Chapter 10 - Plantar Fasciitis

 Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments that I deal with on a regular basis. I have listened to more people describe their symptoms that when I got it I knew exactly what it was. I can tell you from experience - it is not something that you ever want to have.


WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?  Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot and when it's inflamed it HURTS.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The most common complaints are PAIN and STIFFNESS in the bottom of the heel. That pain can be sharp or dull and the bottom of the foot could also burn or ache. The pain is usually worse as you try to take your first steps in the morning, after sitting or standing for a length of time, when climbing stairs or after intense activity. The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity. There can also be some mild foot swelling or redness.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES? Plantar Fasciitis occurs when that thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. Studies also state that Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles, foot arch problems, long-distance running, sudden weight gain, and tight Achilles Tendon increase your changes of having this problem.

 
Plantar Fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. Heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS? OH, that's a very good question and there is a very long list of answers. I'll start by telling what I do.

MY SUGGESTIONS:

1.....Get a new pair of shoes. Get shoes with good arch support and cushions (like SAS Walking Shoes mentioned in Chapter 9)

2.....Do some stretching exercises. I do a stretch exercise before I even get out of bed (see Picture 2) Through out the day I step on the edge of a step and then lower my body up and down. This pulls and helps loosen the Achilles Tendon and Calf Muscles (See Picture 3). This really helps me.

 

Picture 2 - Morning Stretch

Picture 3 - Stretching Exercises

 

3.....If my feet are really inflamed I might take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin. You might want to check with your doctor first about this.

OTHER TREATMENTS:

1.....Resting as much as possible for a week (who can do that?).

2.....Apply ice to the painful area. Do this at least twice a day for 10-15 minutes, you may want to do it more often in the first few days.

3.....Try wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heel area or other shoe inserts.

4.....Use night splints to stretch the fascia overnight and help it to heal faster.

IF THOSE DON'T WORK a Health Care Provider may recommend:

1.....Wearing a boot cast for up to 6 weeks (looks like a ski boot).

2.....Custom Made Shoe Inserts (orthotics)

3.....Steroid Shots or injections into the heel (Ouch).

4.....Foot surgery may be necessary.

In almost all cases Non-surgical treatments will improve the pain and help your feet heal. I have never had Plantar Fasciitis more that 3 months, but for some treatment can last from several months to several years.

 
I have not had Plantar Fasciitis for over 4 years now. Why you ask? It's because I replace my shoes with the best supportive shoes I can find (SAS) at the first sign of back, knee or foot pain and I continue with my stretching exercises on a daily basis.

MY ADVICE:
1.....Your feet take you everywhere you go - take care of them.  Always wear proper fitting comfortable supportive shoes.

Chapter 9 - SAS Styles FREETIME and TIME OUT

 

 As we left Chapter 8 I stated that Chapter 9 would be about my recommendations for the best supportive and comfortable shoes for everyday wear.

 

 

In business since 1976 SAS (San Antonio Shoemakers) have consistly created footwear that stands well above most other brands.  They use the finest leathers, design their footwear for actual feet, and create a product that not only feels good but one that lasts.  All of their footwear in Hand Crafted in the United States.

 

Their styles FREETIME and TIME OUT are their top selling styles and there is no doubt why.

 

 

FREETIME and TIME OUT where designed for serious walkers. These styles have everything  walking shoe should have. And, although designed for walkers, these shoes are that and so much more. I recommend them for anyone that works on hard surfaces or does a lot of walking on their jobs. I also recommend them to people with foot pain and that's why so many doctors also recommend these styles for their patients. These styles have the added depth needed for Orthodics and Braces.

 

FREETIME for Women (shown in Mocha)

TIME OUT for Men (shown in Walnut)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I could write technical information here, but will just write what I tell my customers about them as I show them using my cut-in-half sample of the shoe.

 

 

1. They have a broad base for solid support underneath your feet.

 

2. They have a wide and deep toe box so your toes have plenty of room to spread out like nature intended.  Many people feel that the shoe is too big because of all the toe room but your toes should have enough room to turn flips, play the piano or anything else you can think of in there, AND trust me after about 30 minutes you will realize the joy of having all that toe room.

 

3. They have a wide wraparound heel counter for stability. This is what keeps your ankles straight and helps you keep balance.

 

4. There is extra cushioning underneath the ball of the foot and the heel (the main pressure points).

 

5. There is an extra layer of cushioning in the midsole. I love that extra layer.

 

6. The sole is a polyurethane material that has millions of air bubbles in it. (Supportive yet bouncy at the same time).

 

7. The soft cushioned removable insole with added arch literally molds to the feet.  Removable to accomodate othotics or any special inserts. This insole can and should be washed from time to time. Cleaning instructions are included in every shoe box. You can also buy replacement insoles at SAS Stores. By doing so you will help to extend the life of your shoes.

