Plantar fasciitis is becoming a very common injury in the general population whereas many people assume that athletes and runners are mainly affected. The medical definition of plantar fasciitis is the painful inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis and flexor digitorum brevis at their attachment to the anterior/inferior aspect of the calcaneal tuberosity on the bottom of the foot. The definition from anyone who has ever had it plantar fasciitis would be very, very sharp foot pain with every step. It presents as pain in the heel and/or arches of the foot that is worst with the first steps in the morning and is exacerbated by initial activities such as standing, walking, running, and exercising. It typically improves as the activity continues and then becomes worse at the end of the day again. In many cases the pain can be constant and continue throughout the entire day. The feet can begin to cramp and become achy and fatigued more easily and is only relieved by rest.
![]()
There are many different non-surgical treatments used to treat plantar fasciitis including therapeutic ultrasound, myofascial release, massage, electric muscle stimulation, stretching, taping, and ice but one of the most effective treatments is the prescription of custom-made foot orthotics. This treatment is also very beneficial in the long term prevention of reoccurrences and exacerbations. Custom foot orthotics are built using a casting of the feet and/or a computer system designed to analyze the arches in the feet. Orthotics relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis by supporting the three arches of the foot in a relaxed position, which takes stress off the inflamed plantar aponeurosis and allows it to heal. Orthotics can be built to fit any type of shoe and can even be built into the beds of sandals, shoes, and flip flops. Orthotics can be ordered through medical doctors, podiatrists, and chiropractors.
Ball Tripod Head
The anatomy of the sole of the foot is very complex. Going from superficial to deep structures, the skin is the first layer. The skin of the dorsum of the foot is much thinker than other areas of the lower extremity. It is thickest at the areas of major weight bearing, which include the heel, ball of the big toe, and the lateral aspect connecting the two. The next layer is the most important aspect to this case. This layer consists of the deep fascia of the foot. This layer of tissue covers the ventral and dorsal aspects of the foot. It is very thin on the ventral aspects and becomes continuous with the tendons of the extensor muscles. On the dorsal side it is much thicker and is continuous with the plantar fascia. This fascia holds the parts of the foot together, protects the sole of the foot, and supports the arches of the foot. The plantar fascia is considered the deep fascia of the sole. Centrally, the strongest part of this fascia is known as the plantar aponeurosis. The plantar aponeurosis originates from the calcaneus (heel), splits into five bands that cover and protect the flexor digitorum tendons, and finally anchors into the fibrous digital sheaths and the sesamoid bones of the first toe. Branching off of the central band of fascia are the medial and lateral bands.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis Using Custom Made Foot Orthotics
Oben AC-1320 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with BA-1 Ball Head Review
Oben AC-1320 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with BA-1 Ball Head Feature
- 17.6 lb Load Capacity | Maximum System Height of 65″
- Collapses Down to 27″ | All Anodized Aluminum for Max Stability
- Cast Aluminum Chassis | Lightweight – Weighs Just Over 4 lb
- 5 Bubble Levels | Removable Head
- Whats In The Box: Padded Carrying Case with Shoulder Strap, Tool Kit, 5 Year Limited Warranty
Oben AC-1320 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with BA-1 Ball Head Overview
Tripod features reversible 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 screw to fit almost any head
Spring-loaded counterweight hook at the bottom of the center column
Leg warmers on two legs mitigate the effects of extreme heat & cold and provide grip
Two included Allen keys attach to a tripod leg, so you’re always ready to tighten components
Padded carry bag provides a snug fit for the tripod/head combination and features two heavy-duty zippers, an interior pocket with a zipper, and a shoulder strap
Adjustment locks keep legs at the chosen angles
Center column is grooved to prevent rotation
Angled rubber feet
General:
Load Capacity: 17.6 lb (8 kg)
Maximum Height: 65″ (165.1 cm)
Maximum Height w/o Column Extended: 55.2″ (140.2 cm)
Minimum Height: 17.3″ (43.8 cm)
Folded Length: 27″ (68.6 cm)
Weight: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg)
Head:
Head Type: Single-lever ball head
Quick Release: Yes, with 1/4″-20 screw & retractable video pin
Legs:
Material: Aluminum
Head Attachment Fitting: 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 via reversible screw
Leg Stages/Sections: 2/3
Leg Lock Type: Flip-lock
Independent Leg Spread: Yes
Spiked/Retractable Feet: No
Center Brace: No
Center Column:
Center Column Type: Rapid (grooved, reversible, non-rotating)
Center Column Sections: 1
Bubble Level: 5 (1 on chassis, 4 on head)
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 01, 2012 18:15:08
The major muscles of the foot involved with plantar fasciitis are those involved with the arches and the muscles of the calves. The muscles in the sole of the foot are divided into 4 layers, all of which aid in the control of the arches. The first layer consists of the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and abductor digiti minimi. These muscles all originate off the calcaneus and operate the toes. The second layer includes quadratus plantae and the lumbricals. The QP comes off the calcaneus and attaches into the tendons of flexor digitorum longus. The third layer includes the flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis, and the flexor digiti minimi brevis. The adductor hallucis comes from the 2nd-4th digits and attaches to the later aspect of the proximal phalanx of the big toe. This muscle adducts the great toe and maintains the transverse arch. The fourth layer contains the deep planter and dorsal interossei muscles. These transverse between the phalanges and adduct and abduct the digits respectively. Originating at the knee complex, the tripod of the soleus and gastrocs (calf) terminate into the superior portion of the calcaneus as the Achilles tendon and cause plantar flexion of the foot upon contraction.
