If you have plantar fasciitis, you probably have been incapable of performing daily tasks due to the strong, stabbing pain in your heel. The seriousness of this common orthopedic illness might increase when you first get out of bed in the early hours and stand up after spending a lot of time sitting. 

The thick ligament that supports your arch, the plantar fascia, gets inflamed, resulting in heel stiffness and discomfort when you suffer from plantar fasciitis. Under your foot, this band of connective tissue stretches from your heel to your toes. Contact a foot doctor in Maryville, IL, if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. 

Habits that worsen plantar fasciitis

You might be doing things that worsen your plantar fasciitis. Even if you do not currently have the disease, you can take actions that increase your chance of doing so. Here are just a few of them:

• Increased weight

Being overweight increases your chance of developing several illnesses, such as plantar fasciitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Plantar fasciitis and other foot problems are directly connected to having a high body mass index (BMI), which measures your body weight to height. 

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing

You are adding to the stress on your plantar fascia if your daily activities or job routine involve much sitting or standing. Hard, synthetic surfaces like concrete or asphalt could worsen the damage.

If you stand for an extended period, take regular breaks to sit down; if you sit for extended amounts of time, take time to stand up to help counter the effects of being still for extended periods.

• Persisting through pain and suffering

Your body uses pain as an indication when something is off. Ignoring these signals can lead to increasing tearing and, eventually, rupture and an increased chance of plantar fasciitis.

Ignoring heel pain could lead you to compensate with awkward positions. As a result, your feet, knees, thighs, and back might feel extra strain. Rest your ankles and feet if they start hurting.

• Ignoring the need for stretching and strengthening

One way to postpone the beginning of plantar fasciitis is to stretch before exercising or doing other physical activity. One of the best ways to avoid injuring the plantar fascia is to loosen it. 

Additionally, your plantar fascia might benefit from strengthening the legs, the Achilles tendon, and the bottom of your foot. By giving support to keep your foot stable, maintaining these areas will help you avoid plantar fasciitis from arising or returning.