HEEL Yeah!

(You’re wearing Nikes, but you Just Can’t Do It.)

Plantar fasciitis is a very common condition and the most common cause of heel pain. It typically results from overusing or putting too much stress on your feet.

What is the Plantar Fascia?

The plantar fascia is a stretchy, fibrous attachment (similar to a ligament) that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot and toes. It forms the arch of the foot. When the plantar fascia is overused or stretched too far, it can swell.  The inflammation makes it difficult to walk, exercise, or maintain your normal daily routine.

Plantar fasciitis usually causes an achy pain in your heel or the bottom of your foot. Some types of pain you might experience include:

  • Pain that occurs when you stand up after sleeping or sitting down for a long time. This pain generally decreases after a few minutes.
  • Sharp or stabbing pain when putting pressure on your foot.
  • A temporary relief from pain when exercising, but the pain returns when you stop exercising.

What are the risk factors for Plantar Fascia?

  • Age – plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40-60.
  • Exercise – doing certain exercises that place a lot of stress on the heel and attached tissue, like distance running, ballet dancing or aerobic exercise.
  • Foot Mechanics – flat feet, high arch or atypical pattern of walking can put stress on the plantar fascia and cause inflammation.
  • Obesity – carrying extra weight puts additional stress on the plantar fascia.
  • Certain Occupations – jobs that require a lot of standing, such as factory workers, teachers or sales personnel, can result in an increased risk for plantar fasciitis.

Treatment options for Plantar Fasciitis:

  • Stretching and physical therapy
  • Icing the affected area
  • OTC anti-inflammatory medication
  • Rest, activity modification
  • Steroid injections
  • Acupuncture

Don’t Ignore Plantar Fasciitis Pain!

Seek medical attention if plantar fasciitis symptoms persist. If symptoms are ignored, the result can be chronic pain that hinders regular activity. You are likely to modify the way you walk in order to avoid plantar fasciitis pain and bring on other problems with your feet, knees, hips or back.