What aggravates plantar fasciitis?

Summary

Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia, a band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. This can be caused by physical activity, improper footwear, or rapid weight gain. Exerting pressure on the feet without proper support or wearing tight or poorly designed shoes can worsen the condition. Treatment options include stretching, physical therapy, icing, medication, rest, activity modification, orthotics, shock wave therapy, steroid injections, and gastrocnemius recession. It is important to avoid activities that worsen micro-tears in the plantar fascia. Certain foods, such as those high in saturated fats and refined grains, can also aggravate plantar fasciitis. With treatment, 90% of cases improve within 10 months. Manual physical therapy and low-impact exercises focused on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia can speed up recovery. It is recommended to avoid flat slip-on shoes, pumps, Ugg boots, and flip flops when dealing with plantar fasciitis. Walking is generally safe, as long as it doesn’t cause excessive pain, and wearing properly fitting shoes with arch support is essential. Drinking water can help manage inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.

Questions and Answers:

1. What causes plantar fasciitis flare-ups?

Flare-ups occur when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. Certain factors that can cause flare-ups include engaging in lots of physical activity, wearing shoes without proper support, or experiencing rapid weight gain.

2. What can make plantar fasciitis worse?

Exerting pressure on your feet without proper arch support or padding can put additional stress on your plantar fascia and worsen the condition. Wearing tight shoes or shoes with a high heel-to-toe ratio can also aggravate plantar fasciitis.

3. What can be done for a plantar fasciitis flare-up?

Treatment options for plantar fasciitis flare-ups include stretching and physical therapy, icing, medication, rest, activity modification, orthotics, shock wave therapy, steroid injections, and gastrocnemius recession.

4. What should you avoid doing if you have plantar fasciitis?

Continuing to walk, run, or exercise with an inflamed plantar fascia can worsen micro-tears and increase pain. It is important to rest and modify activities to allow the fascia to heal.

5. What foods should you avoid if you have plantar fasciitis?

Consuming certain foods in excess can worsen plantar fasciitis. These include animal protein sources high in saturated fat, prepared foods with refined grains, sugar, and trans-fats, as well as white flour found in pasta, snacks, and desserts.

6. How long does a plantar fasciitis flare last?

Untreated plantar fasciitis can last a long time, but with treatment, 90% of cases improve within 10 months. During a flare-up, it is important to minimize weight-bearing activities and rest as much as possible.

7. What is the fastest way to cure plantar fasciitis?

The fastest way to recover from plantar fasciitis is through manual physical therapy and low-impact exercises that focus on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Regular physical therapy treatments can improve ankle stability and strengthen the tissues in the foot’s sole.

8. What type of shoes should you avoid wearing with plantar fasciitis?

Flat slip-on shoes, pumps, Ugg boots, and flip flops are shoes that often make plantar fasciitis worse. It is recommended to wear properly fitting shoes with adequate arch support.

9. What is the fastest way to heal plantar fasciitis?

The fastest way to heal plantar fasciitis is through manual physical therapy and low-impact exercises focused on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. These treatments can rebuild ankle stability and strengthen the tissues in the foot’s sole.

10. Is it better to keep walking with plantar fasciitis?

Walking is generally safe with plantar fasciitis, and continuing to walk won’t cause further damage. However, if it becomes painful, it is advisable to stop. It is important to wear properly fitting shoes that provide adequate arch support.

11. Does drinking water help with plantar fasciitis?

Drinking water can help manage inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. Staying hydrated can aid in overall foot health and contribute to the recovery process.