| Heel pain in athletes can become an excruciating | | | | mild to severe. The pattern of pain can be very |
| experience. Once you encounter heel or arch pain, it | | | | unpredictable over months at a time. In many cases, |
| may be difficult to adjust your lifestyle if you are | | | | the pain disappears for several weeks, only to |
| used to being active. This makes it important to | | | | re-emerge full-blown after a single workout or |
| know the symptoms and treatment methods for | | | | change in activity. |
| some of the most common types of heel pain or | | | | You may experience a decrease in pain when walking. |
| arch pain that develop among runners. Understanding | | | | Runners often develop Plantar Fasciitis, and along |
| the different types of sports injuries is the key to | | | | with the triggers shown above, may occur by abrupt |
| effective treatment of foot pain in athletes. | | | | intensification in your training schedule, or by |
| What is Plantar Fasciitis? | | | | switching running surfaces. This is evident, especially |
| When the plantar fascia --a thick, fibrous band of | | | | when going from a soft surface to a harder one |
| connective tissue in the sole of the foot that | | | | How to Avoid Plantar Fasciitis |
| supports the arch of the foot-- is inflamed, it causes | | | | Treating plantar fascitis pain can be a long process. |
| plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia connects the ball of | | | | Foot pain in athletes can be avoided in a number of |
| the foot to the heel. When the foot is on the ground | | | | ways; here are some recommendations from |
| and supporting all of your body weight, it stretches | | | | physiotherapists that can help prevent Plantar Fasciitis |
| this tissue. When placed under excessive stress, the | | | | Wear Adequate Shoes and Orthotic Shoe Insoles - |
| plantar fascia stretches too far and tears, resulting in | | | | Shoes with good arch support are important. Many |
| inflammation. A sudden movement or the effects of | | | | cases will benefit from wearing orthotic shoe inserts |
| long-term stress can cause this condition. | | | | inside the shoes to improve foot biomechanics. Avoid |
| Plantar Fasciitis is Often the Cause of Foot Pain In | | | | walking without shoes or foot protection. Avoid |
| Athletes | | | | shoes without arch support, and try running on a |
| Plantar fascia pain is a common type of foot pain in | | | | softer surface |
| athletes for a number of reasons. Runners often | | | | Apply Ice - Decrease inflammation and pain by |
| have exercise routines that are simply too long, and | | | | applying ice to your heel. Set your foot on a frozen |
| too stressful on the feet and plantar fascia, especially | | | | bottle of water or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in |
| those individuals who suffer from flat feet. Repetitive | | | | a towel three or four times a day for 5 to 10 |
| stress on the plantar fascia can be caused by | | | | minutes each time. Desensitized tissue can be at risk |
| wearing shoes that lack support and running routines | | | | of ice burn, so never ice more than once an hour. |
| that are too long. Inflammation occurs as the fibers | | | | Try a Different Activity - Consider swimming or |
| tear, causing severe pain. | | | | cycling, as they may be a better exercise option for |
| The following are some of the more common causes | | | | you. When you do try running again, start at a much |
| of Plantar Fasciitis: | | | | lower level of intensity and a shorter distance, then |
| - weight gain | | | | you can build up gradually. Lessen the time you spend |
| - shoes that do not fit properly and inadequate arch | | | | on your feet and reduce the intensity of your |
| support | | | | training. |
| - excessive pronation of the feet | | | | Perform Stretching Exercises - before, during, and |
| - rapid increase in activity such as running or | | | | after physicalactivity. Tight hamstring and/or calf |
| participating in sports | | | | muscles (behind the thigh) limit range of motion and |
| Where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel is | | | | put extra strain on the plantar fascia. Keeping |
| commonly where the pain is felt. Typically, the pain is | | | | muscles flexible and relaxed and joints mobile can be |
| most severe in the mornings when getting out of | | | | accomplished by stretching as a warm up and a cool |
| bed, because the fascia shortens and tightens while | | | | down. Performing plantar fasciitis exercises to stretch |
| you sleep. When getting up, your body weight | | | | the plantar fascia is highly recommended. |
| stretches on the tissue that attaches to the heel | | | | If the problem persists, talk to a podiatrist or |
| bone. Symptoms of foot pain in athletes vary from | | | | physiotherapist. |