Plantar Fasciitis: Treating Runners

Plantar fasciitis causes the heel to hurt, feel hot or swell. The cause of this is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thin layer of tissue supporting the arch of the foot. Repeated microscopic tears of the plantar fascia cause pain.

An X-ray is usually not necessary to diagnose plantar fasciitis, although it may be useful to rule out other potential causes of heel pain. With plantar fasciitis, the pain is worse when first getting out of bed, or is noticeable at the beginning of an activity and gets better as the body warms up. The pain may worsen toward the end of the day.

There are a number of possible causes for plantar fasciitis and they often work in combination. Tightness of the foot and calf, improper athletic training and stress on the arch, or weakness of the foot are potential causes. Shoes that don’t fit or overuse (excessive running) may hurt the plantar fascia. Runners with low arches, flat feet or high arches are at increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

The worst thing you can do to an active runner, short of cutting their legs off, would be to tell them to stop running and stay off their feet.

Treating runners with plantar fasciitis is one of the most difficult things to do. Runners lead an active lifestyle which they have grown accustom to. Taking that away from them is not easy.

If you are a runner and have plantar fasciitis here are some treatment suggestions:

Night Splints: A night splint will hold the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight so that they can be stretched more effectively. These generally cost between $40-$50.

Orthotics: You can get yourself off-the-shelf or custom-fitted arch supports to help distribute pressure to your feet more evenly. The cost for these vary and can be anywhere from $20-$100.

Stretching: Doctors and physical therapists recommend stretching as the most effective way to treat this condition. You may choose to purchase a stretching aid to help assist you with this task. Stretching should be done 1-3 times per day in small 5-10 minute sessions. A stretching aid will run you about $25-$30.

With a little effort on your part plantar fasciitis is a very manageable condition. Using the treatment suggestions above will help you remain active throughout the treatment process.

www.RunPainFree.org

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