Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are painful conditions that can impair your mobility and cause long-term pain. Many patients have noticed a connection between plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis and the amount of time they spend on the road. Is there really a link between driving and plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
These foot conditions can definitely be caused or worsened by repetitive motion, like the movements your feet make on the gas pedal while driving. This article will explore the link between plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis and the time you spend behind the wheel.
Where Do Achilles Tendon Pain and Plantar Fasciitis Come From?
Manhattan’s Best Podiatrist Answers
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which causes pain. The Achilles tendon runs from your calf muscles to your heel, and it’s prone to irritation or breakage when placed under stress. Achilles tendonitis is usually caused by repetitive overuse. “Weekend warriors” who engage in high-impact activities once in a while are at an increased risk for this condition.
When the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, you may experience aches, stiffness, and pain to the touch. These symptoms often improve somewhat once you begin moving around during daily activities.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is also caused by inflammation of foot tissue. In this case, it’s the plantar fascia, which runs from your heel bone to the base of your toes. Although this tendon is located on the sole of your foot, you’re likely to experience pain in the heel region.
It can be hard to identify the cause of plantar fasciitis, but common contributing factors include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Standing for long periods of time
- Wearing shoes that don’t provide support or shock absorption
- Activity that causes high impact to your feet
- A foot shape or walking style that puts you at increased risk
Can Achilles Tendonitis Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
Unfortunately, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are related conditions. When one tendon is inflamed, you will transfer weight and stress to another area of the foot instead. This can cause too much stress on that area. Often, plantar fasciitis leads to Achilles tendonitis when patients transfer too much force to the heel area.
How Can I Get Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis From Driving?
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis from driving is most likely to affect your right foot, since that’s the one you use on the gas pedal. When you’re driving, your foot moves downward over and over again, and this can lead to overuse and inflammation of the tendons you use.
It might seem like Achilles tendonitis from driving would only affect the right foot, and your other foot would be fine. However, driving can also affect your left leg, even though you don’t use it on the pedals. Actually, the lack of use can be part of the problem. People who drive for extended periods of time are at risk of swelling in their left leg, especially. They can also develop blood clots in the left leg due to circulation problems from remaining still so long.
What Can I Do About Achilles Tendon Pain and Plantar Fasciitis From Driving?
Manhattan’s Best Podiatrist Explains
Even though you probably can’t give up driving completely, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact on your legs and feet. Some of these include:
- Choosing driving shoes that are supportive and comfortable. Avoid shoes that are too small or too narrow.
- Get up and stretch frequently when driving. If possible, trade off with a passenger to get a break from driving on long trips.
- Look for ways to reduce your time behind the wheel. Use public transportation, and bike or walk when possible.
- Seek medical treatment. If you’re experiencing Achilles tendonitis pain while driving, the conditions can progress until they seriously limit your mobility and quality of life.
How Will Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov’s Team Treat My Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis Pain?
We can diagnose and treat your plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis using state-of-the-art techniques and procedures. Treatment with a class 4 laser can often treat your Achilles tendonitis and associated pain. We may also use X-rays to diagnose your condition correctly. These can help us rule out bone spurs or a Hagland’s deformity on the back of your heel, which might make you a better candidate for surgery. Whatever the cause of your pain, our team can develop the best treatment plan to address your condition.
Don’t Keep Suffering! Call Today and Schedule an Appointment Near You | NYC
If you’re suffering from Achilles tendon pain and plantar fasciitis, you don’t have to live with the pain. Call Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov of Best Foot Doctor NY at (718) 291 9020. We have six locations for your convenience, and you can use our online tool to book an appointment online.