Plantar Fasciitis Affects Pros and Weekend Warriors Alike

If you’re a golf fan, we at NY Foot Health know you were probably disappointed to see Tiger Woods drop out of the Masters Tournament earlier this month. Woods, who has won the prestigious Masters five times, sadly had to officially step off the Augusta National green due to reaggravating his plantar fasciitis. Unfortunately, this condition which causes severe heel pain does not just afflict professional athletes.

Who’s at Risk

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes—becomes inflamed resulting in stabbing pain in the heel. The pain is usually at its worst with the first steps you take when you get out of bed in the morning. That’s because the plantar fascia can tighten up overnight while you sleep. As you continue to move around it stretches and the pain may subside. But being on your feet for extended periods can cause the pain to recur—which is likely what happened to Woods who withdrew after completing seven holes of his third round.

If you have a job that keeps you on your feet most of the day such as teachers, factory workers or coaches, or your exercise activity of choice puts excessive and repetitive stress on the heel like running or ballet dancing you have a greater chance of developing plantar fasciitis. Other factors that can increase your risk of plantar fasciitis include:

  • Age—this disorder most often affects people ages 40-60

  • Biomechanics—certain conditions make you more prone to plantar fasciitis including flat feet, high arches, abnormal gait.

  • Being overweight or obese

Getting Relief

If you have been experiencing heel pain, it’s important that you make an appointment with your podiatrist to get it evaluated. Don’t currently have a podiatrist? We can help you find a foot doctor in your community with our online directory. The podiatrist will examine your heel and the rest of your foot and get your medical history. X-rays or other imaging studies may be ordered to rule out a fracture or other bone problem.

There are a wide variety of conservative treatment options that can help. Icing and over-the-counter pan relievers combined with rest, wearing appropriate footwear, and stretching can help the plantar fascia to heal. In some cases the podiatrist may recommend physical therapy or a custom orthotic device to help correct a biomechanical problem.

To learn more about common cause of foot pain, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.

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