Plantar fasciitis sounds like something scary, but it's actually a very common foot condition.
When the tissue that supports the arch of the foot becomes inflamed, it results in heel pain.
Sometimes the pain is so severe that you can't even walk.
Why does this happen?
The heel of your foot is more sensitive than you think. Any sudden movements or stretches may cause tiny tears that lead to pain and inflammation.
Studies have found that women tend to experience plantar fasciitis more than men.
Also, middle-aged, overweight, and people who spend hours in a day on their feet are more at risk of getting this disorder.
If you have flat feet or very high arches, and you're not wearing proper footwear, you may be further damaging your feet.
"When we wear high heels or flat shoes for example, it is giving our foot a constant stretch," Jamie Mandlsohn, a chiropodist, told Global News. "Also walking barefoot on tile or concrete."
Even playing sports, running, and walking can lead to plantar fasciitis.
What to do when you're in pain
Seeing a specialist is the first thing you can do, just to make sure that your symptoms are associated with plantar fasciitis, and not something like osteoporosis.
Worse comes to worst and your foot pain is diagnosed as chronic, you may have to undergo shockwave therapy or cortisone injections.
In the meantime, there are a few ways that you can alleviate the pain at home.
Placing a tennis ball on the ground and gently rolling it under your foot can help to loosen up those muscles by giving them a deep massage.
This is definitely the cheapest alternative, and has always eased the pain under my foot.
Right now, you can get a can of quality Wilson tennis balls for as low as $2.99. I find that these heavy-duty balls are the perfect durability and hardness for alleviating foot pain (you don't want something squishy). Click here to check out these tennis balls!
(Disclosure: We might make a small amount if you buy these tennis balls.)
Remember, feeling a little sore is okay, but if you experience more pain, you should stop the massage.
Make sure to talk to a specialist before making this a daily part of your routine.
How you can prevent getting plantar fasciitis
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
There are many ways you can take care of your feet to avoid having to be bedridden for days.
If your plantar fasciitis is caused by your age or weight, regular exercise monitored by a fitness professional will help put you on a path of recovery.
And if you spend a lot of time on your feet, make sure you're wearing proper footwear.
Avoid shoes that are worn out or have thin soles. And as mentioned before, if you have flat feet or high arches, find shoes that offer the best support.
"Stay away from some shoes that have memory foam, there is often no support in the foot and the foot rolls over," Mandlsohn recommended, adding to always stay away from flip flops. "It is flat as a board, there is no support."
How often do you feel heel pain?
A tennis ball can also help relieve sciatica. Click here to learn how.
[H/T: Global News]
