Joining events like marathons may not be possible for many people, but they can still reap benefits simply by taking a walk as a form of exercise. The Centers for Disease Control has said that brisk walking for about 2.5 hours a week, which can be easily divided into five 30-minute walks, is enough to avoid disease and maintain good health. But if you have a condition such as plantar fasciitis, even five minutes of walking can already be uncomfortable or even painful.
There are many causes of foot pain, and one of the most common ones is plantar fasciitis. It is mostly a result of a swollen plantar fascia, which is the tissue that attaches your toes to your heel bone. It is characterized by stabbing pain during the first few steps you take in the morning, usually going away later in the day as you go through your usual routine. It can return, however, after you sit or stand for an extended time.
So what’s there for you to do to handle the pain? You can take analgesic for the pain, but if you don’t remove the cause, it will only come back. You can begin by buying the right footwear. While there are shoes created for those with plantar fasciitis, it is good to know footwear attributes that you should look for when shopping for a pair (needless to say, those flip-flops and sandals are out of the picture).
Cup with deep heel – allows your rearfoot to be comfortably sitting in the shoe and perfectly in place
Firm heel cup – holds the rearfoot with just enough tightness that prevents shifting or twisting
Wide heel – gives the shoe stability so that the foot does not wobble
Adequate cushioning – reduces the pressure as you take steps when walking
Arch support – distributes weight evenly around the foot and supports the plantar fascia
Podiatrists recommend buying footwear later in the day, a time when the feet have swollen a bit as they often do. And though this may seem like a basic, don’t just depend on the size of your last pair of shoes because manufacturer sizing can differ widely. Since one foot will always be bigger than the other, buy footwear for that bigger size. You should also try on footwear while having socks or hose on, or your orthotic device if you’re using one. These things can really alter fit and comfort as you might imagine. Finally, as there will be no break-in period, don’t pay for the shoes unless you’re sure they’re right for you.
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