Plantar fasciitis is one of the more common foot conditions we help patients with on a regular basis, and it seems that we also see an increase in patients with plantar fasciitis in the warm summer months. So what does the warmer weather have to do with the onset of plantar fasciitis? We explore the connection between summer and the onset of plantar fasciitis in today’s blog.
Plantar Fasciitis and the Summer
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that involves the development of inflammation of the thick band of fibrous tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. So why does this inflammation tend to develop more in the summer months? Here are a couple of factors that are at play:
Activity Increases – Staying active usually means more time on your feet, and this extra walking, running and stressing the feet can trigger plantar fascia inflammation. Overexertion is one of the most common factors that leads to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
Unsupportive Shoes – Another factor for the development of plantar fasciitis is poor arch support. If the arch of your foot is not adequately supported, your arch will have to handle more stress, which in turn can lead to the onset of plantar fascia inflammation. Minimalist shoes like sandals and flats are much more common during the warm summer months, and oftentimes these options don’t provide the best arch support. Invest in a quality pair of sandals and minimize the amount of time you spend in less-than-supportive shoes.
Sports Training – Along the line of increased activity, summer is commonly a time when kids and teens partake in summer sports through club programs. These teams only meet during the summer, so the schedule is often quite intense with practices and games. This uptick in sporting activity can also lead to plantar fasciitis if you overstress the same soft tissues in a short period of time.
So if you’re feeling a sharp pain in the heel or arch of your foot, especially with the first steps in the morning, consider that you may be dealing with the early stages of plantar fasciitis. We can get you a clear diagnosis and set you up with a care plan to have you back on your feet before summer ends.
