Question
i was diagnosed with  mild plantar fasciitis. my specialist said that i had flat feet however i don't think i was born with it.is it possible that the injury resulted in it?
the pain resides around the bottom of the toes and the arch area instead of the heel area. is it really PF?
I had custom insoles made. however, after my first run with it,  it seems that the insoles are hurting me instead at the arch area.
Are insoles really effective? what about running barefoot so as to train the muscles of the feet instead of relying on the insoles too much?  

Answer
This Chicago Podiatrist says-I have been to Singapore-The best seafood I ever had was at the all night open air seafood market!

As we get older some of us will start to lose our arch. It is genetic since it is primarily due to bone structure and then muscle function. You can have plantar fasciitis pain in the arch area-but not so much in the toe area.
The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis should be done with a hands on exam and also looking at the feet.
You probably have tight calves and should stretch them aggressively-that will cause some of the symptoms you describe-including plantar fasciitis-also known as plantar fasciosis.
Toe standing exercises will strengthen your arch-forget running barefoot-unless you want more problems.
It can take up to two weeks to become used to orthotics. If the pain seems to  be decreasing try to get used to them-if the pain is increasing then you need a re evaluation.
Go back and tell the doc who made your orthotics/orthoses that they hurt and may need an adjustment. Have him evaluate the running shoes that you are wearing them in.




Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.