As the Lowcountry comes alive this spring, people are eager to hit the pavement, trail, or beach. If foot pain is hindering your spring activities, you’re not alone. Two of the most common causes of foot pain we see at Charleston Sports Medicine are plantar fasciitis and flat feet. Our cutting-edge diagnostic tools and orthotic technology can comfortably get you back on your feet.
The Root of the Problem
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes—becomes inflamed. The condition is often triggered by repetitive strain, improper footwear, or biomechanical imbalances. The result? Sharp pain, especially with your first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing.
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This can lead to overpronation, where the ankle rolls inward with each step, putting strain on the plantar fascia. Flat feet can cause or exacerbate plantar fasciitis. When your arch lacks support, the plantar fascia overstretches, leading to microtears and inflammation. It becomes a cycle of discomfort that worsens without proper intervention.
High-Tech Solutions at Charleston Sports Medicine
Charleston Sports Medicine uses the F-Scan® Tekscan Gait Assessment and Amfit Custom Orthotics to pinpoint foot problems and design solutions. These techniques eliminate guesswork by identifying pain in real time and designing customized relief.
F-Scan® Tekscan: Gait Analysis with Precision
This dynamic pressure-mapping system uses ultra-thin sensors placed inside your shoes to analyze how you walk or run in real time. Unlike static assessments, F-Scan® captures live data, measuring:
- Pressure distribution across the foot
- Force and timing during each phase of gait
- Pronation and supination patterns
- Ground reaction forces
This level of biomechanical insight helps our specialists identify exactly where and why stress is occurring in your foot.
Amfit Custom Orthotics: Made Just for You
After assessing your unique gait pattern, we use Amfit’s digitized fitting system to craft orthotics that provide targeted support. Unlike off-the-shelf inserts, Amfit orthotics are fully customized using a 3D scan of your foot. They offer:
- Arch support calibrated to your specific foot shape
- Heel cushioning to absorb impact
- Pressure redistribution to relieve strain on the plantar fascia
- Durable materials for long-term use in athletic or everyday footwear
Amfit orthotics use your natural stride to correct imbalances, reduce inflammation, and prevent future injury.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Movement
Whether you’re dealing with a nagging heel ache or a flat-footed gait, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Our orthotics team at Charleston Sports Medicine combines expert diagnostics with science-backed solutions so you can move smarter, not harder.
Spring is here—don’t let foot pain keep you on the couch. Schedule your appointment with Charleston Sports Medicine today and take your first confident step toward relief.
