Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain in the heel, and it’s certainly one of the most problematic to runners and other athletes. The name refers to the stretching of the plantar fascia; a long stretch of tissue that extends along the sole of the foot, from the heel bone to just below the toes. If over-stretched, plantar fasciitis can occur, which causes a good deal of pain and discomfort under the foot.
Spotting Plantar Fasciitis: The Tell-tale Signs
Plantar Fasciitis is fairly easy to identify. Here are the key signs to look out for:
- Pain on the underside of the foot. Particularly around the inside, where the heel joins the arch.
- Worse in the morning. If your feet feel more painful in the morning, this is another classic sign, and is because the plantar fascia has contracted during the night.
- Pain after a rest. If the pain is worse after sitting down for a long period of time, this is also another key sign that you’re suffering from the condition.
Does Plantar Fasciitis Spell the End of Your Running?
Plantar Fasciitis may put the brakes on your running for a short period of time, but with the right treatment, there’s no reason why you can’t get back to what you love doing. However, it is important to take the condition seriously. Trying to ‘run through’ the pain is likely to make the problem far worse.
Appropriate Treatment
Fortunately, there’s lots of action you can take to ensure that you’re back in the running shoes in double-quick time. Here are a few suggestions:
- Invest in appropriate footwear. A major cause of Plantar Fasciitis is poorly fitting footwear. If you visit a Foot Solutions store in Ireland, they will measure your feet properly and ensure that you’re wearing the right supportive footwear, for both every day wear, and for your running.
- Use arch supports. Inserting the right arch supports into your shoes will help support the foot properly and relieve the pain and discomfort of the condition.
- Stretch calf muscles. Stretching out your calf muscles will really help your leg to recover. There are specific stretching aids you can buy to help with this task.
- Keep the foot raised. Whenever possible, make sure that your foot is kept elevated, and apply ice to the site of the pain.
Extra Help at Foot Solutions
At Foot Solutions, all our specialists are highly trained and can provide expert advice on how to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and make your recovery as swift as possible. At your local Foot Solutions store, you’ll be given custom-made arch supports to best suit the natural shape of your foot. You’ll also find plenty of suitable comfort footwear to help support your foot, and night splints to combat any pain suffered whilst trying to get to sleep.
To find out more about how we can help you get back to running as soon as possible, simply book an appointment at one of our stores today.
