Don’t Let Foot Pain Slow Your Summer Down

The South Dakota summer is as hot as it is short. Therefore, we try to fit in as much activity as possible before another long subzero winter creeps in. Unfortunately, sometimes that summer fun is cut short well before the snow flies. Simple foot pain could be the difference between the back nine or the club house.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury many suffer. At least 10% of the entire U.S. population will or have had it, and according Shannon Engel, a podiatrist at Sanford Clinic Watertown, it is the most frequent injury he sees regarding foot pain.

Engel says, “Taking care of problems before they start and getting them taken care of before they get too bad is key to an injury such as plantar fasciitis.”

So, before auctioning off the golf clubs at the next weekend neighborhood garage sale, know that plantar fasciitis is usually a minor injury. The source comes from over use and wearing of the foot. It is common in people above average in weight and people who have improper footwear — especially shoes the incorrect size. The injury comes from the plantar fascia, which is an arched band ligament that runs from the heel to the toes and is partially responsible for the arch of the foot.

The pain is a result of inflation of this band. Pain is more common in the morning and it usually fades as use or walking of the foot continues throughout the day. Also, pain may occur before and after sitting.

There are simple techniques that can help prevent or ease the injury. Engel has these instructions, “People can work on stretching their foot. Take a towel for example or a belt, kind of loop it around their foot, pull back and stretch out the back of their leg, the bottom of the foot.” Simply icing the foot region down for 10 to 20 minutes each day will help along with taking over-the-counter ibuprofen or Advil to reduce the inflation.

If pain continues, it is probably suggested to see your doctor or make an appointment with a podiatrist. Surgery is available and varies in kind. Cortisone shots, shock treatment and reconstruction are all options but can usually be avoided.

Engel says the best solution to plantar fasciitis is to have a healthy body because weight is usually the largest factor that affects the feet. Also, wearing the appropriate fitting footwear makes all the difference.

“Summer flies by quickly, and it is important to enjoy it,” adds Engel. “If the appropriate measures are taken to keep your body and feet healthy, then you can enjoy the warm and the rest of the entire year.”

By: Sanford Health with Shannon Engel, MD with Sanford Clinic Watertown