 

8. That's four (4) layers of cushioning and shock absorption underneath your feet which is not only good for your feet but the rest of your body too. Try a pair of these on and just feel the support and cushioning underneath your feet.

 

9. These styles are lightweight and well ventilated to keep your feet cool and dry.  Even the tongue of the shoe is ventilated.

 

10. They are also available in a wide range of sizes and widths

AND color choices (Black being the Number One color in both).

 

3W's available in Mens & Womens in BLACK ONLY

 

 

11. These styles are recommended by Podiatrists, Orthopedic Doctors, The American Diabetic Association, AND me (because I actually wear them).

 

FREETIME  (for Women) is available in White, Black, Bone, Mocha, Navy and Teak smooth leathers, and Charcoal Nubuck in all the Sizes and Widths shown in the Chart above. Black Smooth is also available in3W (WWW) in sizes 5 to 12

 

TIMEOUT(for Men) is available in Black, Bone and Walnut in all the Sizes and Widths shown in the Chart above. Black is also available in 3W (WWW) in sizes 6 to 13.

 

 

SAS also makes these styles in a Velcro Version that has all the same qualities and comfort as their Lace- Up versions.

 

ME TOO for Women (shown in White)

VTO for Men (Shown in Black)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ME TOO  (for Women) is available in White, Black and Mocha Smooth Leathers and is available in all the Sizes and Widths in the Chart Above. Black is also available in 3W (WWW) in sizes 5 to 12.

 

 

VTO (for Men) is available in Black and Bone. Black is available in all Sizes and Widths shown in the Chart above and 3W (WWW) in sizes 6 to 13. Bone is available in Narrow 10-13, Medium 7-13, Wide 7-13 and Wide Wide 7-13.

 

So, whether you walk for health, you walk or stand on your job, OR are just looking for the most comfortable shoe on the market you need to try these shoes on. Chances are while you're trying them on another customer will tell you how great they are. Our customers that wear these styles purchase them over and over and over. I'm even wearing Freetime in Charcoal as I write this blog.

 

 

SAS will not allow their shoes to be sold over the Internet, and I agree with their policy. The size and shape of your feet do change from year to year. It is important to be fitted by an expert. If you're in or near the Nashville, TN area please come by and visit Ensor's SAS Shoes, 4022 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN  37211.

 

Chapter 8 - What to Look for In A Shoe

It's take Seven Chapters for me to get to this - the ultimate reason why I started this blog and now I am ready to start talking about shoes.

We established in Chapter 1 that your feet are your daily mode of transportation. We established in Chapter 2 that your feet serve as Shock Absorbers for the rest of your body. We established in Chapter 3 that you should take care of those feet. We established in Chapter 4 that the size and shape of your feet change throughout your lifetime. In Chapters 5 and 6 we explained how measuring devices help determine the length and width of your feet and therefore help determine a good starting point in getting a proper fit. In Chapter 7 we gave you a Width Conversion Chart to help with differences in width sizing. Now, we must move on.

The question now is: What do I look for in a pair of shoes? That's a very good question, but question back at you is: What type of shoes are you looking for? Do you want Dress Shoes, Work Shoes, Walking Shoes, Athletic Shoes, etc. ?

Let's start with our every day shoes and we will assume that everyone does a little walking and a little standing during the day. Your answer is:

(1) The first thing you need to do is to go to a Shoe Store that knows their products and know how to fit them.

(2) The first thing you look for is a shoe with a broad base that fits under your entire foot. One that solid - contoured.

(3) you look for a shoe that has a sole that is supportive and cushioned under the ball of the foot and the heel (your main pressure points).

(4) You look for a shoe that has a roomy toe box that gives you plenty of room to wiggle your toes.

(5) You look for a shoe that has a wide wraparound heel counter for stability around your heel.

(6) You look for a shoe that has plenty of venilation to help keep you feet cool and dry.

(7) You look for a leather shoe because you want the lightweightness, the softness and the breathability of leather.

You next question should be: How should these shoes fit? Your answer is:

(1) You intial fit should allow you the foot to settle naturally in the the footbed of the shoe.

(2) The arch should feel like it's in the proper place.

(3) The widest part of your foot (at the big toe joint) should be in the widest part of the shoe.

(4) You should have about 1/2 in of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, and your toes should have plenty of wiggle room.

(5) Lastly, they should feel comfortable. Even if you met 1 - 4 your comfort is the most important thing. If they don't feel just right as to try other sizes near your size to see if you can find one that's more comfortable.

You next question should be: Where can I find comfortable shoes? You answer is:

(1) If you live or around the Nashville, TN  area go to Ensor's SAS Shoes, 4022 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 (615-834-7458), or an SAS Shoe Dealer near you.

You next question should be:  What styles would you recommend?  Your answer is: SAS FREETIME (for Women) and TIME OUT (for Men).  Chapter 9 will go into detail why these two styles set the level for ultimate support and comfort.  Hopefully, it will post shortly after this.

FREETIME (for Women)

TIME OUT (for Men)