Whether you travel up for a game at Anaheim stadium or enjoy Angels baseball from the comfort of your home, you’d love to see Santiago, Shoemaker, or Wilson pitch a no-hit shutout. It’s satisfying to think of crushing your opponent completely. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to shut out your heel pain from plantar fasciitis the same way?
Pitchers attempt a shutout by throwing the right pitches with great control and being backed up by great fielding. You can try to crush your pain by following 4 simple tips and having us back you up with great foot care. Here’s how you do it:
- Shoes! Good ones, with the support you need for your type of foot arch, and cushioning to absorb the impact of your steps. This isn’t just for athletic wear, but for daily wear and dress styles, too. In fact, have a pair of supportive sandals next to your bed, so you never walk barefoot or in flimsy slippers first thing in the morning. View our shoe recommendations for a variety of activities.
- Stretch! Not just your foot—by gently pulling your toes toward your shins—but also your Achilles tendon and leg muscles. These tissues can cause extra tension on the ligament under your foot if they are too tight. Calf stretches (here are some common ones) and those that loosen tension in your Achilles can be very helpful for heading off plantar fasciitis.
- Weight! Keep it under control, because carrying extra pounds is hard on your feet. Any foot problem is exacerbated when the pressure on them is increased by being overweight. Find out what a good level is for you, and then do whatever you can to keep it in range. Get help in losing weight if you need to.
- Exercise! You know it is good for you, but only if done correctly. That means balancing high impact sports like running with those that give your feet a rest, like biking, swimming, or yoga. It also means making any changes in exertion gradually. Nothing can injure your plantar fascia faster than suddenly doing something it isn’t prepared to handle.
Practice these four tips, and call Southern California Foot & Ankle Specialists in Ladera Ranch, CA at (949) 364-WALK (9255) to be your reliever if you get sore heels despite your good efforts. With our excellent care, the final score could be a shutout: You 4—Heel Pain 0!
Photo credit: ba1969 via Free Stock Photos