Like anything in life there are facts and fallacies- the same goes for plantar fasciitis. I had an opportunity to sit down with a physical therapist to comb through the facts,myths, and frequently asked questions. And lucky for me, all in the comfort of my own living room.

Some frequently asked questions include:

Is there something I can do to prevent myself from getting plantar fasciitis?

Yes, there is actually.

1) Maintain a healthy weight
2) Always wear supportive shoes
3) Update your athletic footwear often

It is unrealistic to believe you will never get plantar fasciitis just because you are healthy as a horse. Plantar fasciitis can creep up on anyone very slowly and attack quickly.

What can I expect from my first doctor's appointment regarding my foot pain?

Because scheduling a doctor’s appointment for foot pain is so vague, a doctor is most likely to perform multiple tests to pinpoint the exact problem. Some tests include those to check your reflexes, determine muscle strength and muscle tone, and measure coordination and balance.

After the assessment, your doctor will suggest treatment options.

Are there any home remedies to help my pain and discomfort?

Of course! Although a few sessions of physical therapy are recommended, there are many things you can do on your own time.

1) First thing first: kick back and put your feet up. Relax for once. Take some much needed pressure off your feet.
2) Use the old fashioned method of heat and ice. You don’t always need to use medically advanced technology to alleviate your foot pain.
3) Trade your running shoes for an exercise with less impact. Try swapping swimming or cycling for running. Not only will your fascia appreciate it, but it does wonders for the rest of your body.
4) Stretch, stretch, stretch. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of stretching before and after physical activity. This will prevent injury and keep your body flexible.
5) Take a tennis ball and roll your foot over it. Not only will it massage your foot, but stretch it as well.

How long can I expect to be “out of action” with plantar fasciitis?

Everyone’s recovery time is different depending on the severity of the strained fascia and your course of treatment. However, I will say about 90% of people with plantar fasciitis make a full recovery within a few months. If your treatment seems to be taking longer than expected, be sure to contact your doctor and remain patient. Rushing recovery can do more harm to the strain.

Always remember, your feet are the hub of your method of transportation. Be kind to them because they can punish you worse than you can punish them - and nobody likes a revengeful foot.