One of the most frustrating and chronic problem that a podiatrist treats is something called plantar fasciitis. This is a problem that develops over a long period of time, and consequently, takes a long time to heal (no pun intended).

Your heel can start to ache when there is too much contraction from a ligament called your plantar fascia. When this ligament gets too contracted and you take those first few steps, it literally pulls on its attachment at the heel bone. This can cause spur formation on the heel bone itself; and is what leads to what most people know of as a heel spur.

The great news about this malady is that this condition is about 80% curable without surgery. A clinical "cure" is that a patient feels anywhere from 85-90% better than before starting treatment.

There are several things that go on in the podiatrist's office. Things such as serial injections, strapping and taping, physical therapy, and orthotic therapy are all integral parts in treating plantar fasciitis. Like all medical conditions, the more you can do to help yourself, the better your cure outlook becomes.

Therapy that takes place in the home for plantar fasciitis all center around stretching the plantar fascia. Plantar fascia night splints are often prescribed by your podiatrist. These "boots" can be rather bulky, and difficult to wear for long periods of time. You can also help yourself by stretching the plantar fascia directly by rolling your foot over a cold can of your favorite beverage.

I got introduced to this product by a patient of mine who after doing his own Internet research came up with what ended up being a better alternative for him than my prescribed night splint. Hence, my introduction to the Strassburg sock was born.

Another contributor to this problem that people overlook is your gastrocnemius or achilles tendon. This tendon also attaches to the heel bone, and is a major factor in causing plantar fasciitis. There are various stretches you can employ to stretch your achilles tendon

One of the beauties of the Strassburg sock is that it lends itself to patient compliance. The sentiment being that if you don't employ the treatment, you can't expect the benefits of that treatment. As mentioned previously, wearing a bulky boot may not be well tolerated by many patients. The sock is so much lighter and maneuverable that in addition to wearing the device at night, patients can wear it while watching television. More time in the brace means more stretch to the fascia; and less pain later. I don't imagine braces worn on your teeth would work too well if they were only in place every other night or so. Treating your foot may be thought of as no different. The only sign that you may need to back off on the splint is if you start to develop pain under your big toe. That is were your sesamoids sit, and if they get stretched excessively, you could develop sesamoiditis. You can see from the photo that this area is under quite a bit of tension when you do the plantar fascia stretch. Arrghhh! Another "itis" to contend with. Just remember that too much of a good thing isn't always necessarily better. Moderation need be practiced in all things.