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Don't Let This Painful Foot Condition Keep You Off Of Your Feet

Whether you like to run for exercise or to compete in marathons, plantar fasciitis will keep you from going anywhere. This foot condition can become so painful that you can't put weight on the foot. Here is what causes this, how to prevent it and how to treat it if it should keep you out of the race.

The Plantar Fascia

This is a thin band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It connects to the heel bone at one end and the base of the toes at the other. It's purpose is to support the arch in your foot and provide stability when you flex your foot up and down. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue is irritated and becomes inflamed and painful.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

This condition can occur during physical exercise, but often appears right after you get out of bed in the morning. The symptoms include:

  • a painful aching in the bottom of your foot
  • burning along the bottom of your foot
  • severe pain when you press on the heel or at the base of the toes
  • collapse of the foot when you try to step on it

The pain from this condition can be so intense that you can't step down on your foot.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Some of the causes are out of your control, but some you can address easily.

  • genetically weak muscles in the foot
  • injury to the foot that causes irritation to the tissue band
  • improperly fitting shoes or socks that rub against the bottom of your feet
  • poor warm up techniques before exercising or running

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis

As a runner, how you treat your feet is an important part of preventing this painful condition from happening. Some ways to avoid plantar fasciitis include:

  • Make sure your shoes fit properly. The arch of your foot should be supported and not be able to slide back and forth. Buy shoes of the right width so your foot doesn't move side to side. Keep your shoes tied snug against your feet.
  • Wear socks that don't slide against your feet or bunch up under the foot.
  • Allow for proper warm up and stretching of the muscles in your feet before running.
  • On cold days, warm up your feet and allow the muscles to relax before exercising.

Treating Recurring Plantar Fasciitis

If this painful condition begins to occur repeatedly, a visit to a podiatrist can prevent it from happening. Once your foot doctor identifies the cause, they will recommend one or more of the following treatments:

  • custom orthotics worn in your shoes to support your foot and take pressure off of the plantar fascia
  • ankle braces and wraps to prevent your foot from flexing while the tissue band heals
  • physical therapy to stretch out tense muscles in your foot and strengthen them to give your foot better support
  • surgery to release and reposition the plantar fascia so it doesn't become irritated as easily

To learn more, visit a website like http://www.westmorelandfootdoctor.com.


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