Running is a great way to improve your heart health, lose weight and increase muscle tone. It should come as no surprise that it has long been a staple in many exercise regiments. Running is a great exercise tool when you're doing it right. However, if you're running in the incorrect type of shoe, this can lead to an injury like plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an injury that affects the plantar fascia, the ligament that attaches your heel bone to your toes. When this ligament is not supported properly, this causes it to strain. Once strained, the heel of your foot can become inflamed and swollen, and you may even experience pain that can range from mildly uncomfortable to excruciating.

No matter what symptoms you experience, pain-free running will be out of the question, and simple tasks like walking can be difficult. Often, this injury comes from poor footwear or overuse. Changing your footwear or running habits can help you heal and move past this injury.

Protecting Yourself

Plantar fasciitis is actually an injury that is easier to prevent than it is to pronounce. When you run, your feet are constantly slamming into the hard pavement. This repetitive action puts strain on your entire foot, but primarily your heel. Proper running footwear is designed to lessen the impact and provide your heel area with greater support, which isn't always included in the design of a traditional athletic shoe.

An ill-fitting running shoe can also be problematic. If the shoe is either too snug or too wide, this can also prevent the shoe from supporting your foot as necessary. If you're going to make running a regular part of your exercise routine, you want to be sized for your running shoes by a professional.

Aquatic Therapy

If you're plagued with this condition, switching to proper footwear is a great start. However, switching up your exercise routine is also important. In some cases, plantar fasciitis is caused by overuse. Even if you have a good running shoe, if you're running every day, this could be problematic.

Incorporating exercises like aquatic therapy can help you work and strengthen many of the same muscles as running, but without putting excess pressure on your feet. For more information, contact Advanced Physical Therapy or a similar location.

When it comes to plantar fasciitis, it's all about a balance between the right footwear and not running too much. Make sure you are making wise choices to protect yourself.

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