Plantar fasciitis pain can limit your physical activities and even disrupt your sleep. If you’re looking for ways to calm your pain naturally, our team at Alpine Foot & Ankle in Sandy and Highland, Utah, can help.

Double board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Scott Shelton, DPM, offers nonsurgical therapies to ease the inflammation and pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Dr. Shelton can recommend a number of strategies you can use to manage symptoms, including anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. We can also discuss lifestyle changes you can make starting today to take the pressure off your plantar fascia.

For some, these changes can include weight loss.

Why plantar fasciitis develops

Plantar fasciitis involves the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This band is strong enough to absorb the shock of your movements but is also susceptible to strain and overuse.

Physical activities, including high-impact sports like running and tennis, can increase the pressure on the plantar fascia tissue. Over time, too much pressure can cause inflammation and small tears in the band of tissues – all of which lead to persistent pain in your heel and the bottom of your foot.

In addition to physical activities, any pressure on your feet for an extended period can also lead to plantar fasciitis pain. Pressure can stem from wearing shoes that are too tight and from your overall body weight.

How weight plays a role in plantar fasciitis

Your feet and ankles are responsible for carrying your full body weight. When you’re overweight or obese, your lower extremities are constantly under pressure. The ongoing pressure can lead to tears in the plantar fascia as well as degenerative joint diseases like arthritis and circulatory problems in the legs and feet.

As you get older, your body starts to store fat differently than it did when you were younger. For this reason, it can become increasingly difficult to shed extra pounds as time goes on.

This scenario creates a vicious cycle because the more weight you carry, the more likely you are to develop plantar fasciitis. Once you experience symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you may not be able to engage in the physical activity necessary to maintain a healthy body weight.

How to take the weight off your feet

If you’re not able to manage plantar fasciitis pain with medications, bracing, and physical therapy, it may be time to get serious about weight loss.

Successful weight loss typically starts with changes to your lifestyle and diet. Even if you’re physically limited by persistent heel pain or other foot and ankle conditions, there are still exercises you can do from a seated position to burn off calories.

You should also look into meal plans that are low in fat and high in nutrients to fuel your body without empty calories. Incorporate more fresh foods into your meals, including fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also speak to your primary care provider about other diet options you can use to support your weight loss goals and overall health.

Dr. Shelton can also customize a plantar fasciitis treatment plan that uses nonsurgical therapies to relieve inflammation and pain. If your pain is severe or if other treatments aren’t working well, he can also discuss your options for surgery.

Call the Alpine Foot & Ankle office in Highland or Sandy, Utah, to schedule a plantar fasciitis evaluation or book an appointment online today.