Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue, called the plantar fasciia, which runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel (calcaneus) to the toes (metatarsals). Treatment for this condition can take many forms including stretching exercises, drugs, orthotics, injections, and in rare cases surgical procedures.

Plantar Fasciitis can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Some contributing factors include age, weight-bearing activities, sudden increase in physical activity, improper shoes, excess weight or a recent weight gain (as little as 3 kilos), and poor biomechanics (flat feet, high arches or unnatural gait). Until now the treatment methods have addressed the active conscious periods, only to be undone when a person goes to bed or sits in the easy chair relaxing.

The Strassburg Sock™ is a patented, inexpensive device designed to keep tension on the tissue (plantar fascia) so it heals in a stretched position at night. In this way many users find a reduction of their morning pain, some have noticed a reduced recovery time and yet others have reduced the need for medications. When worn as prescribed, it does not allow the plantar fascia to contract while in the prone or supine position. The device holds the ankle and forefoot joints in a position of slight dorsiflexion that prevents a position of plantarflexion - that is the plantar fascia is not allowed to contract.

If you would like to obtain more information about treatments for heel pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis or any of our other services, please contact Dr. Ruth Maher at (01) 882 8866 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.maherPT.ie .

More information, including research articles on The Strassburg Sock can be found at www.theSock.com.

About The Maher Sports and Wellness Centre

The Maher Sports and Wellness Centre is an outpatient rehabilitation centre which focuses on administering clinically efficacious approaches to musculoskeletal and neuromuscular impairments. The facility is located at 2 Berkeley Road, Dublin 7, and is the only facility in the nation to offer The Maher Method of Effective Bladder ControlSM. The Maher Sports and Wellness Centre is also an Anodyne® Neuropathy Care Center providing low level laser treatment to restore sensation in those who have diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The Maher Sports and Wellness Centre offers integrated programs including fall prevention and interventions for those with osteoporosis. Treatments are determined based upon a collaborative approach with the individual’s physician and the results of a comprehensive consultation and evaluation. For more information visit our website at www.maherPT.ie