Stopping foot pain in its tracks
As a physiotherapist, I often hear complaints about foot pain. When it hurts to walk, it can make daily and recreational activities difficult.
One of the most common areas of foot pain is on the bottom, extending from the heel into the arch of the foot. This is commonly diagnosed as plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia is a tough band of tissue that begins at the heel and expands out like a fan on the bottom of your foot. Its role is to help support the joints of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this band is stressed excessively, often due to the downward pressure of the arch of the foot.
Factors such as insufficient shoe support, walking on very firm or uneven terrain and a spike in weightbearing activity can all contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
In 2020-21, many of us have an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis, as we are spending more time at home either walking around barefoot or wearing less supportive shoes than usual.
Additionally, the increase in walking frequency (although fantastic for your general health) that many of us are enjoying can overwhelm this tissue if the volume of walking increases too quickly.
WONDERING IF YOUR FOOT PAIN IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Typically, plantar fasciitis makes the first few steps in the morning excruciatingly painful. Once you are moving, the pain often settles (at least somewhat), only to worsen if you’re lifting something heavy, on your feet for a long time or upon walking after a period of rest.
THINK YOU HAVE PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
The good news is that plantar fasciitis can be quite manageable. The sooner you take action after the onset of the first symptoms, the easier it will be to get it under control. Here are three easy strategies that can be helpful in managing pain on the bottom of your foot.
1. Self-massage. First thing in the morning, gently rub the bottom of your foot between your heel and toes for three to four minutes. This will loosen up the tissue if it has tightened up overnight.
2. Calf stretch. Stretch the muscle in your lower leg by placing a belt around the bottom of your foot and gently pulling upwards, while keeping the knee straight. You can do this while sitting on the edge of your bed with your heel on the floor. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat two to three times.
3. Sneakers. Once you have done some gentle massage and the stretch, put your shoes on before you stand up in the morning. This can protect the irritated tissue from the forceful stretch of weightbearing in bare feet.
These simple strategies may provide some relief of your symptoms while you wait for an assessment with your physiotherapist. Even if these strategies work for you, there will be more work to do to ensure a complete recovery and limit the likelihood of recurrence of your symptoms.
Laura Lundquist is a physiotherapist whose passion for healthy active aging prompted her to open Zoomers Physiotherapy and Health Solutions in Halifax. More information about Zoomers' healthcare and fitness services can be found at www.zoomershealth.ca or by calling 902-453-1525. Located at 291 Horseshoe Lake Dr., Halifax.
“In 2020-21, many of us have an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis, as we are spending more time at home either walking around barefoot or wearing less supportive shoes than usual.