Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain we see in our office here at Kentucky/Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists. In fact, one person out of every 10 experiences plantar fasciitis in their lifetime. While it is treatable, it can cause intense pain and discomfort and even lower someone’s quality of life.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel to your toe, known as the plantar fascia. It often comes about after a period of increased physical activity. It can also be caused by long periods of standing, ill-fitting shoes, foot structure, obesity, poor posture, or other factors.
Plantar fasciitis is marked by pain near the heel, which is typically worse in the morning or after intense activity or periods of rest. For some the pain can be constant, while for others it only lasts the morning.
Typically, plantar fasciitis can be treated with some lifestyle changes: adding stretching to the day, icing the affected area, or resting the foot. That said, there are some things to avoid that could make your issue worse or slow down treatment. If you’re dealing with this common heel issue, here are some things to avoid.
What Should I Avoid While Treating Plantar Fasciitis?
Walking it off
Plantar Fasciitis is definitely not a condition that you can push through without making your symptoms worse. If your heel is hurting from plantar fasciitis, it’s probably due to stress. Trying to push through the pain or go about your day normally could quickly exacerbate the issue, causing more pain and damage to your foot. Typically resting your foot can help if your plantar fasciitis is due to stress or repeated usage.
Wearing the same shoes
Improper footwear can bring about a myriad of foot issues, including plantar fasciitis. Supportive footwear that is not too tight is best. Continuing to wear non-supportive shoes like sandals or flip-flops can be detrimental to your treatment.
Excess body weight
Being overweight can come with an increased risk of plantar fasciitis. Excess weight puts more stress on your foot throughout the day. Plantar fasciitis can affect your mobility, so it could lead to difficulty shedding pounds. Talk to your doctor about ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle and weight for your body and your feet.
Get help from a podiatrist!
If you are experiencing heel pain, every step that you take has potential to be painful. Don’t ignore this pain, and instead reach out to our podiatrists for help! At Kentucky/Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists, our board-certified foot doctors specialize in all areas of podiatric care, including treating chronic and acute conditions. From heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, and sport injuries, our podiatrists can provide high-quality care that makes a difference! Get in touch to book an appointment at any of our locations in Louisville, Bardstown, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and New Albany.