Understanding Plantar fasciitis

Most runners at some point in their running career will experience a dreadful case of Plantar Fasciitis. It is incredibly painful and won't go away until you can find a solution. Your Plantar Fascia is a piece of connective tissue that runs on the bottom of your foot from your heel until toe. This tissue can develop micro tears which cause inflammation when it's unsupported. Most people who develop this their feet over flex or don't flex enough. People with flat feet stretch it out when their arch is unsupported resulting in those micro tears, and people with rigid high arches don't allow the tissue to flex into a suitable position which causes additional strain.

If you begin to experience Plantar Fasciitis it could mean three things. Shoes that exceed 400 miles in use begin to decompress and flatten out. Think of it like a mattress, after a few months it develops dips and then you must flip it,  problem is you can't flip shoes so you must get a new one. If you just started experiencing the issue and your shoes are considerably old, then it may be your foot screaming at you to get new shoes.

Another thing is that the shoe may be too soft for you. The key thing with plantar fasciitis is to have a shoe that is nice and firm. A firm shoe naturally supports your plantar fascia without the aid of any inserts, and a soft shoe allows your foot to keep over flexing causing strain. A softer shoe doesn't necessarily mean it has more cushion; a firm shoe may contain an equal amount but the foam feels and is much more denser and supportive

Finally you may require an insert in your shoes to provide a lift if your foot is truly prone to these issue. Our stores sells a variety of brands which we recommend for relief and comfort. The goal in the end is that with a proper lift of your plantar fascia the micro tears can heal over giving you recovery and relief.

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Got a personal question about your feet or shoes? Feel free to email us at rnjsportsblog@gmail.com
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                        Mizuno Night with the Superfeet inserts in the background 1/16/13


8/22/13 Elias