Plantar fasciitis is a common foot ailment that causes pain in the heel and arch area. This condition is typically described as a dull, aching, or throbbing pain. If you are experiencing discomfort in your foot, it is important to address it promptly to ensure proper treatment and relief.
The symptoms associated with this condition may manifest slowly and can be aggravated by engaging in physical activities, getting older, or putting too much strain on the affected area. It is worth noting that a lack of vitamin D can also play a role in the development of these symptoms.
1. Reduces Inflammation
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in managing inflammation within the body. Additionally, it regulates several other important processes such as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism. To learn more about the benefits of Vitamin D, click here.
Getting enough vitamin D can help reduce inflammation and improve bone health. It’s especially important if you have low vitamin D levels, as they can increase your risk of osteomalacia (weak bones) and rickets (a condition that causes bone fractures).
Many foods contain vitamin D. Some of the best sources are fortified milk, fish (such as tuna and salmon), eggs, fortified cheese, and leafy green vegetables.
In addition to vitamin D, consuming plenty of calcium-rich foods can also help reduce inflammation. This is because calcium helps support strong bones, which in turn can lessen the pressure on your plantar fascia.
2. Lowers the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium and keep your bones strong. It can be made from sunlight or taken in supplements.
Researchers found that people with rheumatoid arthritis had lower levels of vitamin D than people without the condition. This is one reason why you might want to have a blood test to check your levels.
It’s also important to note that your doctor might need to prescribe a supplement for you to take in addition to the medications you already are taking. Those medicines, like corticosteroids, can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the sun or from supplements.
Research shows that vitamin D lowers the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, but it doesn’t cure the disease. It may be helpful for people who have mild deficiency, or for those who aren’t getting enough from their diets. The dietary guidelines recommend 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day for adults, but those with health conditions may need more.
3. May Improve Brain Function
Long known for promoting bone health, vitamin D has also been linked to brain function. It may help to slow the onset and progression of dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Currently, many people around the world are not meeting the recommended daily dose of vitamin D, which is available in supplements or in fortified foods like milk, orange juice and cereal. Even those who get enough sunlight and eat fortified foods are at risk of developing a deficiency.
In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture National Health and Nutrition Survey found that about one-fifth of Americans don’t meet the daily recommendation for vitamin D.
A recent study in older women, for example, suggests that vitamin D may help prevent cognitive decline as we age. Researchers compared three groups of women on different doses of the vitamin over a year. They found that those on the higher doses showed better memory and learning.
4. Reduces Pain
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This band absorbs shock when you walk, allowing you to maintain a healthy arch. However, it can become inflamed when you put stress on it over a long period of time.
Inflammation in the plantar fascia can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in your foot. It most commonly affects people who are overweight, have high arches or flat feet, or put undue stress on their feet through physical activities like running.
Vitamin D is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it may reduce the inflammation that causes plantar fasciitis and relieve your pain. Studies have shown that consuming a daily dose of 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D can improve symptoms.
However, if your symptoms are severe, you should discuss treatment options with your doctor. Medications such as cortisone injections can reduce pain and inflammation. You can also try stretching exercises or using orthotics.
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