Plantar Fasciitis- An Athlete’s Worst Nightmare

Baseball player Scott Podsednik stole 35 bases with the Royals and the Dodgers last season, but it’s now May and he has yet to take a Major League at-bat this year. Sports Illustrated wonders when Podsednik will return to form- if ever. Why? Plantar faciitis.

This some-what mysterious but incredibly agonizing foot inflammation has sidelined the toughest athletes without warning as the thick band of tissue extending along the bottom of the foot swells with what is often described as “unbearable” pain.

Recent studies show that about two million Americans are affected by this condition each year. But while Plantar may be somewhat common, it is a condition that can be especially debilitating for athletes- professional and otherwise. Mostly because the best treatment for really curing Plantar fasciitis is rest. Sufferers need to take the time to avoid impact, recover, and wait out the pain, and if there’s one thing athletes hate it’s being forced to sit on the sidelines.

Plantar is hotly debated subject in medical community. The one thing specialists seem to agree on is that no one remedy works. High profile athletes suffering from the condition have tried everything from shockwave therapies and cortisone injections to custom-fit orthotics and whirlpool baths. What treats the condition for some can do absolutely nothing for others.  So what can you do if you are suffering from this condition?

Most physicians agree that rest is first and foremost. Additionally Physical therapy, which includes gentle stretching of the foot can help restore motion and strength of the foot and ankle, improve balance, decrease pain and soft tissue restriction,  improve ambulation and prevent re-injury. If you suspect you may be suffering from Plantar fasciitis you should go to the doctor right away.

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