Running with Plantar Fasciitis: When to Stop, How to Heal, and More

Running is an energizing, liberating, and exhilarating workout, but it can also be difficult.

If you have plantar fasciitis, which is a degenerative irritation of the ligament that connects the front of your foot to your heel, you know how painful it can be to walk down the street or even get out of bed.

While rest is usually recommended, many runners wonder if they can continue to run while suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Here's what the experts have to say about running with plantar fasciitis, how to keep running even if you're in pain, and how to treat this common orthopedic condition.

The big question on your mind if you're a runner with plantar fasciitis is probably, "Can I still run?"

If you have a mild to moderate case of plantar fasciitis, you may be able to continue running in the short term, according to Sean Joyce, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Hudson Medical + Wellness.

If you have a mild case of plantar fasciitis, Joyce says you'll probably feel pain at the start of your run, but it should fade away as you go on.

Stop running if you are in excruciating pain from beginning to end.

If you have persistent pain from the beginning to the end of your run, Joyce advises that you stop.

It's important to understand that no matter how severe your plantar fasciitis is, continuing to run without addressing the source of your symptoms is a recipe for future complications, according to Joyce.

You can keep running by stretching your ankle, calf, and plantar fascia multiple times per day.

When you're getting back into running or if your symptoms are getting worse and running isn't an option yet, Triche recommends mixing in an activity like this.

After any type of activity, but especially after running, you should ice your plantar fascia for 10 to 15 minutes.

Simple methods like stretches, over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen, supportive shoes, and night splints, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, are all excellent treatment options, especially if you catch plantar fasciitis early.

It is possible to continue running while dealing with plantar fasciitis as long as the pain is mild.

If you're having moderate to severe pain, it might be time to put your running shoes away for a while.

Read the original article "When to Stop Running with Plantar Fasciitis, How to Heal, and More" at https://www.healthline.com/health/running-with-plantar-fasciitis