. Almost immediately I had a huge reduction in pain. 2. I showed my podiatrist one of our orthotics (Holiday) and he said,"Honestly, any orthotic that firmly supports the plantar vault and works for you is fine. You do not need a custom made orthotic because there is no great physical deformity of your foot". I now wear one of our semi-rigid orthotic insoles every day. 3. I wear a night splint that keeps the plantar ligament stretched out over night. I did not have terrible pain in the morning when first walking on my foot but for many people this is a defining symptom of Plantar Fasciitis. 4. I spent 6 weeks in twice weekly physical therapy sessions getting deep tissue ultrasound and hand massage of the tissue in my right heel.

As of now, I will need to see my podiatrist again soon because I still feel some pain and I am afraid to walk too much because I do not want to inflame the situation. I think he will inject me again. According to my podiatrist, unlike other cortisone injections which can only be given once a year or less, injections in the foot can be given much more frequently. I also use an exercise bike instead of walking or using a treadmill and I wear my orthotic at all times. In the house I used to go barefoot. Not anymore. I always wear supportive shoes now even at home. What a humbling but enlightening experience! I now know, from painful personal experience, that an orthotic is only one tool in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
Could I have prevented all this? In my youth I wore any shoe I wanted and really did not care about the future of my feet. But I have only worn “good” shoes for the past 20 years or so. I did not wear an orthotic because I did not have pain or problems with my feet. But, a supportive orthotic is also a tool for prevention of plantar fasciitis because it can help prevent stretching and tearing of the plantar ligament.
So, for those of you who have plantar fasciitis: With proper treatment you will feel better and an orthotic is only one necessary part to your treatment.
For those of you who do not (yet) have plantar fasciitis: Beware! Wear good, supportive shoes and consider wearing a supportive orthotic before symptoms start.

Pedag recommends: Holiday Art 179, Viva Art 187, Master Art 186, Vitality Art 18306, Pro-Active XCO Art 18147 as orthotics that offer the support you need to help prevent and relieve the pain of Plantar fasciitis.

All the best to you,

Rose