Plantar fasciitis piriformis isn't a true condition. It's two separate types of injuries that commonly affect athletes. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, while piriformis syndrome is pressure placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Both of these conditions can cause significant pain, but this pain is typically isolated to two distinct areas of the body. Whether you can run with either injury depends on the severity of your symptoms as well as your adherence to treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation along the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, often leads to a sharp pain within your heel. Usually, this discomfort is felt in the morning with your first few steps, according to the Mayo Clinic, and lessens with the progression of the day. A number of factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including weight, exercise, foot mechanics and footwear. Anything that affects the impact between your foot and the ground can place stress on the plantar fascia, leading to irritation and subsequent inflammation.
Piriformis Syndrome
According to the Sports Injury Clinic, an abnormal level of tightness with the piriformis muscle, which is situated deep within the buttocks, can place pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain to radiate down the affected leg. Any sort of injury or strain to this muscle can lead to swelling, compressing the sciatic nerve and resulting in discomfort.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment of plantar fasciitis typically entails self-care. Resting, elevating and icing the affected foot prevents further irritation of the plantar fascia and helps to reduce inflammation. Arch supports and proper footwear can correct an improper distribution of weight, thereby taking the strain off of this band of tissue.
Treating Piriformis Syndrome
With piriformis syndrome, treatment usually revolves around activities that stretch this particular muscle, according a SportsMedWeb story on Rice University's website. Sustaining stretches that target the hip, groin and thigh can help relieve stress on the piriformis, allowing inflammation to subside. Massaging the buttock as well as taking part in physical therapy is also beneficial.
Running
While dealing with plantar fasciitis, you should still be able to run, advises the Mayo Clinic. However, it's often necessary to reduce the number of miles until the pain associated with the condition subsides. Piriformis syndrome can preclude running until the condition is corrected. Your doctor or physical therapist can tell you when you can hit the road again.
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