The fact is hikers are prone to Plantar Fasciitis. It is a fact of life that every hiker will experience Plantar Fasciitis at some point in their treks. Plantar Fasciitis is caused by the Plantar Fascia on the bottom of the foot becoming tight causing discomfort. Plantar Fasciitis is painful and difficult to overcome. It can even reduce the ability for the Hiker to hike as it were. The Plantar Fasciitis is generally caused by microtraumas that occur in the Plantar Fascia. Also tightness is generally also a corresponding trait associated with the Plantar Fascia. There are a myriad of treatments that can be used to treat Plantar Fasciitis.
Just google Plantar Fasciitis and you will become overwhelmed with gadgets and quick cures that only take thirty minutes. The fact is in some cases of Plantar Fasciitis they will get better in five minutes while others may last years. Nobody really knows why some cases improve quickly while others take long periods of time. But suffice to to say there are many different methods and ways to treat Plantar Fasciitis, and some that can specifically be tailored to hikers for treatments. Below I have listed the Best Treatment Methods for Plantar Fasciitis in Hikers:
1. Stretching- Listen if you are going to choose one and only one treatment method I recommend from this list please choose the stretching. It’s free and easy. The reason in most cases people develop Plantar Fasciitis is that their Plantar Fascia becomes tight causing pain, so the key is to stretch out the Plantar Fascia and the Achilles. Here is a good compilation of stretches for Plantar Fasciitis:
2. Orthotics or Insoles – The best way to reduce stress and strain on the Plantar Fascia is to get some orthotics or insoles that reduce strain on the Plantar Fascia while also help supporting the arch. There are many orthotics or insoles that are out on the market. I tend to be partial to Superfeet since they have orthotics specifically created to help treat Plantar Fasciitis in Hikers.
3. Take Motrin or Ibuprofen – The pain from Plantar Fasciitis is generally centered around the fact there is an inflammatory process taking place at the insertion of the Plantar Fascia. If you want to reduce the pain take some Motrin, which will reduce the inflammation in the fascia thus reducing the discomfort in the fascia.
4. Rest- If you want to reduce the discomfort and perhaps cure the Plantar Fasciitis, then take a month or so off of hiking. Generally speaking, Hiking produces a lot of strain and discomfort in the Plantar Fascia. This will result in the development of Plantar Fasciitis. If you stop hiking you thus reduce the method that is causing the Plantar Fasciitis.
5. See a Podiatrist- They have so much more than you sitting at home can have for treating Plantar Fasciitis. From Cortisone Shots, to X Rays, to just getting your foot examined. Podiatrists look at feet all day. Give them a chance to look at yours and perhaps your Plantar Fasciitis can be cured.