Do Flat Shoes Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
Can you develop flat-shoes plantar fasciitis? Here’s the deal. Many fashion-forward women know that it hurts to wear high heels for extended periods of time. But what they might forget? Flat shoes—especially those with little to no arch support—can cause just as many problems. Let’s take a closer look
Flat Shoes Plantar Fasciitis: One Woman’s Story
41-year-old teaching assistant Michele Crow learned this the hard way after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis following a vacation in Portugal. She wore a pair of wooden-soled flip-flops that left her with burning, stabbing pain at the end of each. When the pain did not improve upon her return, she went to the doctor. And…got diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.
“He said that wearing flat, unsupportive shoes, such as flip-flops and old trainers, had caused my arches to drop and the ligaments and tendons in the base of my foot to overstretch or tear,” said Crow.
Now, plantar fasciitis is painful. But it’s also treatable. If you experience heel pain, come see us at Louetta Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our team of Spring and Tomball TX podiatrists will provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. Just ask our patient Gail B., who recently shared:
“I saw Dr Bachman regarding my painful plantar fasciitis issues. He was pleasant and spent a considerable amount of time with me explaining my treatment options. He recommended stretching exercises as well as laser foot treatments. I completed a series of laser treatments 2x a wk over the past 3 weeks and I am pleased to say that I feel a noticeable reduction in heel pain. I recommend this office from my personal experience.”
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to heel and arch pain caused by an inflammation of the connective tissues on the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Ill-fitting shoes or flat shoes plantar fasciitis, due to lack of arch support
- Weight change
- Excessive running
- Intense athletic training, as was the case for just-recovered LA Laker Anthony Davis
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
Treatment Options
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical rehabilitation, orthotic devices.
- Shockwave therapy – sends sound waves to the areas where pain is experience. Requires multiple sessions. This is used for very persistent cases of plantar fasciitis.
- Ultrasound-guided technique with steroid injections into the plantar fascia. This is from a relatively new and small study, but was shown to be effective in most cases treated.
New Studies on Treatment
According to groundbreaking treatment option studies, Luca M. Sconfienza, M.D. says that ultrasound with steroid injections was effective in over 95% of cases that involve plantar fasciitis. This process involves anesthesia and is a single process, out-patient treatment that was discovered to be highly effective. Luca M. Sconfienza M.D. presented her study at an annual meeting for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Be sure to speak with your podiatrist about different methods that can be used, as well as finding out what treatment options they offer.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Spring and Tomball, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Read more about Plantar Fasciitis