Even the Pro’s Suffer From Foot Pain!

September 8, 2009

In 2004 Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant suffered from a sore foot and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, commonly known as heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (walking abnormalities) that place too much stress or weight bearing pressure on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. Literally it is an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. The disorder is characterized by a sharp, knife-like pain in the heel when one first stands. This pain is often at its worst when rising out of bed in the morning.

The condition occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension, causing the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length. This leads to inflammation, pain, and possibly the growth of a bone spur where it attaches to the heel bone. The stress may also result from injury, a bruise from walking, running on hard surfaces, wearing poorly constructed shoes, or being overweight (arch supports are the perfect preventative measure to avoid injury from any of these possibilities).

In addition, the inflammation may be aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support, especially in the arch area, and by the chronic irritation that sometimes accompanies an athletic lifestyle. It’s estimated that more than two million people receive treatment for plantar fasciitis in the U.S. each year.

“Heel pain is one of the most common conditions that a doctor of podiatric medicine sees in patients with active lifestyles,” says Franklin Kase, DPM, immediate past president of CPMA and a podiatric surgeon in private practice in Burbank, Calif. “Both amateur and professional athletes are at a higher risk, and it’s especially common among athletes who run and jump a lot.”

More young people are getting involved in sports at an early age and are therefore developing heel pain sooner than many other people who are not as active. Action sports that require alot of jumping like basketball and skateboarding require wearing the right type of shoe for the activity to avoid injury.

“Any foot pain is not normal,” says Dr. Kase. “Plantar fasciitis can certainly stop people from participating in their normal exercise routine. With the increased emphasis on walking for exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and combat obesity and diabetes, people should not let heel pain linger too long as it will contribute to a diminishing level of fitness.” If someone has heel pain they should first try changing shoes, reducing activity, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and trying over-the-counter arch supports. If the pain does not improve after a month, they should consult a doctor of podiatric medicine.

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