It’s sandal season! And while that might make you (and your toes) jump for joy, the rest of your foot might not feel the same. In fact, many people experience pain on the bottom of their heel as warmer weather allows us to trade in shoes and boots for flip flops and bare feet. A condition – called plantar fasciitis – is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), which reports approximately 2 million patients are treated for this condition every year.
But why now? The plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of your feet, is designed to act as a support mechanism for your foot. Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by too much pressure or repeated strain, and this time of year, a seasonal or lifestyle change could be the cause.
- Scrapping supportive shoes in favor of flip flops
Winter boots, tennis shoes and other supportive footwear do a great deal to protect the heel and foot. When you ditch sturdy shoes for a flimsy pair of flip flops (or no shoes at all!) and then hit the street, your feet take notice. Think about a time where a quick trip to the store turned into a full day in flip flops. Repeated days of coming down on hard pavement with very little cushion or support to protect your foot can lead to plantar fasciitis.
- Couch to 5K… or None to Run
These popular workout concepts can kickstart your exercise plan, but “making too big a change too fast is also an invitation for injury,” says Dr. Keith Jacobson, podiatric surgeon at Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists. True beginners need to build lower body strength and flexibility as they get started to avoid injury, and plantar fasciitis is very common among those who overdo it. In this case, the old saying “walk before you run” is great advice.