If you are a runner there is a pretty good chance that you already know what this is. I’ve been a runner for most of my life, but it wasn’t until this summer that I discovered this curious condition. There is probably more misinformation on the topic than information.
An aside: That is one of the great things about the internet, if you have an opinion about a topic, you don’t have to look far to find others that share your opinion. If you find enough people who support your position then it must be true. Unfortunately that’s not how the real world works.
I did manage to find one good source for information on the subject. It turns out that the person in question was just as frustrated as I have been so he has made it his mission in life to get to the bottom of the problem. He has documented his own experience, what has worked and what has not.
http://saveyourself.ca/tutorials/plantar-fasciitis.php
Some of the interesting highlights:
“General practitioners are not prepared to treat plantar fasciitis, or most musculoskeletal conditions. Podiatrists (foot doctors) — especially in North America, where the profession is focussed on surgical procedures — often give poor quality advice about chronic, inoperable conditions like plantar fasciitis. The occasional tough case of plantar fasciitis is simply not on their radar.”
It turns out that there are a number of potential causes and because there are so many causes, it is very difficult to determine the specific cause for any individual. In many cases there may actually be compound causes.
I can tell you one thin for sure, this condition can seriously compromise your ability to exercise and that can effect your health. If you suffer from this condition, you might want to give the paper a read.