New HealWell Cub Night Splint Slipper A Comfortable Option For Nighttime Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis

A new patented soft slipper to treat heal and arch pain (plantar fasciitis) replaces traditional rigid and bulky devices with a small, lightweight and breathable nighttime foot support for this very common foot ailment. Encourages regular use, a key factor in treating this ailment, because it allows users to rest and sleep comfortably when wearing the device.

MIRAMAR, FL (PRWEB) October 1, 2003 -- What do Shaquille ONeal and a middle-aged overweight salesperson have in common?

    Both put enormous pressure on their feet and suffer from plantar fasciitis, the leading cause of heal and arch pain.

   With more than 2.5 million new cases reported each year, it is the most common foot condition among a broad range of the population and for varying reasons. These include athletic activity such as running and jumping, increased activity among the elderly, walking and working on hard surfaces, flat feet, poorly fitted shoes, and a large weight gain in a short period of time.

A new patented device to treat this ailment and other related conditions, including Achilles tendonitis and calf muscle cramp, has been introduced by FLA Orthopedics, a leading designer and manufacturer of orthopedic supports and bracing products. Called the HealWell® Cub Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Resting Comfort Slipper, the device is small and lightweight with less bulk than typical rigid night splints and is covered with a soft, breathable, laminated foam material that moves smoothly against bedding.

Most important, the Healwell Cub is extremely comfortable and very easy to apply," said Jerry Slautterback, president of FLA Orthopedics, which has been designing and manufacturing orthopedic products since 1975, in Miramar, Florida, which is also the companys headquarters, and in Huntersville, North Carolina.

Patient compliance is a key factor in the successful treatment of plantar fasciitis, which will only heal with consistent and effective treatment," he said. With an easy- to-apply device thats comfortable to sleep in sufferers are more likely to wear it."

The cost of the HealWell Cub ranges from $69 to $89 and can be purchased from podiatrists, home medical equipment dealer stores nationwide, and from online dealers.

What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia-the long band of tough fibrous connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes. It provides the support for the sole (plantar) of the foot. When the plantar fascia is strained the soft tissues of the fascia tear or stretch. This can lead to inflammation, pain and the possible growth of a bone spur where the fascia attaches to the heel bone.

The most common symptom is severe heel pain in the morning, causing sharp stabbing and often excruciating pain with the first few steps. This is because the position of the feet and ankles as we sleep promotes cramping of the fascia and calf muscles. When the feet are pointed under the weight of the blankets, the plantar fascia ligament is contracted.

Those first steps in the morning are painful because the muscle and ligaments which have been contracted all night are suddenly stretched and pulled. The pain may lessen as walking stretches the fascia, but will return after extensive walking or prolonged rest. Statistics show that the longer the problem lasts, the more difficult it is to manage.

Fortunately for suffers of plantar fasciitis, conservative treatment, which includes use of a night splint, is 95 percent effective -- if used repeatedly.

The patented design of the HealWell Cub comfortably positions the foot to prevent contracting and provide a gentle stretch to the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon throughout the night. This positioning helps reduce the inflammation and associated pain while helping to promote healing of the injured soft tissues.

According to Slautterback, the HealWell Cub was designed to be user friendly-to encourage repeated use during the treatment regimen.

The open-toe slipper design is soft against the foot and comfortable while at rest or sleeping. The lateral side support with an opening prevents any pressure on the sensitive heel or Achilles tendon. The adjustable hinge enables the user to control the angle or degree of dorsiflexion (the toe-up motion of the ankle) while at rest. It has no walking sole since it is not designed for walking.

   Suffers can feel relief in their feet and calf muscles even after the first use," Slautterback said.
   The Healwell Cub is a refinement of FLA Orthopedics HealWell® Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint, a rigid boot-like splint in use for many years.

The Night Splint has been very effective when used regularly," he said, but because of its weight and bulk people were reluctant to use it repeatedly -- which is essential in treating plantar fasciitis. In many instances, people would prefer to deal with the pain rather than endure a poor nights sleep with a cumbersome device.

   The unique design of the HealWell Cub encourages patient compliance -- the most important aspect of any treatment regimen."
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