Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by putting excessive strain on your foot, specifically your plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot. Running is a common cause of the condition. Most cases respond well to treatment, and, once healed, you should be able to return to running.
Definition
Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in your heel and the bottom of your foot. The pain originates in your plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that spans from your heel bone to your toes. The pain is usually very sharp in the morning but decreases gradually as your foot limbers up.
Causes
Your plantar fascia works to absorb shock and support the arch of your foot. However, if too much tension is applied to the tissue, it stretches the fascia and creates tears. Repetitive tearing of the fascia results in irritation and inflammation. Several risk factors can lead to plantar fasciitis. Any exercise or activity that puts excessive stress on your foot is a leading culprit. Obesity, improper shoes and poor foot mechanics can also contribute to the condition.
Treatment
According to MayoClinic.com, about 90 percent of patients recover from conservative treatment. This can include medication and physical therapy. Initial treatment of plantar fasciitis usually includes using such anti-inflammatory medications as ibuprofen, heel-stretching exercises, night splints that stretch the plantar fasciitis overnight, and shoe inserts that help distribute pressure to your feet. If these options fail, which is rare, surgery can remove your plantar fascia from your heel bone. This can result in a weakened arch in your foot.
Running
Running, especially long distance running, is a common cause of plantar fasciitis because it can put an extreme amount of stress on your foot. If you believe you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, you should stop running and treat the condition. Most patients recover after a few months. At this point, you should be free to resume any physical activity, including running. Most patients do not experience any long-term problems. However, you should take preventive measures to ensure that the condition does not return.
Prevention
You can take several steps to help ward off plantar fasciitis. Athletic shoes should be replaced when they stop supporting and cushioning your feet. MayoClinic.com recommends runners replacing their shoes every 500 miles. Even nonathletic shoes should have good arch support and shock absorbency. Maintaining a healthy will also minimize the stress on your foot and help prevent plantar fasciitis.
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