Cath, a thirty-six-year-old office manager and a mum of three is a sufferer of plantar fasciitis. The pain had significantly reduced her mobility and would sometimes wake her up during the night.
Plantar fasciitis affects 10% of women aged 35 or over in the UK, according to new research from Vionic.
“My fiancé and I used to run three times a week without fail. When the plantar fasciitis started, I became incredibly frustrated with life because the pain in every step I made, meant that I was unable to run. Most mornings I would dread getting out of bed because I knew just how much that first step would hurt. It really affects your day when your first thought is about the pain that you know you will soon be in.”
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes and commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.
Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners. People who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support also have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
So, when Cath spoke to her local pharmacist about help, she was recommended to see a chiropodist to buy specialist insoles to help with her alignment. She was really worried about the cost of this and did some research. After a while of searching she stumbled across the name Vionic in an article about footwear that could help with her plantar fasciitis.
She was extremely hesitant to look, because in her mind, the shoes would be great big, thick soled, ugly, frumpy things. It’s safe to say that she was delighted to be proved wrong!
“There is something available for every occasion from flip flops to trainers, and a great selection of boots too I bought a pair of trainers and a pair of sandals on the spot!” says Cath, who has now worn Vionic footwear, every day for the last two years.
“People think I am being dramatic when I say this brand of shoes have changed my life, but they really have! I cannot remember the last time I woke up in pain, or with that awful feeling of dread about the day ahead.”
If you’re a Vionic virgin, I urge you to change that as soon as possible because, like me, you have nothing to lose and perhaps your life to gain back!”
