The Basics: Plantar Fasciitis

As an athlete, one of the last things I expected was to develop arthritis. However, I did. To me, arthritis meant I had to slow down, get a cane, and keep my legs elevated at all times. My doctor helped me to understand that I could continue living my life with some simple modifications to my daily routine. I did not have to give up sports. I created this blog to help other athletes who have been newly diagnosed with arthritis. With proper nutrition and the right lifestyle changes, you do not have to give up the sports you love.

The Basics: Plantar Fasciitis

19 April 2017
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog


If you have chronic pain in your heel, you may have a common condition podiatrists called plantar fasciitis.  The plantar fascia is a flat ligament that runs from the heel bone to the toes. This band of tissue supports the arch in your foot, and if it becomes strained, it will cause pain in your heel or on the bottom of your foot when you walk or place weight on it. Your foot may also become swollen and tender. Here is what you need to know about plantar fasciitis.

Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?

This foot condition is common once people reach middle-age. It is also common in younger people who have jobs that require long hours on their feet, athletes, and soldiers who have to do a lot of marching. It may affect both feet or just one.

What Is The Cause Of Plantar Fasciitis?

This condition is caused by the strain of the plantar fascia ligament in the arch of the foot. With each repeated strain, the ligament can get tiny tears, further exacerbating the problem. This injury can happen as a result of:

  • Excessive pronation. This is when the foot comes down with each step on the inside rather than the outer edge.
  • You have flat feet with no arches or you have feet that have very high arches.
  • You are overweight or obese.
  • You have to stand or walk for long hours.
  • You have poorly fitting shoes or wear cheap shoes with little arch support.
  • Your Achilles tendon or calf muscles are extremely tight.

What Are The Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis?

The primary symptom is pain. This will likely start with your first step out of bed each morning. The pain may lessen early in the day, especially if you have a desk job and can rest your feet, but it will start right back up again once you get up. Climbing stairs may exacerbate the pain because of the position the ligaments in the foot and ankle must take. It's also not uncommon for them to ache increasingly as the day goes on. By evening, you may see noticeable swelling and pain.

What Are The Treatment Options For Plantar Fasciitis?

There is no best single option or cure for treating plantar fasciitis. Giving your feet a rest is best, but that's not always possible, especially if the issue is work-related. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, as can putting your feet up and using ice on them.

It's important to see a podiatrist. They need to confirm plantar fasciitis is the issue. They can also not only give you stretching exercises that may help, the can get you fitted for orthotics. An orthotic insole is custom molded for each of your feet and will help add much needed support. If you have further questions, head over to http://www.citruschiropracticgroup.com for more information.

About Me
Tips for Athletes With Arthritis

As an athlete, one of the last things I expected was to develop arthritis. However, I did. To me, arthritis meant I had to slow down, get a cane, and keep my legs elevated at all times. My doctor helped me to understand that I could continue living my life with some simple modifications to my daily routine. I did not have to give up sports. I created this blog to help other athletes who have been newly diagnosed with arthritis. With proper nutrition and the right lifestyle changes, you do not have to give up the sports you love.

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