Is Plantar Fasciitis the New Lower Back Pain?

As Condition Reaches Epidemic Proportions, Patients Desperate For Effective Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Is Plantar Fasciitis becoming as prevalent as lower back pain? What are the best treatments for Plantar Fasciitis? We came across this recent article in the Boston Globe . The article sounds the alarm on Plantar Fasciitis and its increased prevalence in the United States. For those not familiar with it, Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia. The band runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. The condition causes a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps when you get out of bed in the morning. As you get up and move around, the pain usually decreases. It may return after extended periods of standing or after rising from sitting.

In the article, the author quotes the American Podiatric Association as stating that the condition has reached “near epidemic” levels in the United States. In our own Vancouver Podiatrist practice, we have also seen an uptick in patients coming in complaining of pain in their heel and arch.

What is the reason for the increase and what are the best treatments for Plantar Fasciitis? According to some of the doctors quoted in the article, the trend towards wearing “minimalist shoes” that provide less stability and rigidity than in the past is partly to blame. Based on  our experience, minimalist shoes do need to be approached with caution. They are not appropriate for all types of feet and levels of activity. Authors go so far as to suggest that the increase in participation in yoga, and any other activity which involves extended time barefoot, can increase your chances of getting Plantar Fasciitis.

In the video below, Vancouver Podiatrist, Dr. Roy Mathews DPM, discusses the causes and treatments of this common condition. We hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any questions please call to book an appointment at our Kerrisdale office at 604-264-1377

Published on:November 7, 2018
Posted in Uncategorized by Roy Mathews