Once you begin to experience pain along the bottoms of the feet, due to plantar fasciitis, it can become a chronic problem. The pain on the soles of the feet occurs because of inflammation from overstrained ligaments. Each day that the feet have overwork or strain to stabilize the feet in unsupportive shoes, the plantar fascia can become aggravated.
If you have chronic plantar fasciitis that causes you nightly pain, you may want to limit the following activities:
- Running – The repeated impact on the bottoms of the feet, as well as the strain of running or jogging for long distances, can cause chronic pain. To prevent getting chronic pain from running, make sure you use supportive running shoes with ample cushioning and support. Replace sneakers as soon as they seem to be wearing down. Folks with plantar fasciitis can continue to run as the symptoms usually present at rest. That puts injured runners at risk of worsening symptoms. Instead, at the first sign of symptoms, be sure to treat the condition.
- Plyometrics – These are activities that incorporate cardiovascular exercise, as well as strength building. It reinforces the fast-twitch muscles in the legs. These exercises include jumping and can aggravate plantar fasciitis each time you land hard on the feet. Box jumps, jump squats, and long jumps are all exercises that can aggravate chronic plantar fasciitis pain.
- High-impact sports or activities – Like running and plyometrics, any exercise involving high impact on the feet can cause aggravated plantar fasciitis pain. Constant pounding of the grass or pavement, like in football or soccer can cause inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Stretching, icing, massage, and rest are helpful in relieving symptoms related to chronic plantar fasciitis. Wear shoes with lots of cushioning and support to minimize the development of symptoms throughout the day. If you have to, include the use of over-the-counter or custom-made orthotics.
If you feel that your plantar fasciitis pain is becoming worse, make an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. He will help you find treatment for your foot pain. Call Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505, which provides services to Crofton, Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.