Plantar Faciitis and The Strassburg Sock

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the underside of the foot. The pain is usually worst in the morning when you step out of bed or after being seated for a period of time.Causes can be many, but it is often due to, standing for long periods of time, change of footwear or incorrect footwear.  Runners or walkers who increase exercise intensity too quickly.  It is also associated with weight gain, especially in the over 40's age group.

Plantar fasciitis has many other names such as "Dog's Heel", "Policeman's Foot" or "Flip Flop disease.

Severity of the condition can go from mild ache under the heel to severe pain under the whole of the underneath of the foot (plantar aspect). In chronic cases, a spur (heel spur) of bone may grow from the heel causing a very tender, painful point, like walking on a nail.

Heel Spur on MRI image (wikipedia)

Physical therapy treatments are very effective, especially in the early stages. Modes of treatment include myofascial release and scar tissue breakdown of the plantar fascia, stretching of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, arch supports, heel lifts and orthotics where necessary. 

Local injection of corticosteroids can be given as a "last resort" treatment. Repeated steroid injections may result in rupture of the plantar fascia. Although initial pain is eased, the long term effects are generally not beneficial.

Strassburg Sock

During treatment, many medical professionals recommend using a night splint to keep the foot stretched during sleep to improve calf muscle flexibility and decrease morning pain. These have many different designs, some of which may be hard and may press on the origin of the plantar fascia. However, the Strassburg Sock is a much gentler form of splint which is simple and comfortable to use.

It is a safe, comfortable, simple and highly effective product for the treatment of plantar fasciitis heel pain. It consists of a tubular knit material that fits over the calf with two adjustable straps to help maintain the foot in a neutral to slightly stretched position.

The Strassburg Sock is available in two sizes: (measurement around the calf).

Regular: Up to 41cm

Large: 41 - 53cm

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