Foot Pain? Could it be plantar fasciitis?

If you experience pain in your foot or heel, you may have speculated or been told that you have plantar fasciitis. Could it be? It could, but it could also be associated with other parts of your foot not functioning as it should, which puts added stress on the bottom of your foot.

Plantar fasciitis is an injury that occurs due to overloading of the thick band of fascia on the bottom of your foot. This fascia connects your toes to the bottom of your heel. It is also associated with your calf muscles and could result in tightness there as well. Here are some symptoms you may be feeling if you have plantar fasciitis:

• Pain when taking your first steps in the morning

• Pain when you are immobile or sitting for a period of time then get up to walk

• Not wanting to walk barefoot around your house

• Sharp heel pain

image from: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs/

Other factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis such as being middle aged, overweight, being diabetic, and having flat feet or high arches. Since it is an overuse injury, it may be that we don’t even know that we are causing inflammation because of what we do. Runners can experience plantar fasciitis pain due to the repetitive motion.

There are a number of treatment options you can do to help your feet. Seeing a chiropractor to get your ankle and bones of your feet adjusted or mobilized to improve the motion. Soft tissue mobilization of your muscles that may be too tight or causing pain. Rehabilitation programs targeted towards your feet and lower leg but then also working through glute exercises because our hips and low back can be a factor with how we walk or perform activities on our feet.

We have posted exercises on our Instagram page (@endurancefargo) if you are interesting in reducing your pain in your feet.