Don’t you just love spring and summer? The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and a gentle breeze of warm air is blowing. What better time to enjoy the outdoors, right? But these warmer months are also when people tend to develop a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis. Read on to learn why this foot issue is common in spring and summer.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue running from your heel to your toes. The fascia supports the arch of your foot and provides shock absorption as you walk, run, or jump. Plantar fasciitis can cause sharp pain in your heel when you step on it, and a common sign is when there is pain at the heel or sole of the foot upon first steps in the morning or when standing up after sitting for long periods of time.
Why is plantar fasciitis more common in spring or summer?
The most common reason why plantar fasciitis is more prevalent as the weather gets warmer is that people tend to get more active and they are more likely to wear flimsier footwear.
Increased activity As the weather warms up, you may be more likely to spend more time outside, go on walks or hikes, or participate in other outdoor activities. If you’ve been relatively inactive over the winter, and you suddenly increase your level of physical activity, your body may not be accustomed to the strain, and with weaker muscles and poorer form, putting more strain on your feet may cause damage to your plantar fascia.
Shoes with improper support: Another reason why plantar fasciitis happens more often in spring and summer is that many people wear flip-flops or other shoes without proper arch support. Wearing less supportive shoes makes it harder for you to properly push off when walking or running. Flip-flops, in particular, cause you to have to alter your way of walking, shuffling your steps and gripping your shoes with your toes.
What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?
The good news is that there are several ways to treat this common condition so you can get back to doing what matters most without pain or discomfort. If you have plantar fasciitis, you can try these treatment options:
- Plantar fasciitis is often caused by tightness in your calves and Achilles tendons, which can be relieved by using a foot roller or other tools that help stretch these areas out.
- An effective way to treat plantar fasciitis is by stretching your calves, Achilles tendon, and feet. You should stretch regularly, especially before exercise or after sitting for long periods of time.
- You may also want to consider wearing supportive shoes with good arch support when you’re on your feet all day long, especially if your job requires standing or walking around a lot!
- Avoid activities that aggravate your pain — especially those that put pressure on your heels — until symptoms improve.
- See an experienced acupuncturist who can help you relieve your pain, relax overly tight muscles, and help you avoid suffering from this again in the future.
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t have to put a stop to your summer fun. With the proper exercises, stretches, footwear, and treatment options, you can manage your pain and stay on top of this common foot problem.
Whether you are experiencing plantar fasciitis now or have a tendency to have recurring bouts of it, come in for a Vancouver acupuncture treatment with Lynn Plautz at My Rest and she’ll have you back on your pain-free feet again in short order.