What is Plantar Fasciitis? Your Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever experienced that sharp pain in your heel when you first step out of bed in the morning? Or perhaps you’ve felt it after a long period of sitting? If so, you might be familiar with a condition called Plantar Fasciitis. But what exactly is it, and how can you manage it effectively? This week Nick breaks down everything you need to know about what plantar fasciitis in simple terms.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot problem that affects a lot of people, especially those over 50. Essentially, it’s a “fancy” term for inflammation and irritation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot, near the heel. When you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll often feel a stabbing pain in your heel, especially in the morning or after resting. It tends to ease up as you move around during the day, but certain activities like standing on your toes or pushing off can make it flare up again.

Why Does it Happen?

Now, you might be wondering, why me? Well, there are a few factors that can increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Tight calf muscles, spending a lot of time on your feet, and getting older are some common culprits. Even the shape of your foot, like having high arches or flat feet, can play a role. But here’s the thing—while these factors make it more likely for you to get plantar fasciitis, they don’t necessarily cause it outright.

Dispelling Myths

There are plenty of myths floating around about plantar fasciitis that we need to clear up. First off, heel spurs. Contrary to popular belief, most heel spurs aren’t actually the cause of your pain. They’re more like innocent bystanders hanging out near the plantar fascia. So, if you’ve been told you have a heel spur, don’t stress too much about it.

Another myth is that having flat feet or over pronation (when your foot rolls inward too much) automatically leads to plantar fasciitis. While these things can contribute to foot problems, they’re not always the main culprit. It’s more about how your foot moves and the strain it puts on that sensitive tissue on the bottom.

What Can You Do About It?

If you think you might have plantar fasciitis, there are a few things you can try to ease the pain. First off, supportive footwear is key. Make sure you’re wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning, especially if you’re on your feet a lot.

Stretching your calf muscles regularly can also help, since tightness there can pull on the plantar fascia and make things worse. And don’t forget about icing—rolling a frozen water bottle under your foot can provide some much-needed relief.

Seeking Help

If your pain persists or gets worse, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist. They can confirm whether it’s plantar fasciitis or something else going on. Sometimes, additional treatments like physical therapy or custom orthotics may be needed to get you back on your feet pain-free. The team here at NK Active are here to help make sure you get the right treatment for you. We are always happy to advise so do be sure to book a consultation with one of the team.

Final Thoughts…

Plantar fasciitis might be a pain in the heel, but with the right knowledge and treatment, you can manage it effectively. Remember to take care of your feet, listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. Tackle plantar fasciitis head-on and get back to doing the things you love without the ache in your step.

Listen to the latest episode of the NK Active podcast here on your chosen platform – https://kite.link/nk-active or watch the YouTube video below.