Hey friends! Happy March! I cannot believe we are already in a new month and Spring is almost here. Time is flying fast these days!
I wanted to share with you my experience with plantar fasciitis and how it impacts my style. I know that may sound odd, but it impacts my decisions starting with shoe wear. AND, as we all know shoes can make or break an outfit 😉
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This past Fall I tore my left plantar fascia ligament playing soccer in sandals. Yes, I know better! Why you ask? I did not want to run bare foot on a hard surface which is a no no with plantar fasciitis. For those asking what is plantar fasciitis – let me tell you. It is the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. If not treated properly it can cause calcium build up which can turn into a heel spur. Not fun! A lot of athletes, individuals that are on their feet a lot, overweight individuals, women in pregnancy, and just about anyone can attribute pain in their feet to plantar fasciitis.
When I was pregnant I first experienced the pain in both feet. It went away with weight loss, but has come back in the past year and a half. I live in Texas and if I am not in workout shoes I am typically in sandals when weather permits. Well, a flat surface without support is not necessarily a good idea when you have plantar fasciitis. A suggested flip flop that would be the best options is a Fit Flop, Oofos, or the Hoka One Sandal. Great news is now brands are making more stylish footwear with support.
There are several brands of tennis shoes that offer support for plantar fasciitis based on consumer and brand reviews. I personally like the Hoka OneOne Bondi 6 (as seen below). This model is the most stable for this brand and you can tell when wearing them. Other brands are New Balance, Brooks, Saucony, and more.
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I don’t wear these shoes daily and do partake in a gorgeous heel or fun sandals. The key is to limit the time in those shoes and make smart decisions on the time of day wearing them. For me, my pain is worst in the morning or when I get up from sitting or laying down. So, if I wear heels or a killer boot it will most likely be to a function that requires a dressed up look in evening or midday. I can wear other shoes throughout the day to assist with comfort and support. Also, please know that I don’t always have pain.
Here is the cliff notes version of the dos and don’ts of plantar fasciitis!
Do: Wear shoes at all times, look for cushion and support, massage your foot daily (with a lacrosse ball or glass or frozen water bottle), give yourself an ice bath for your feet for 10 minutes, stretch your foot on the stairs or wall to help the tissue loosen and relax
Don’ts: Walk around bare foot, wear flat shoes, stand up or get out of bed without warming up your foot
All of the suggestions are based on my own experience. Please consult a doctor for true medical advice. If you have any questions or recomendations I am here for you!
xo,
Vanessa
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