One thing about the Internet is it's too accessible at least it is for me. One little achy spot and I'm there trying to diagnose myself. While it's probably normal behaviour because afterall who really wants to make a trip to the doctor's office if you don't have to? I'm one of those people.
Obviously I'm NOT a doctor and I shouldn't really diagnose myself and you shouldn't either, but I also know my body. Is it a good enough excuse? Most likely not.
What I did find when I woke up one morning last week, I could barely walk because the bottom, near the heel of my right foot was hurting. I needed sponge slippers because I couldn't put any pressure on it. I wracked my brain trying to figure out what I did to it and I have absolutely no idea. The pain eased up a bit during the day, but would go back to hurting every morning I woke up and stepped out of bed.
From what I've read it's possible (strong possibility as that I have the exact same symptoms) I could have plantar fasciitis, the most common of all heel pain. (Looking at the diagram, I'm nodding and saying "YES!"). Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissues that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
If you're overweight (that's not me)
If you're pregnant (again, that's not me)
If you're a runner (maybe...)
If you have inadequate support in your shoes (that's not me)
What causes the inflammation?
Repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia (fibrous tissue from heel to toe) to become irritated and inflamed.
I'm glad there are exercises that can correct this pain in the heel. This all involves stretching the calf muscle, Achilles tendon and fascia. Applying an ice pack can also reduce the pain and inflammation. It's also good to know you can still workout, but modify your work outs with low impact exercises. Add arch supports or orthotics to give more support in your shoes.
With the foot exercises, I'm hoping this heel pain will disappear as quickly as it mysteriously appeared.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Plantar Fasciitis: A Pain In The Heel
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6 comments:
Hi there, I had exactly the same onset of Plantar Fasciitis. I did diagnose it myself but ended up going to the orthopedic to make sure. They didnt really do anything special other than take xrays, but they dont show anything. Basically the diagnosis was made after asking me a series of simple questions. Since learning about Plantar Fasciits I have started my own website devoted to it. Stop on by and check it out at www.apainintheheel.com. Funny enough, it has the same title as your blog post! Keep stretching!
Pam
Hi Pam,
Thanks for dropping by and leaving me your blog. I have it bookmarked and will let you know of my progress.
Thanks for dropping by the site. Maybe you would like to do a guest post for me sometime about your story with it...let me know if you would be interested.
Pam
Hi Pam,
I would love to do one for you in the future when I get better results.
I started the exercises today and already I can feel the difference.
Sophia,
I have never heard of Plantar Fasciitis until reading your blog. Do you still have the pain?
Shelly,
I've been doing the calf stetches and they are helping enormously. I still have the pain, but it has greatly reduced.
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