Plantar fasciitis pain may make exercising challenging, but with some minor modifications you can stay in shape while minimizing potential injuries.
First, perform simple seated stretches that target both the arch and heel of your foot. For instance, place a towel on the floor and sit on it cross-legged with one leg over another affected limb.
This blog will discuss exercise with plantar fasciitis that can procide you a quick relief.
Stretches
If you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, your physician or podiatrist may suggest gentle stretching exercises as a means of alleviating foot and heel pain. Stretching can make the ligament more flexible which in turn may ease pressure off of the injury site and speed recovery time.
One effective method of foot and calf stretching, however, does not involve sitting down. A great alternative to this approach is rolling a small ball like a tennis or golf ball on the bottom of your affected foot to massage its ligaments while strengthening arch support muscles.
Fold a towel lengthwise and place it under your foot with its ends tucked toward you for another seated exercise that will reduce foot and heel pain by massaging injured ligaments and tight muscles in your arch area. This stretch can also help ease heel discomfort.
An effective standing version of this exercise involves placing both hands flat against a wall, positioning one unaffected foot in front and one affected foot behind another leg, according to Irmas. Once this position is achieved, straighten your back leg until a stretch in both heel and calf of back leg can be felt; hold this position for 30 seconds (or as many reps as desired) until stretch is no longer felt in back leg.
Walking
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition in which inflammation of the band of tissue connecting your heel to toes causes discomfort and can make working out seem impossible, yet there are ways you can still exercise even with plantar fasciitis.
One effective way of working out with plantar fasciitis is using a treadmill. By setting its incline accordingly, it will be less painful on your feet while still offering an intense cardiovascular workout. Rowing offers another low-impact form of exercise – most gyms offer rowing machines where users pull on handles to spin a flywheel – but outdoor rowing equipment can often be found at parks and lakes for outdoor exercise sessions.
Other exercises that won’t put too much strain on your feet include weight training, yoga and Pilates – but it’s best to speak to a health care provider first if any of these is suitable.
Before engaging in any physical activity, it is wise to warm up and stretch. This will increase blood flow to your muscles and help avoid injury. Ice your feet after exercising to reduce inflammation; alternatively you could try wearing orthotics or arch supports which provide added support for your feet.
Swimming
Plantar fasciitis, also known as foot fasciitis, occurs when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot from toes to heels becomes inflamed and painful, either through sudden trauma or due to repeated stress on it. Most individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis manage it at home by stretching, resting, icing their heel, and applying heat packs; but if pain continues a doctor may suggest physical therapy or surgery as solutions.
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can assist with healing plantar fasciitis. Swimming strengthens muscles that support your arch and increases flexibility to relieve any associated pain, while burning calories through swimming helps promote weight loss.
If you decide to swim, try to steer clear of activities which involve repetitive foot motions or jumping. Instead, focus on exercises which work your entire body and thighs; lunges, push ups and dips can all provide worthwhile workouts.
Use cardio equipment that’s gentle on your feet, such as a stationary cycle, hand cycle or rowing machine. These machines allow you to go as fast as you’d like for 30 seconds at a time before resting for another 30 seconds. Ice can also help reduce pain and inflammation in the foot – just make sure it’s wrapped securely so as to avoid an ice burn!
Aerobics
While impact-based cardio exercises like running may need to take a backseat due to plantar fasciitis, there are plenty of low-impact and weight-bearing exercises that can keep up with fitness. Elliptical machines and walking are great low-impact cardio options while strength exercises such as yoga or Pilates help strengthen muscles in legs and ankles while burning calories at the same time.
Exercise that targets plantar fasciitis by stretching its plantar fascia and calf muscles will not only ease discomfort, but can also prevent it from returning when exercising again. One such stretch is known as the crossover fascia stretch – this involves crossing your injured foot over one knee and pulling on it so as to bring the toes closer together – something which can be done while sitting or using either a tennis ball or frozen water bottle as part of this exercise routine.
Stair climbs can also be an effective plantar fasciitis exercise. Stair climbing helps strengthen foot muscles while relieving stress from your heel, while at the same time relieving heel pressure. Just be careful descending too steeply – doing so may exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms! Instead, try going down several steps at a time until pain subsides before resting until all pain subsides.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exercising with plantar fasciitis demands a careful balance between maintaining fitness and allowing the injured tissue to heal. It’s essential to prioritize low-impact activities that minimize strain on the foot, such as swimming, cycling, or yoga, while avoiding high-impact exercises like running or jumping. Stretching and strengthening exercises specifically targeting the calves, Achilles tendon, and foot muscles can aid in recovery and prevent future issues.
Supportive footwear and orthotic inserts can alleviate pressure on the plantar fascia during exercise. Gradually increasing exercise intensity and duration while monitoring for any discomfort is crucial. If pain persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and potential modifications to the exercise routine.
The key to exercising with plantar fasciitis is finding a balance that promotes healing while maintaining overall fitness. Patience, proper technique, and listening to the body’s signals are essential in managing plantar fasciitis effectively during exercise.
