Planter fasciitis in week 6.

[chucky-egg]

I have got up the last few mornings to terrible pain in my heel. Googled it and think its PF. Should I stop running, I really don't want to as I feel better than I have in years doing it. I have gym membership so could go and do some exercise there. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

[chucky-egg]

Meant plantar not planter sorry.

[davelinks Graduate]

it goes away as the morning goes on doesn't it. No, don't stop running, unless your getting real pain when running, which I don't think You are.Try carefully doing some heel drops on the stairs,so gently stretching the achilles, and stretch your calves as it's all connected.Roll a cold can of drink or a ball under the foot. Generally keep moving and flexing the feet, let us know how it goes..😊

[Hillrunner2201]

I had this before I started c25k. I'd had for about 6 months but it disappeared gradually after starting the program. It might have been a coincidence but I think getting more active and losing weight helped it to go. So I wouldn't think you can't run, just take it steadily. There are some stretches you can do for this well.

[MrNiceGuy]

If the pain and discomfort has developed gradually, depending upon its severity, you should still be able to run.

However, since plantar fasciitis usually occurs as a result of overuse, reduce running frequency for a couple of weeks to provide the tendon with the opportunity to recover.

Additionally, I’d recommend the application of ice and use of a massage roller beneath the sole (also roll it beneath the other foot) to ease inflammation and improve blood flow to affected area.

As suggested by davelinks, stretching the calves is important since the soft tissues are all connected, but also work upon increasing the strength of your calves in the gym, too, with standing and seated calf raises.

In addition to strengthening the calves, the motion of transferring weight in isolation, through your ankle joint, will also increase the strength of tendons in your lower leg, reducing risk of injury.

If you are reduced to cross-training in the gym, should it benefit from the presence of a StairMaster begin to use it, since the level of effort involved is largely similar to that of placing one foot in front of the other. Its use will also strengthen the legs, while providing your joints with a restful break, allowing you to return from injury in a far stronger position.