Stress and its impact on Plantar Fasciitis

Stress affects millions of people across the globe. From financial to health related issues, stress is also a silent killer that can cause a myriad of problems for people of all ages. While stress does impact the mind like no other, it also has lasting effects on the body. This includes the gastrointestinal system, along with weight and even eyesight. In recent years, foot specialists and podiatrists have also found links between stress and common foot ailments. The latter includes foot pain and strain, along with muscle tension and especially plantar fasciitis. Since the foot is made up of tissue and bone, any affect on nerve endings can send radiating pain throughout the feet and adjacent areas.

How to Alleviate Stress and PF

While there is no official cure for PF, there are countless treatment options available. This includes wearing orthotics and special soles to restore proper balance and mobility. Sufferers can also apply medicinal ointments, as well as receive injections by leading foot doctors and podiatrists. Taking certain medicines can even reduce the swelling in the foot and ankles areas. In worse case scenarios, surgical procedures may be needed to alleviate the pain and tension in the plantar fascia. When dealing with stress as a factor, however, doctors will simply recommend rest. In fact, nearly all foot specialists will check your blood pressure along with your foot. This is to determine if your foot ailment has direct correlation to the stress levels in your body. If it does, you will be asked to relax and simply slow down your pace.

Does Sports Related Stress Cause PF?

Sports are widely recommended by countless primary care physicians and health gurus. In fact, playing sports releases certain chemicals in our bodies that simply make us feel good. Sports, however, can also be stressful at times. This is especially true when it comes to the anxiety associated with team and individual events. As a result of this anxiety, our bodies tend to clench and lock up. This affects many of our muscles, tendons, and ligaments—including the plantar fascia. Even those not suffering from excessive stress will have to elevate their feet to counter the symptoms of PF. Therefore; sports related stress does indeed have an impact on plantar fasciitis. To secure instant relief, simply rub the bottom of the soles. You can also apply topical solutions to soothe and replenish vital pores in the feet.

Stressful Lives and PF

As we all know, PF is caused by overuse of the plantar fascia. This, of course, is the connecting tissue at the bottom of the feet. With the daily hustle and bustle of our hectic lives, inflammation of the feet can also occur. This can make it difficult to walk, jog, run, or enjoy outdoor activities and sports. While plantar fasciitis affects people in many ways, one common factor is the pain. In fact, the pain radiates throughout the arch tend of the foot during stressful times. Not only is this pain excruciating, it can also lead to severe immobility for many sufferers. If not treated in a timely and professional manner, PF can even result in irreparable harm and damage. While stress is a part of our daily lives, we must take the proper steps to ensure it does not erode our health from within.

Easy Steps to Avoid Stress

Whether it’s work or family related stress, foot doctors have formulated strategic plans of action for sufferers. In fact, they recommend light walking to help clear the mind and rejuvenate the body. With walking, you can easily lower your stress levels in minutes. You can also strengthen your muscles and feet, which can help tackle the symptoms of PF. Unless you are at a point where the plantar fasciitis prevents you from being fully mobile, walking is the a great way to tackle both issues with one stone. Not only does walking exercise every muscle in the body, it also helps increase cardiovascular performance as well. With no cure available for PF, these are highly recommended “steps” you and your loved ones can take to prevent PF from taking over your lives.

For more information on stress and its impact on PF, simply contact us today. We are also an industry leader in orthotics and orthotic shoes and have helped many people tackle PF and regain their lives again.

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