Plantar Fasciitis
about plantar fasciitis
how to tape your feet
shoes that relieve heel pain
rehabilitation

Biomechanics
choosing a walking shoe
choosing a running shoe
knee pain & foot pronation
iliotibial band syndrome

Common Conditions
blisters
bunions
corns & calluses
neuroma

Health & Prevention
heel pain in youngsters
foot support during pregnancy
foot prep for distance running
orthotic foot supports

Any shoe that relaxes the attachment of the Achilles tendon and releases tension on the plantar fascia will help relieve heel pain. High heeled women’s shoes up to 2-1/2” relieve most heel pain. The shape of the support under the heel is important.

Footsprings™ available from FootGuru provide more cushioning and support than the shoe itself and can also help relieve heal pain. They fit in most casual shoes and boots, some dress shoes, and may be used in open heeled shoes, clogs, or sandals.

Pain at the back of the heel bone may be diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis, calcific insertional tendonitis, bone spur, retrocalcaneal exostosis, Haglund’s disease; all through the heel as a fracture or stress fracture at any age, apophysitis, Sever’s disease, an injury to the growth center in youngsters age 10-15, impact shock, bone bruise, periostitis, or bursitis; or pain on the bottom of the heel bone, extending into the arch diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, the heel spur syndrome, stone bruise, or proximal plantar fasciitis.

For men and women, shoes such as clogs, platform shoes with elevated heel and solid sole, or cowboy boots may give relief. Softer soled clogs, such as those made by Romika, Anatech, Portania, Josef Seibel and others often give relief and are especially good for people who do a lot of standing, such as a grocery checker, chef, assembly line worker, surgical nurse, casino worker, or anyone with “retail feet.” Footsprings™ will provide cushioning and support for these shoes, including those with open heels

Flat, flexible, non-supportive shoes such as some tennis shoes, sneakers, flip-flops, flat sandals and boating shoes are not helpful and may have caused your heel pain to begin! Cushioned, flexible shoes do not support your foot, and are not a good platform for orthotic devices. They let your feet flatten and spread out.

Look for daily casual or dress shoes that have a solid shank support and that have at least ¾” solid lift under the heel, that have a firm heel counter to support the heel on both sides, and shoes that bend where the foot flexes at the ball of the foot.