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Vancouver Custom Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain


Blog by Vancouver Orthotics, Hycroft Medical Building (114-3195 Granville St @ 16th Ave) | November 23rd, 2019


Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can cause excruciating pain in and around your heel or arch of your foot. Dr. Michael Horowitz is a leading practitioner for diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. He is a doctor of chiropractic in the Vancouver, BC area. Practicing since 2000, Dr. Horowitz understands the biomechanics of the feet and spine. Biomechanics is simply the study of moving parts on living things. The pain you are experiencing in your feet could be easily rectified or minimized if you were to have the source of the problem treated with custom orthotic inserts. First, let's understand plantar fasciitis and how Dr. Horowitz can help.

What is Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is the main fascial ligament that is on the bottom of your foot. It is a thick tissue that runs from your toes to your heel. It supports the arch in your foot. This ligament is directly under the skin, so an injury or irritation can happen easily. While it is not a debilitating condition, this can limit activities, become chronic and cause severe discomfort.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Damage to the plantar fascia can occur by repeatedly simply stepping down incorrectly due to faulty foot mechanics. While anyone can injury this ligament, men and women over 40 are more prone to plantar fasciitis. Individuals who are avid runners, work on their feet or are overweight could develop this condition. If you are routinely walking more than 10,000 steps a day, you are also susceptible. 

As this plantar fascial ligament gives arch support, people with flat feet are more likely to have problems with the tissue. This is because you are walking on the planar fascial ligament with every step. The same can be said of people with too high of an arch. Additionally, wrong or inadequate footwear can be another cause for this condition. Weight distribution is a key factor in plantar fasciitis. Since it is tissue, healing can be difficult without proper support

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Fundamentally, pain is the only symptom. The diagnosis, in part, depends on the type and location of foot pain you are experiencing. You notice the pain and discomfort with your first steps in the morning. It could begin with mild irritation or start as an agonizing pain. The injury can feel like a stabbing sensation as you press down on your heel. As you continue to walk, the pain may subside.

Activity, such as running or working on your feet may relieve the pain. But as you become stagnate, the agony will return. If you sit for long periods, when you stand-up you will feel the sharp pains again. Previously, doctors believed that heel spurs would cause plantar fasciitis. Experts now suggest that plantar fasciitis can lead to the development of heel spurs if left untreated.

About Custom Orthotic Inserts

Custom orthotic inserts can alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis because they reduce the pressure on your foot. The pain comes from overextending the tissue when you first apply the weight of your body as you stand. These insoles are custom made to fit your foot. So if you have a higher arch, the insert design will fit snug to relieve the stress. Stronger support around your heel will act as a shock absorbent. Custom orthotics provide stability, balance and shock-absorption.

Dr. Horowitz uses 3D foot scan technology to take a clear and precise picture of your foot. Additionally, you will walk across an electronic plate that gives the doctor a gait scan analysis. This analysis delivers information pertaining to your feet issues to better understand how to help you. The biomechanical examination provides a system designed to help diagnose your foot inefficiencies that will ultimately lead to creating a custom orthotic inserter fitted for you. The results will be better posture, more ease with walking and resolution of your plantar fasciitis

The goal is to relieve the pain in a non-invasive way. A custom orthotic insert sustains your balance to assist in restoring your body's positioning. This can facilitate in relieving the pain in your feet as well as the joints in your ankles, knee, hips and back. Since plantar fasciitis doesn’t often resolve on its own without support, insoles can dramatically decrease the stabbing sensation and get you back on track.

Dr. Michael Horowitz's office is in the heart of Vancouver, BC, in the Hycroft medical building at Granville & 16th Ave. He provides a variety of services including consultations, examination, diagnosis, prescriptions, and fitting of your custom orthotic insoles. The technology he uses is leading the way to an overall healthier you. Dr. Horowitz maintains a high level of integrity by offering iron-clad warranties on the structure of your custom inserts as well as modifications. Your satisfaction is his number one priority. The prices are reasonable with fast and courtesy service.

New patients are always welcome at Vancouver Orthotics! Dr. Horowitz's office is at 114-3195 Granville St, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3K2. Call today to make an appointment, 604-737-3668. Visit https://www.vancouverorthotics.ca/ for more information or e-mail info@vancouverorthotics.ca as he is always happy to answer your questions. You can even book your appointment online at https://vancouverorthotics.janeapp.com/. Don't delay! Your new custom orthotic inserts are waiting!