Avoiding Plantar Fasciitis This Summer

The spring and summer weather has finally arrived after two months of cold, overcast skies, and rain. The favorite footwear during the warm weather is sandals and of course the popular flip flops.

Though flip flops are great poolside and by the beach they play a part in creating a common foot ailment called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis (PF) is heel pain or pain on the underside of the foot. It is caused by a strain or inflammation of the main ligament on the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia. This condition, while not serious, can become very painful and make normal activity and exercise very difficult.

The most common cause for PF is wearing shoes with little or no support for extended periods, and overexertion. Flip flops and sandals without a back strap are particularly troublesome because our toes are constantly gripping the sandal to keep it on our foot. This creates a tightness in the calves and a shortening of the muscles. These contracted muscles then pull on the ligament attachment at the beginning of the heel creating plantar fasciitis.

Myofascial release is quite effective in treating this condition, and in releasing muscle spasm throughout the body. To avoid PF wear supportive shoes for any exercise and when on your feet for an extended period.

Let’s have a pain free summer if possible.