Is Walking A Friend Or Foe For Plantar Fasciitis?

“How should I adjust my walking technique to alleviate the discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis? One effective strategy is to modify your stride length. By doing so, you can reduce the strain on both your Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. Your stride length refers to the distance you cover with each step. Many individuals tend to take excessively long strides, particularly when walking at a brisk pace. This can lead to increased stress on your calf and foot muscles. To mitigate this, consider shortening your stride length to minimize the workload on these muscles. This adjustment can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. (Published on April 25, 2022)”

Is walking detrimental to plantar fasciitis? Pain associated with plantar fasciitis is typically most pronounced when taking your initial steps in the morning or after extended periods of rest, when there has been minimal weight placed on the affected foot. Engaging in low-impact exercises usually provides relief from this discomfort. However, it’s important to note that extended periods of walking or being on your feet for a long time can exacerbate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. This information was reported on January 25, 2021.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain that typically occurs when you take your initial steps after waking up in the morning. This discomfort is primarily due to the tightening of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. As you continue to walk and engage in activities throughout the day, the pain often subsides. However, it’s important to note that the relief may only be temporary, as the condition can flare up again when you’ve been standing for extended periods or when you stand up after sitting for an extended time. This recurring pain can be attributed to the gradual re-tightening of the plantar fascia, which is why it’s crucial to manage and treat plantar fasciitis effectively to promote long-term healing and prevent persistent discomfort.