PODIATRISTS EXPLAIN EPIDEMIC OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

posted: Oct. 23, 2018.

 

Why the epidemic of plantar fasciitis? Blame high obesity rates, yoga, and casual Friday (and casual Monday-Thursday). The shift from suits to casual wear in the workplace — and the attendant move from stiff, leather-soled shoes to flexible sneakers — means people are wearing shoes that provide less stability and rigidity than in the past, said Bob Baravarian, DPM, an assistant clinical professor at UCLA School of Medicine, and director of University Foot and Ankle Institute in Los Angeles. Those mushier shoes, he said, put more strain on the fascia than other, more structured footwear. 

 

Drs. Bob Baravarian and Kenneth Leavitt

 

 

Yoga is a culprit, too, said Kenneth M. Leavitt, DPM, chief of podiatric reconstructive foot surgery at New England Baptist Hospital. Any activity where you’re standing barefoot for a long time can cause problems, he said.

 

Source: Beth Teitell, Boston Globe [10/19/18]

 

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News.

 

Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics.