Plantar Fasciitis, If you’re like most Americans, by the end of a long work day you want nothing more than to sit down, relax, and put your feet up. After spending much of the day on your feet, it’s only natural that you’d be longing for a foot rub!
But what happens when those end-of-the-day aches turns into chronic and throbbing pain?
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plagued by a nagging ache in your heel that just won’t go away? Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. According to The Mayo Clinic, the condition arises due to the inflammation of the tissue that connects tissue to your heel bone and toes (the plantar fascia).
Symptoms may include:
- Stabbing pain in the heel upon walking after long periods of rest
- Pain upon walking after waking (first thing in the morning)
- Foot pain after exercise
Who Does it Affect?
Affecting more than 3 million Americans per year, plantar fasciitis is often called by its more colloquial name – policeman’s heel! As the name suggests, the condition stems from the strain of constantly being on one’s feet. According to research published in The New York Times, healthy individuals should strive for 10,000 steps daily – that’s about 5 miles of pounding the pavement!
All that walking is essential to maintaining a healthy body. However, when you add in the stressors common to modern life – the effects of pavement and constrictive shoes (such as high heels) on the body – the feet can take quite a beating. Subsequently, plantar fasciitis is most common in individuals who spend long periods of time on their feet – those in the restaurant industry, those who commute to work on foot, and the like.
You may be at risk if you:
- Are overweight
- Are an avid runner
- Wear shoes with inadequate support
- Spend long periods of time on your feet
What Can You Do?
The good news? Plantar fasciitis, though incredibly common, is easily treatable! Your first steps? If you’re often on your feet, invest in a good pair of shoes with adequate support. If your pain has arisen after injury in a Miami car accident, remember that the specialists at PROS Miami Clinics are only a phone call away. With the compassion and care of our team of experts at our top of the line Miami injury clinic, you’ll be back on your feet in no time!