The bones of the foot include the talus, which articulates superiorly with the tibia and fibula, inferiorly with the calcaneus and distally with the navicular bone. Distally from the navicular, 3 cuneiform bones go on to articulate with the first, second, and third metatarsals. Lateral to the cuneiforms, the cuboid articulates proximally with the calcaneus, medially with the navicular and third cuneiform, and distally with the fourth and fifth metatarsals. From the metatarsals the first digit contains two phalanges, and the 2nd-5th digits contain three. There is an extensive network of ligaments connecting these bones.
The arches of the foot are put in place to aid in weight bearing and to strengthen the foot. They are shock absorbers for the weight of the body and help the foot push off while walking. They also allow the foot to handle uneven surfaces better. These arches help to transmit the weight of the body during standing and walking. While standing, the foot flattens out but its curve returns when weight is taken off. There are both transverse and longitudinal arches in the foot. The transverse arch runs from side to side and is formed by the cuboid, cuneiforms, and bases of the metatarsals. This arch is also supported by the tendon of the fibularis longus muscle as it courses across the foot from the lateral compartment of the leg. The longitudinal arch is divided into the medial and lateral arches. The medial arch is higher and serves more of a purpose. This arch is composed of the talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuneiforms, and three metatarsals. It is also supported by the tibialis anterior muscle which attaches to the first metatarsal and the first cuneiform. This helps elevate the arch. The fibularis longus tendon also lends support to this arch. The head of the talus is considered the keystone of the medial arch. The lateral longitudinal arch is more flattened. It is composed of the calcaneus, cuboid, and fourth and fifth metatarsals. Many structures help maintain these arches but the most important support is the plantar aponeurosis. It bears the greatest amount of stress.
Plantar fasciitis is a clinical syndrome that is becoming very common. Many factors can contribute to the problem but the underlying pain generator is the plantar fascia. The fascia is subjected to a great deal of stress on a daily basis and this stress can cause degeneration or inflammation. Repetitive tensile overloading of these fibers can cause pathological changes like those seen in tendonitis and tendinosis. When the plantar fascia gets injured, whether it be from bruising or overstretching and tearing, pain is generated. The pain origin is typically at the calcaneal insert but it can refer across the foot and into the arches. In some cases the fascia can even be partially detached from the calcaneus. When this injury occurs, normal calcium from the blood stream can deposit into the injured tissue via dystrophic calcification, and a heel spur can form.
There are many causes of plantar fasciitis. It tends to affect those over the age of 30 much more than younger individuals. This fact points to possible age related degeneration of the fibers as an etiology. Athletic activity can exacerbate the pain but is not the sole cause. Factors such as overpronation (flat feet), old shoes, and overstriding can lead to problems. Overpronation can cause excessive rolling of the foot and ankle which can lead to repetitive trauma. Old shoes lose their support and shock absorption characteristics and can increase the risk of injury to the sole of the foot. Other contributing factors reported in the literature include leg length inequality, pronation of the subtalar joint, restricted ankle dorsiflexion, weakness of plantar flexion, and high arched feet.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis Using Custom Made Foot Orthotics
My Links : photo bag dslr backpack
