Keeping Plantar Fasciitis under Your Control

More than 2 million people a year are treated for plantar fasciitis and it’s becoming more well-known through social media and the internet. It’s no wonder you want to know if there are some specific things you can do to prevent this painful condition from ever happening to you.

Dr. Sherman Nagler’s Tips-

Some of the risk factors for Plantar Fasciitis (or the other names for it may have heard “heel pain” or a condition that results from it “heel spurs”) are under your control, whereas others are not. Here are four risk factors you can influence.

Overweight and obesity

Extra weight puts more force on the arch when walking causing it to flatten out to a greater degree than normal. The flattening pulls on the plantar fascia causing micro-tears that cause heel pain. Weight gain can play a large role in lowering your risk for developing plantar fasciitis.

Lack of supportive shoes

For those prone to plantar fasciitis wearing the right shoes will make a huge difference in preventing a reoccurrence. Start in the morning when you first get out of bed.

Never go barefoot. Instead slip your feet into a supportive pair of sandals. For everyday wear, make sure you buy shoes that provide good support and stability.

Tight calf muscles

Tight calf muscles are commonly found in people with plantar fasciitis and are a frequent part of the problem. If your calf muscles are tight you can reduce your risk for plantar fasciitis by stretching them on a daily basis. Although many people use the runner’s stretch and think that’s enough, for many people it isn’t. Instead, use a splint often called a night splint. Use it during the day while watching TV or reading and do it at least once a day for 30 minutes.

Increasing training time too quicklyAthletes are at high risk for plantar fasciitis, including runners. Running puts an extra four pounds of force on your feet. As a result of this extra force, your feet can’t go from 0-60 without paying the price– often as heel pain. Build up your training slowly. Dr. Sherman Nagler recommends training 3 days a week and then increase your training time between 10-20% each week and no more.

Contact Nagler Foot Center at 713-893-5620 or visit www.foothouston.com today to schedule an appointment for an examination with podiatrist and foot surgeon, Dr. Sherman Nagler. Do not spend another morning waking up to stabbing heel pain from untreated plantar fasciitis.