Can I Still Run with Plantar Fasciitis?

So, you’ve developed plantar fasciitis. First, there’s no reason to feel you’ve done something wrong. Active people are the most likely to develop this condition, often found in runners, athletes, and others who like to stay moving. 

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t mean you’ve harmed yourself beyond repair, just that your body’s responding to overuse.

At Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, we’re focused on helping our patients feel as good as possible doing whatever they like to do. Plantar fasciitis doesn’t have to stop you from running. Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS want to help you get back in the zone and feel like you can run again. 

Plantar fasciitis 101 

This condition is most commonly characterized by persistent heel and arch pain. This pain is caused when regular wear and tear injures your fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, across your arch. It can become injured because of overuse or just extreme activity caused by standing, stepping, and running. 

Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed when you start to experience pain. In our office, we use an ultrasound to identify and diagnose tearing and calcification (or thickening) of the fascia. 

While plantar fasciitis can’t be cured, it can be treated and managed. Fortunately, the earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat, and at our clinic, there are plenty of ways we can manage it. 

How running causes plantar fasciitis 

You may have heard that plantar fasciitis can be caused by standing a lot or even as a result of rapid weight gain such as with pregnancy. So, how does running come into play? 

In some runners, hill training leads to plantar fasciitis more quickly. This is because it loads your foot in a more intense way than running on a flat surface. Also, if you increase your speed, distance, or frequency quickly, this can lead to plantar fasciitis. But running in any form puts pressure on your fascia, which can still lead to small tears that cause pain.

Even if you do everything right, running is a pastime that leaves you vulnerable to this condition. As such, the best thing you can do is seek help as soon as you notice symptoms.

Running with plantar fasciitis 

We can help treat your plantar fasciitis. Physical therapy, shockwave therapy, PRP therapy, Botox or steroid injections, and more can help you manage and lessen the severity and frequency of pain. You can also do certain stretches at home or wear custom orthotics in your shoes. 

The big question is: Will you still be able to run? The answer is likely yes, but do so with mindfulness and consideration. First, you need to consider if your plantar fasciitis is mild or severe. We can help you determine this.

Mild plantar fasciitis

If you have a mild case, make sure you work out your muscles before you run, especially those in your calves. This is important if you notice tightness early in your run that fades over time. 

Orthotics and taping can both help, but they can’t replace a good shoe. Wear shoes that fit and don’t wear them too long. When you need new shoes, get them. 

Use ice post-run to keep your fascia from becoming inflamed and hurting long after your run. Try other cardio exercises to ensure your body gets the workout it needs instead of only relying on running. 

Severe plantar fasciitis

With a severe case, you may need to stop running for a bit to truly heal. Taking a little time off isn’t bad. It can help ensure you get back to the activity in a way that’s healthy and safe instead of pushing yourself too far. 

Discuss your condition with your doctor to determine if and for how long you should pause your running. 

Continuing to run with this condition is possible, but you’ll need to take your health into account. Luckily, we can help. Make an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle today. Call our office at 480-900-7399 or schedule a visit online. We can’t wait to meet you!