Does Heel Pain Mean that I Need to Stop Running?

Heel pain, medically termed plantar fasciitis, is a common and frustrating injury for many runners. It accounts for up to 10% of all running injuries and results from overstressing the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you probably experience sharp pain in your heel not only after running, but also with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of sitting or being on your feet.

The most common causes of plantar fasciitis in runners include:

• Sudden increases in mileage or training intensity

• Wearing running shoes that do not provide enough support or shock absorption.

• Running on inconsistent surfaces

• Tight hamstring and calf muscles

• High or low arches

If you are an avid runner, the last thing that you want to hear from the doctor is “stop running.” However, running through heel pain often lengthens the recovery time and usually makes the condition worse. Studies show that you need to address the problem immediately, as the longer you wait to treat plantar fasciitis, the harder it is to resolve.

Read the full running article by Daniel Marein-Efron.