Spring is in the air and that means ample opportunities for walking, running and other outdoor activities and exercises. However, it’s important to pace yourself and take precautions to prevent common foot ailments like Plantar Fasciitis.

“I would say start walking before running. That way you can at least build up to the stamina,” said Dr. Naval Patel, a podiatrist with the CHI St. Vincent Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic. “You also want to make sure that the shoes you get are not too flexible. Something that has some good support from the hind foot to the mid foot.”

Dr. Patel says it’s also important to listen to your body and recognize when something is more than a regular ache or pain. Affecting approximately two million Americans each year, Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It can often be treated without the need for surgery, but early detection is the key. “Catch it early before it gets a lot worse,” Dr. Patel said. “Sometimes people wait too long until they can’t even walk at times, or they limp into my office.”

To learn more about compassionate care at CHI St. Vincent and the team of multi-specialty physicians and providers at the Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic, visit: chistvincent.com/lrdc