Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and the bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis often wonder if exercise can make the condition worse.
Plantar fasciitis can be a painful and frustrating condition. It can make it difficult to walk, run, or even stand for long periods of time. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis may have trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably or may need to use special orthotic inserts to relieve the pain. The condition can also affect their quality of life, making it difficult to participate in activities they enjoy.
The short answer is that exercise can make plantar fasciitis worse, but it depends on the type of exercise and how it is performed. Some exercises can aggravate the condition, while others can help to relieve the pain and inflammation.
In this article, we will explore the relationship between exercise and plantar fasciitis in more detail. We will look at the types of exercise that can make the condition worse, the types of exercise that can help to relieve the pain, and the best practices for exercising with plantar fasciitis.
The Impact of High-Impact Exercises
High-impact exercises, such as running, jumping, and aerobics, can be particularly hard on the plantar fascia. When the foot hits the ground, it creates a shock that reverberates up through the foot and into the plantar fascia. This can cause tiny tears in the tissue and can exacerbate the inflammation that is already present in people with plantar fasciitis.
I used to love running but started experiencing pain in my heel that I thought was due to plantar fasciitis. I kept running, hoping the pain would go away, but it didn't. Eventually, I had to stop running altogether because the pain was too much. It turned out that I did have plantar fasciitis, and running was aggravating the condition.
The Benefits of Low-Impact Exercises
Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, and yoga, can be a great way to stay active without aggravating plantar fasciitis. These exercises are less jarring on the feet and can help to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles in the foot and ankle. They can also help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
After I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, I started doing more low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling. These exercises were much easier on my feet and helped to relieve the pain and inflammation. Yoga was also helpful for improving my flexibility and strengthening the muscles in my foot and ankle.
Other Tips for Exercising with Plantar Fasciitis
In addition to choosing the right types of exercises, there are other things you can do to make sure you are exercising safely with plantar fasciitis:
- Wear supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning.
- Warm up before exercising and stretch afterwards.
- Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
- Use ice to reduce inflammation after exercising.
How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis from Getting Worse
Preventing plantar fasciitis from getting worse is all about taking care of your feet. Here are some tips for preventing the condition from worsening:
- Avoid going barefoot or wearing flimsy, unsupportive shoes.
- Use orthotic inserts to support your arches and cushion your heels.
- Stretch your feet and calves regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the stress on your feet.
Conclusion of Does Exercise Make Plantar Fasciitis Worse
Exercise can make plantar fasciitis worse if the wrong types of exercises are performed, or if they are performed incorrectly. However, low-impact exercises can be a great way to stay active without aggravating the condition. By taking care of your feet and using the right types of exercises, you can manage the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis and stay active and healthy.
Question and Answer
Q: Can walking make plantar fasciitis worse?
A: Yes, walking can aggravate plantar fasciitis if the wrong types of shoes are worn or if the stride is incorrect. Walking on hard surfaces for long periods can also exacerbate the condition.
Q: Can exercise make plantar fasciitis go away?
A: Exercise cannot cure plantar fasciitis, but it can help to manage the pain and inflammation. Low-impact exercises can be particularly helpful for improving flexibility and strengthening the muscles in the foot and ankle.
Q: Should I stop exercising if I have plantar fasciitis?
A: It is not necessary to stop exercising altogether if you have plantar fasciitis. Low-impact exercises can be a great way to stay active and manage the pain and inflammation. However, it is important to choose the right types of exercises and to take care of your feet.
Q: Can plantar fasciitis be cured?
A: Plantar fasciitis can be managed and the symptoms can be reduced, but it is not always possible to cure the condition completely. By taking care of your feet and using the right types of exercises and treatments, you can manage the pain and inflammation and prevent the condition from getting worse.
