Can Menopause Cause Plantar Fasciitis?

Are you perimenopausal or menopausal and experiencing the discomfort of plantar fasciitis? It’s a common issue many women face during this stage of life due to hormonal changes. But don’t worry—there are ways to alleviate that ache and even reverse some effects associated with menopause. Here’s what you need to know and do.

Understanding the Connection Between Menopause and Plantar Fasciitis

Women going through hormonal changes are particularly prone to plantar fasciitis. This is a condition we frequently see in our practice, with many patients being menopausal women experiencing muscle atrophy. Such changes often contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, but contrary to what you might hear, there is plenty you can do about it.

The Role of Plantar Fascia

The plantar fascia is a crucial tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, helping to maintain its structure. With menopause, connective tissue changes can misalign your foot, leading to atrophy and, subsequently, plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms to Look Out For

If you find yourself unstable on your feet or if your legs tire easily, these could be signs of misalignment due to weakened muscles. Overcompensation due to these changes can exacerbate issues with plantar fasciitis and foot function.

Beyond Orthotics: Exploring New Treatment Methods

Many women do not wish to rely on orthotics, which are often impractical or incompatible with preferred footwear. Thankfully, orthotics aren’t the only solution. We specialize in re-aligning feet without the need for such devices, allowing for lasting results.

Effective Treatment through Gentle Techniques

Our treatment involves a gentle hands-on technique followed by specific exercises to support realignment and strengthen your foot and ankle. This method offers excellent outcomes, often without the need for orthotics, making it both effective and practical for many women.

At-Home Exercise for Strengthening Your Feet

Here’s a simple at-home exercise that can make a big difference:

1. **Use a Towel**: Roll a towel and place it on a step.
2. **Toe Flexing Exercise**: With both feet, flex your toes and go down, counting one, two, three, then come back up, counting one, two, three.
3. **Repeat**: Do this ten times twice a day for strengthening.

Once you’re comfortable, progress to doing the exercise with one foot. This method has been shown to effectively activate your ankle and arch muscles much better than exercises without the towel.

Explore More Options for Relief

There are numerous ways to manage plantar fasciitis. You can continue wearing stylish shoes, even go barefoot during the summer, without being stuck in orthotics. If you want personalized advice, consider our initial heel pain or plantar fasciitis assessment, which is currently 60% off Request Heel Pain Assessment

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