There are some injuries you have to just push through, and then there are aches and pains that will stop you dead in your tracks. It’s sometimes hard to tell the difference between if your pain is just normal wear and tear or if continuing on will cause serious damage to your body.
A common complaint among athletes and exercise enthusiasts is heel pain. Repeated pounding on hard surfaces, like running on asphalt or a treadmill, can often be blamed on unsupportive shoes and bruising, but sometimes that sharp pain in your heel can be a more serious problem: Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot injury that occurs when the thick band of connective tissue, the plantar fascia, that runs from your heel bone over the sole of your foot towards your toes becomes inflamed. It is most commonly caused by repeated pounding, but long periods of weight baring is also a cause, and as Americans become more obese, the added body weight has more instances of Plantar Fasciitis cropping up.
This can cause issues for obese sufferers who want to start an exercise routine, because the pain of Plantar Fasciitis can be so severe that exercise seems impossible. Treatments for the condition itself include rest, massage therapy, stretching, weight loss, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
While you may not be able to do weight baring exercises while suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, you can still exercise. Riding a stationary bike or swimming are great ways to get in your cardio, and any weight lifting can be done in a seated position. To work your legs, skip squats and lunges and use stationary leg machines until your doctor gives you the OK to return to your regular program.