The Painful Truth About Plantar Fasciitis: What You Need to Know
For many people, getting out of bed can be a daily struggle. But for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, rising and falling from the comfort of their own beds is more like navigating an obstacle course.
As someone who recently discovered the pain of plantar fasciitis firsthand, I asked experts to share what they know about this common condition. "Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia is overloaded," explains Dr. Lance Silverman, a board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. The plantar fascia is like a ligament that connects the bones of the foot to one another, supporting the arch of the foot.
The condition can be triggered by sudden increases in activity, prolonged standing, weight gain, abnormal arches or repetitive stress. But what exactly causes it? Dr. Amiethab Aiyer, division chief of foot and ankle surgery at Johns Hopkins, explains that the plantar fascia is constantly working to support day-to-day activities. When this ligament becomes inflamed or develops microtears, pain in the bottom of the heel increases after periods of rest.
The good news is that most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve on their own after a week or so of rest. But if symptoms persist, it's essential to seek medical attention. Dr. Brennan Boettcher, a sports medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic, recommends avoiding overuse and injury, as well as incorporating strengthening exercises for the foot muscles.
Strengthening the muscles of the feet can help prevent plantar fasciitis. Silverman suggests doing toe curls or marble pickups to build up the strength in the toes and surrounding areas. Regular stretching and massaging the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can also help alleviate inflammation and prevent it from returning.
So, what should someone who went jogging after years of not running do? My experience is that gentle, non-overloading activity can help alleviate symptoms. While I still have a few weeks of recovery ahead, I'm hopeful that my heel will be pain-free soon.
As for those who are just starting out with exercise, Silverman advises increasing activity levels gradually to allow the body to acclimatize. Choosing shoes that match the environment and activity level is also crucial in preventing plantar fasciitis.
While it's easy to dismiss the symptoms as minor or temporary, plantar fasciitis can have a significant impact on daily life. By understanding what causes it, incorporating preventative measures and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can take control of their foot health and alleviate this painful condition.
For many people, getting out of bed can be a daily struggle. But for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, rising and falling from the comfort of their own beds is more like navigating an obstacle course.
As someone who recently discovered the pain of plantar fasciitis firsthand, I asked experts to share what they know about this common condition. "Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia is overloaded," explains Dr. Lance Silverman, a board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. The plantar fascia is like a ligament that connects the bones of the foot to one another, supporting the arch of the foot.
The condition can be triggered by sudden increases in activity, prolonged standing, weight gain, abnormal arches or repetitive stress. But what exactly causes it? Dr. Amiethab Aiyer, division chief of foot and ankle surgery at Johns Hopkins, explains that the plantar fascia is constantly working to support day-to-day activities. When this ligament becomes inflamed or develops microtears, pain in the bottom of the heel increases after periods of rest.
The good news is that most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve on their own after a week or so of rest. But if symptoms persist, it's essential to seek medical attention. Dr. Brennan Boettcher, a sports medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic, recommends avoiding overuse and injury, as well as incorporating strengthening exercises for the foot muscles.
Strengthening the muscles of the feet can help prevent plantar fasciitis. Silverman suggests doing toe curls or marble pickups to build up the strength in the toes and surrounding areas. Regular stretching and massaging the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can also help alleviate inflammation and prevent it from returning.
So, what should someone who went jogging after years of not running do? My experience is that gentle, non-overloading activity can help alleviate symptoms. While I still have a few weeks of recovery ahead, I'm hopeful that my heel will be pain-free soon.
As for those who are just starting out with exercise, Silverman advises increasing activity levels gradually to allow the body to acclimatize. Choosing shoes that match the environment and activity level is also crucial in preventing plantar fasciitis.
While it's easy to dismiss the symptoms as minor or temporary, plantar fasciitis can have a significant impact on daily life. By understanding what causes it, incorporating preventative measures and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can take control of their foot health and alleviate this painful condition.
Plantar fasciitis is no joke, fam! 
When I first started noticing the pain in my heel, I thought it was just a minor tweak, but boy was I wrong 
. I had to take a break from all activities and just chill on the couch for a bit. 
! Toe curls, marble pickups - you name it, I tried it 
. And let me tell you, my calf muscles and Achilles tendon are super flexible now 
. It's like a whole new world out there for my feet 
.
. If you're just starting out with exercise or have been inactive for a bit, don't try to overdo it, fam! 
Gradual progression is key 
. And those shoes? Choose wisely, 'cause a good pair can make all the difference 
.
, but I'm so glad I took action and got my feet checked out 
. Now I know how to take care of them 
.
. I mean, think about it - they'd probably just try to "cure" it with a magic pill instead of addressing the root cause. Like, why not regulate shoe manufacturers to make shoes that don't exacerbate the problem? Or implement public awareness campaigns to get people to listen to their bodies and take it easy when they need to. And what about universal healthcare coverage for foot massages and physical therapy sessions? 
It's all about prioritizing prevention over quick fixes, you know?
. But what I think is really important is that we need to talk about how societal expectations are contributing to this issue 
. Like, why is it that people feel like they need to be constantly active and on the go? Can't we just take a break and prioritize rest for once? 
It's all about finding balance and taking care of ourselves, you know?
. i mean, it's not just about the pain in your heel, it's about the whole thing being a major obstacle course to get through the day 
) but now i'm all about spreading awareness and helping people find ways to deal with it 
. And yeah, strengthening your foot muscles is key, my friend's been doing toe curls and stuff to help alleviate symptoms... it's not rocket science but it does require some effort 
like rest and strengthening exercises make sense... my friend has been dealing with it for ages and its really helped her a lot 
does anyone know if thats true? 
.
You guys have no idea how many ppl struggle w/ it 
Did u know that sudden increases in activity or weight gain can trigger plantar fasciitis? 
. And yes, strengthening foot muscles through exercises like toe curls & stretching 
, gentle activity can be a lifesaver 
. And if u're just starting out w/ exercise, don't @ me when you wanna run a marathon 
I mean, who knew strengthening your foot muscles could make a difference? It's not rocket science, people! We need to start taking care of our feet and ourselves in general. Maybe we can even normalize talking about foot pain and injuries as something that happens to anyone, regardless of age or activity level 
. Just don't ignore it, 'cause if it's been going on for too long, you might need to see a specialist 
.
. and honestly, most cases do resolve on their own after a week or so of rest, which is exactly what the article is trying to spin as "good news"... 
i mean i know it's not fun being stuck in bed cuz you can't walk cuz your heel hurts but cmon is it that hard to wear some comfy shoes or take a break every now and then? 
do toe curls really make a difference? probably not 
. so be gentle w/ yurself & take care of those feet 
. I mean, I've always thought it was just something that happens to old people or runners who do too much 
. For me, the main thing is that I need to be more mindful of my activity levels 
.
. It's all about being proactive and taking care of our bodies, right?