Heel Pain Archives - Page 3 of 3 - ALTA Physical Therapy and Pilates

Handling a Heat Wave

Getting overheated while working out can really ruin your day, maybe your life. That sounds dramatic, but it’s something to think about when temperatures climb. How do you know when you’re getting overheated? Overheating – or thermal strain – feels exhausting. You may be going your usual pace or even slower than normal but you

Three Myths about Running Shoes

As PTs we are often asked to recommend running shoes for patients. So before you go to the running store, consider this: Myth #1: Preventing injury is a matter of finding the right shoe. There is no shoe that magically prevents injury. And no one shoe is great for everyone. So at the running store, run long

New Help for Plantar Fasciitis

The first few steps in the morning are agonizing if you struggle with plantar fasciitis. We once thought it was because the fascia contracted during the night and pain occurred as the tissue stretched with that first step. It made sense then, that stretching more would solve the problem. But stretching exercises and orthotics are

The Exercise Conundrum

Exercise is making headlines every day. And, living in Boulder, I witness and participate in a spectrum of strength and cardiovascular exercise. Some people exercise for hours and hours each week, or even hours and hours each day. Some of those folks like to compete, while others are happy to be outside just enjoying the day. So, what is the BEST way to exercise? What kind of exercise is BEST? How much exercise is BEST?

The Toes Know

I have been thinking a lot about feet lately. Mine have felt a little cramped. I’m longing for summer sandals, or at least sockless freedom around the house. I like to cycle, ski, and hike, all activities that require closed-toe, sometimes snug, footwear. My grandmother had bunions so severe that they scared me as a child. I thought that my own genetics might make bunions and hammertoes magically appear one day. Nothing I could do about it: one day I would wake up with feet so twisted, I’d need surgery. So should I just sit around and wait for those lumpy indignities to appear?

Heel Pain Be Gone!

Plantar fasciitis is actually an inflammation and micro-tearing of the ligament that supports the arch in your foot– the plantar fascia. When your foot hits the ground, the plantar fascia stretches to accommodate your body weight and the ground reaction forces generated by walking and running. During walking, up to 3 times your body weight is taken through your arch; when running, up to 9 times. If the condition develops, the person usually reports a sharp pain under their heel that may spread into the arch of the foot. The onset is typically not from an injury, but develops gradually and, if left untreated, gets worse over time. Many causes can contribute to plantar fasciitis: