What do basketball players Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio spurs have in common with tennis player Pete Sampras? You guessed it. They all three suffer from plantar fasciitis. They are not alone.
Famous Athletes with Plantar Fasciitis
Many famous athletes suffer from this painful foot condition. San Antonio Spurs baseball player Todd Podsednik has had a well-publicized long-term struggle with this condition. Long distance Olympic runner Ryan Hall recently dropped out of the New York City marathon when he suffered a flare up of his plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis is an extremely painful condition of the heel. It is caused when people, primarily sports participants like runners, jumpers or dancers, wear tight shoes and put extreme pressure on their feet. The plantar fascia, which is a thick band connecting the heel to the toes, becomes torn or inflamed due to constant pressure on the foot. Those with plantar fasciitis describe the pain as excruciating.
If you have this pain, initially try putting ice on the painful area. Take over-the-counter pain killers. Wear comfortable shoes. If the pain persists, see a podiatrist. When your feet hurt, you walk differently. This abnormal gait can cause damage to your hips, back or knees if not treated promptly.
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