How do u know if you have plantar fascitis?

For endurance athletes, plantar fascitis is a perennial issue. It is an overuse injury, with the likes of patello femoral, IT band syndrome issues, which came in the late 70s as the popularity of aerobics training grew.

Do the toe walk (walk on your toes). If you feel pain, it is most liekly plantar fascitis. If it is not, and you feel tender around the inner edges of the heel at the origin of the medial longitudinal arch, it is most likely a spur.

If you have plantar fascitis, rolling a golf ball underneath your foot and getting some major foam rolling done on the calves will help. Working on hamstring control will help heel strike which in turns reduces stress on the plantar fascia. Don't forget the mobility of the big toe too as it is the toe that starts the stance.

If you have a spur, nothing much can be done except surgery to remove it. Soft tissue work can work to a certain extent to prevent further growth of the spur. Wearing heel supports will also help in the endeavour. However, if you are suffering from acute pain, seeing an orthopedic surgeon to remove it is encouraged. It is only a day surgery and 2 - 3 weeks rest. You need the rest anyway since that is the only way to stop you running :)



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