[Health Column] Can I exercise with plantar fasciitis? Six key facts about plantar fasciitis

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

 

 

Hello, this is Director Choi Woo-hyuk.

 

Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia located on the bottom of the foot, primarily causing pain in the heel area. This condition can be fully cured with early management and appropriate treatment, but if left untreated, it risks becoming chronic. In this column, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment methods, prospects for complete recovery, and prevention strategies for plantar fasciitis.

 

 

1. What is plantar fasciitis?

 

Plantar fasciitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue that absorbs shock in the foot and supports the arch. Excessive activity, abnormal foot structure, and weight gain are major causes. When continuous stress is applied to the plantar fascia, inflammation and pain typically occur in the heel. This condition commonly occurs in individuals with occupations that require standing for long periods, after suddenly engaging in intense exercise without prior training, or when performing repetitive strenuous exercise for extended periods.

 

 

2. Causes of plantar fasciitis

 

The main causes of plantar fasciitis are as follows.

 

1) When repetitive stress is applied to the plantar fascia due to prolonged walking or standing activities

2) When structural issues of the foot, such as flat feet or high arches (pes cavus), cause uneven pressure on the plantar fascia

3) When the plantar fascia is subjected to excessive stress due to obesity or rapid weight gain

4) When wearing shoes that lack cushioning or do not properly support the feet

5) When a person who does not usually exercise engages in intense physical activity

 

In such cases, a significant impact can be applied to the plantar fascia.

 

 

3. Plantar fasciitis symptoms

 

 

The early symptoms of plantar fasciitis are sharp heel pain felt when taking the first step after waking up in the morning and when suddenly standing up and starting to walk after sitting for a long time. This occurs because the plantar fascia is not used for a long period and then suddenly subjected to pressure. Additionally, pain may occur when pressing on the inside of the heel or when bending the toes upward toward the instep.

In the early stages of plantar fasciitis, the pain may be mild, but over time, it can persist during activity or after prolonged rest. The pain typically starts in the center of the heel and can spread across the entire sole of the foot, and if left untreated, it may lead to chronic pain.

 

 

4. Treatment methods for plantar fasciitis

 

The most important part of treating plantar fasciitis is correcting the cause. If there are clear causes such as being overweight, improper exercise, or uncomfortable shoes, correcting those causes is the first step.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis begins with non-surgical methods in the early stages, and in most cases, symptoms are alleviated through these approaches. First, activity levels are adjusted to reduce the burden on the foot, and insoles that support the arch or cold compresses are used to decrease inflammation. Second, stretching exercises and extracorporeal shock wave therapy can relax the tension of the plantar fascia and promote tissue healing. Third, if necessary, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken or patches applied to relieve pain.

 

 

If symptoms do not improve or persist despite more than six months of non-surgical treatment, surgery may be necessary. The procedure typically involves cutting part of the plantar fascia, known as plantar fascia release. If a bony protrusion has formed on the heel bone, it is removed through a bony prominence removal surgery. These surgical methods may require about 6 to 12 weeks for recovery, and rehabilitation therapy is also necessary after surgery.

 

However, in the case of these surgeries, there is a possibility that pain may persist due to postoperative hematoma or scar tissue formation, and complications such as nerve damage can also occur, so they are performed selectively. The success rate of plantar fasciitis surgery is about 70-90%, but since there can be side effects, it is best to try non-surgical treatments as much as possible.

 

 

5. Possibility of complete recovery from plantar fasciitis and management methods

 

Plantar fasciitis can be cured in most patients if treated appropriately in the early stages. If treatment is initiated early in plantar fasciitis, symptoms usually improve within 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the patient's condition. Even if it becomes chronic, a complete recovery can be expected with consistent management and treatment, although the treatment period may take several months.

 

 

To increase the chances of fully recovering from plantar fasciitis, it is important to reduce pressure on the foot through weight management, and to prevent recurrence of plantar fascia issues by stretching and wearing appropriate shoes. Additionally, maintaining foot health by making sufficient warm-up and fascia relaxation exercises before and after exercise a habit is essential.

 

 

6. Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis and Recurrence Prevention

 

The key to preventing plantar fasciitis is to reduce excessive stress on the feet. Wear shoes that provide proper cushioning and support, maintain an appropriate body weight, and consistently practice stretching exercises to strengthen the muscles of the soles and calves. Additionally, it is important to avoid standing or walking for long periods and to give the feet adequate rest. Regularly check the condition of your feet, and if pain occurs, seek a professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment as early as possible to prevent recurrence.

 

 

Plantar fasciitis can be completely cured if proper treatment is received early. However, if left untreated, it can become chronic, so it is important to seek professional help immediately when symptoms appear. Improving lifestyle habits along with treatment can effectively prevent the recurrence of plantar fasciitis. If you experience symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit a nearby hospital and take the first step toward healthy feet.

 

 

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

Graduated from Korea University College of Life Sciences
Graduated from Kyunghee University College of Medicine
Kyung Hee University Hospital Resident
Full member of the Korean Society of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine

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