Healthline: Should You Continue to Run with Plantar Fasciitis?
Healthline recently interviewed foot and ankle surgeon Rachel Triche, MD, at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, about plantar fasciitis, a degenerative irritation of the ligament that connects the front of the foot to the heel. Triche discussed how runners can continue being active and running safely if they experience this painful condition.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis (pronounced: fashee-EYE-tiss) include pain at the bottom of the heel and along the arch of the foot. This discomfort appears first thing in the morning after getting out of bed and becomes less severe after a few steps. Runners also experience pain during the push-off phase of their stride.
In mild cases, when symptoms can be controlled, following a daily stretching regimen can help ease the discomfort. But in severe cases, Triche advised avoiding high-impact activity, such as running, because it will likely be painful and require a prolonged recovery.
"Start with a walk-jog, or something quite a bit easier than you would normally do first, and see how it goes," Triche told Healthline. “It’s important to listen to your body — and if the pain increases, your body is telling you that you are not ready yet."
If walking is too much, Triche suggested trying cross-training and low-impact activities such as swimming, biking or rowing.
To help minimize discomfort from plantar fasciitis, warm up for at least five minutes before any type of physical activity, Healthline explained. Spend a few minutes stretching the feet, including the heel and arch area.
Regardless of the severity of plantar fasciitis, it’s important to understand the source of the symptoms and to talk to a doctor if pain and discomfort persist.
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