Get ready for an intriguing exploration into the world of Plantar Fasciitis, ignited by the renowned American marathon runner, Ryan Hall.

This isn't your ordinary analysis, my friend. Prepare yourself for a groundbreaking revelation that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about this condition.

As I stumbled upon a captivating article, I was astonished by its bold proposal: a call to rename Plantar Fasciitis.

Are you as intrigued as I was? Then buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that will forever change the way you view this ailment.

Join me as I unveil how Ryan Hall, with his awe-inspiring feats, is leading the charge in revolutionising the way we perceive and approach Plantar Fasciitis…

WELCOME TO THE RUN BETTER WITH ASH PODCAST

Uh-oh, that pesky heel pain has returned! You know the one - it's located right where your heel meets the arch of your foot, and it's known as Plantar Fasciitis.

But wait, is it time to rename this ailment altogether?

During my break between clients, I delved into my usual routine of scouring the internet for articles about running injuries. That's when I stumbled upon an interesting piece on Dr. Nick's Running Blog. It got this human body geek all excited!

The article detailed how American marathon runner, Ryan Hall, had to withdraw from the New York Marathon due to Plantar Fasciitis. But it didn't stop there - Dr. Nick went on to reference Dr. Irene Davis from the prestigious Spaulding National Running Center at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Davis revealed that modern footwear was a major culprit contributing to this issue. The rigid midsole in modern shoes was causing weakened foot muscles that couldn't handle the rigorous demands of a runner's training volume.

The end result? The dreaded overuse injury known as Plantar Fasciitis.

Before we explore this topic further, let’s find out more about Ryan Hall as he is the star of today’s show!

RYAN HALL

Ryan Hall is now a retired long distance runner. He holds the American record for the Half-Marathon and was the first American to break the sub 2 hours 5 minutes time.

In 2008 Hall won the American Olympic trials for the marathon and represented the United States at the Olympics in Beijing. He placed 10th.

In 2017 Hall completed his final marathon in Sydney. He left his running shoes at the finish line to literally symbolise the end of his career.

What a great way to bow out of running eh?!

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BACK TO PLANTAR FASCIITIS

It’s interesting to note the role that modern footwear is playing in the ability of our foot to function properly. Dr Nick states:

‘‘Many of my patients careers force them to wear stiff soled shoes which puts them at great risk for plantar fasciitis by inhibiting motion and thus inducing weakness to the foot muscles. This ultimately leads to an overuse injury sometimes as a result of the normal activities that we perform daily.” (Dr Nicks Running Blog)

SHOULD WE EVEN BE CALLING IN PLNTAR FASCIITIS?

Dr. Nick has made an intriguing discovery: recent studies have revealed that the tissues related to Plantar Fasciitis do not exhibit any signs of inflammation.

However, there is a muscle located adjacent to the plantar fascia, known as the Abductor Hallucis, whose primary function is to provide support for the arch of the foot.

Interestingly, there is a correlation between morning foot pain and inflamed muscle and tendon tissue, which tends to be more painful in the morning after a period of rest.

As Dr. Nick delves deeper into the issue, he begins to suspect that the true culprit behind heel pain may not be the feet themselves, but rather an overused and weak abductor hallucis muscle.

In fact, he posits that the chronic condition commonly referred to as Plantar Fasciitis may be better renamed as abductor hallucis tendinitis.

This revelation has led Dr. Nick to an interesting hypothesis: it may not be our feet that are the problem, but rather the footwear we choose to wear that is impeding their proper function.

This discovery has certainly piqued my curiosity and left me wondering about the role that our shoes play in the overall health of our feet.

To me, the human body is a fascinating and complex organism, one that operates at its best when given the chance to function as nature intended. That's why I'm a firm believer in the benefits of going barefoot or opting for minimal footwear.

Personally, I've noticed a remarkable difference in my lower leg stability and strength since making the switch. It's as if my feet have finally been given the opportunity to flex and move in ways that had been stifled by years of restrictive footwear.

The idea of going barefoot or wearing minimalist shoes may seem unconventional to some, but I believe that it's a choice that can yield significant benefits for those willing to take the leap.

Whether it's improved balance, reduced pain and inflammation or simply a greater sense of connection with the world around us, the benefits of embracing our natural state are many and varied.

SO WHAT CAN WE DO TO MANAGE PLANTAR FASCIITIS

• Wear flexible shoes that allow your foot to function.

• Contemplate transitioning to barefoot/minimalist shoes.

• Strengthen our feet with balance exercises.

• Massage your feet to stimulate tissues and reduce stiffness.

• Don’t run with moderate to severe pain in the heel area.

• Modify daily activities if pain is intense, sit more, elevate foot.

• Ice up to three times per day until pain subsides to reduce inflammation.

Dr Nicks Running Blog Article:

http://www.drnicksrunningblog.com/plantar-fasciits-olympic-marathoner-ryan-hall-pulls-out-of-new-york-marathon/