If you suffer from plantar fasciitis you are in good company
Posted By Connie on April 30, 2011
Those of us who love the NBA, and watch our favorite teams religiously throughout the season, may think that we have little in common with the average NBA player. And yet, if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you are in the good company of many NBA Players. From Shaquille O’Neal to Tyreke Evans, plantar fasciitis is the scourge of the NBA. It also plagues approximately 100 millions Americans each year.
This article is shared by Stuart podiatry.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a long, flat ligament that runs over the heels and down under the sole of the foot, becomes inflamed, or damaged with small tears. This inflammation and damage leads to pain on the heel of the foot, often extending under the sole of the foot. The pain can become quite severe, and it is usually most noticeable first thing in the morning, or after sitting for a long period.
When on the court, an NBA player spends most of his time running and jumping. The act of running puts up to five times the amount of pressure on the foot than walking does, and jumping goes way beyond that. It is little wonder that NBA players suffer from foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis. While plantar fasciitis may sound like a pretty tame injury, it has benched many players for weeks, even months. Last season, Joakim Noah, of The Sacramento Kings, was out for 18 games due to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be a very costly injury for an NBA player, and his team.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
People who get plantar fasciitis often have high arches, or flat feet. In my case, I have high arches, and one too many summers of wearing flip flops, and other shoes with no arch support left me with plantar fasciitis in both feet. Orthotics, arch supports placed in the shoes, can help prevent, and aid in the healing of plantar fasciitis. Recent research found that over-the-counter arch supports are just as effective as custom made orthotics in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Also, wearing good fitting, top notch, athletic shoes can show big improvement.
Many people mistake, or ignore, the early signs of plantar fasciitis, allowing it t become severe. Resting the foot, or feet, is always advised in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. However, the worse the problem, the more rest required. This is when NBA players really cringe, as they watch their team from the bench. If you are a runner, tennis player, or just walk a lot, and you develop plantar fasciitis, take some time off of your feet.
Stretching exercises, cold treatment, and the use of NSAIDS, like aspirin and ibuprofen, have also been found to be helpful treatments. In the very worse cases, surgery is used to cut a portion of the plantar fascia to loosen it and to relieve the associated pain.
How Long is the Recovery Time?
The sooner that plantar fasciitis is diagnosed, and proper treatment begun, the better. Plantar fasciitis can be healed, but the longer it has been an issue, the slower the process. Plantar fasciitis can sometimes take up to four years to fully heal! That is bad news for sore heels. For me, it took roughly a year of stretching and rest to be pain free and now I never wear shoes, or sandals, or slippers, that do not provide proper arch support. Arch supports and I go everywhere together.
If you find your NBA favorite player on the bench because of plantar fasciitis, give him a big cheer. It is better to miss a few games than to end a career. Seeing a player benched for plantar fasciitis is also a good reminder for you to be nice to your feet. Treat them to a new pair of athletic shoes soon.
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