One of the most common sources of foot pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This foot affliction usually results in heel pain and affects the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue that runs between the heel and the toes. Many people who suffer from plantar fasciitis will experience sharp heel pain. Runners are one group of individuals that are at risk of developing plantar fasciitis, which can make running significantly more difficult and painful. There are several steps that runners can take to essentially decrease their risk of developing plantar fasciitis from running. First, runners can be intentional about choosing what surfaces they run on. Specifically, runners can choose to run on soft, rather than hard surfaces to ultimately reduce the impact and pressure felt on their heels. Also, to reduce the strain felt on feet, runners can be careful not to increase the distance of their runs by anything more than 10 percent each week. If a runner wants to be particularly proactive, they may choose to also perform a gait analysis with a professional. The purpose of performing this kind of analysis is to try to detect any potentially problematic qualities of the runner’s stride before it leads to issues like plantar fasciitis. If you are a runner and want to learn more about how you can reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, reach out to a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.