If you feel a stabbing pain that runs from your heel through the bottom of your foot, you may suffer from a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. Patients may notice that the pain is worse in the morning or after certain activities.. Here are a few important things you should know if you suspect plantar fasciitis is causing your foot pain.

1. Your Favorite Exercise Can Put You at Risk

Individuals who engage in high impact activities, such as running, plyometrics, and aerobics, are at a high risk of suffering from plantar fasciitis. Though these activities are great forms of exercise, they put your feet under a high amount of stress; this stress can cause irritation throughout the plantar fascia.

You don't have to give up your favorite activities, but you should make sure that you wear supportive shoes and use proper form as you exercise.

2. Losing Weight Can Help Alleviate Pain Related to Plantar Fasciitis

If your weight exceeds a healthy range for your height, this can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Carrying around extra body weight increases the stress that you put on your feet, increasing your risk of suffering an injury to your plantar fascia. 

3. Most Case of Plantar Fasciitis Improve Without Surgery

Fortunately, there are a slew of treatment options that can improve your plantar fasciitis. Your orthopedist will likely recommend that you start doing a series of exercise and stretches to strengthen the plantar fascia and the surrounding muscles. If you can strengthen the muscles in your ankles and legs, this can help your lower body better support your feet, decreasing the amount of stress that you put on your plantar fascia.

Other treatment alternatives include the regular use of anti-inflammatory pills and orthotic inserts that assist with distributing your body's weight more evenly. This prevents excessive stress on any one part of your foot. These inserts are custom-made to support your foot as much as possible. 

4. Ignoring Your Symptoms Can Cause More Issues in the Future

If you don't treat your plantar fasciitis, this will cause more health problems in the future. Not only will you continue to suffer pain in your feet, but you may also experience additional issues with your hips or knees. The reasoning for this is simple: you will likely alter the way that you walk so that your plantar fasciitis is not as painful. However, a new walking pattern can increase stress on other parts of your body.

To learn more, visit a website like http://www.elmhurstpodiatry.com.