Can Iron Deficiency Cause Plantar Fasciitis? What to Know

The Link Between Iron Deficiency and Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, affecting millions of people. While there are several recognized risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis, researchers have been exploring whether iron deficiency or anemia may also play a role.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of connective tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes. This tissue helps support the arch of the foot.

In plantar fasciitis, the fascia becomes irritated and inflamed. It may also develop small tears or become degenerated. This causes stabbing or burning pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting.

Common Causes

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis:

• Overuse - Excessive running, walking, or jumping can overwork the plantar fascia leading to inflammation.
• Obesity - Being overweight puts extra stress on the foot which can damage tissues.
• Foot mechanics - Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns increase strain on the plantar fascia.
• Tight calf muscles - Short, tight calf muscles cause reduced flexibility and pull on the fascia.
• Age - Plantar fasciitis is most common between ages 40-60.
• Occupation - Jobs that involve being on your feet like nursing or factory work increase risk.
• Footwear - Shoes that lack arch support, have thin soles, or do not fit properly can cause problems.
• Arthritis - Certain types like rheumatoid arthritis increase chance of plantar fasciitis.
• Prior injuries - Previous tears or trauma to the plantar fascia make it more vulnerable.

The Role of Iron Deficiency

In recent years, some studies have suggested that iron deficiency or anemia may also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis potentially by impacting the health of tendons and fascia.

Iron's Importance

Iron plays a critical role in many bodily processes. It is an essential mineral that is needed to produce hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen. Without adequate iron, the body cannot make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells.

Iron is also vital for physical performance because oxygen is required for energy production during activity. Additionally, iron helps with immune system functioning, brain development, and collagen production which is needed for healthy bones, muscles, and connective tissues.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

When the body does not have sufficient iron levels to meet its needs, a condition called iron deficiency anemia develops. This is the most common form of anemia.

With iron deficiency anemia, the blood has a reduced ability to carry oxygen which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, and more. It can also impact collagen production and immune function.

Plantar Fasciitis Connection

Some doctors believe that the diminished oxygen delivery and impaired collagen production that occur with iron deficiency anemia may contribute to plantar fasciitis development in certain individuals. However, more research is still needed.

One theory is that decreased oxygen supply to bodily tissues may result in cell damage and inflammation. The plantar fascia may be vulnerable to oxygen deprivation. Without iron, collagen quality declines. Since the plantar fascia is a collagen-based connective tissue, poor collagen could potentially weaken it.

There are some small studies that show those with plantar fasciitis have mildly reduced hemoglobin and iron levels compared to those without heel pain. Patients who are given iron supplements sometimes report improvement in their plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed through blood testing. Common findings include:

• Low hemoglobin level
• Reduced hematocrit which measures red blood cell volume
• Low serum iron level
• Reduced serum ferritin which helps store iron
• High total iron binding capacity (TIBC) indicating low iron

Testing can identify if anemia is present and help determine the underlying cause. Your doctor may examine your foot and ask about symptoms and risk factors for plantar fasciitis as well.

Treatment Options

If iron deficiency is contributing to plantar fasciitis, treatment focuses on raising iron levels along with conventional plantar fasciitis therapies like rest, ice, stretching, orthotics, physical therapy, night splints, and potentially corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy.

Dietary Changes

Increasing iron intake through diet or supplements helps treat iron deficiency. Foods high in iron include:

• Red meats
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Beans
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Iron-fortified cereals and grains
• Dried fruits like raisins and apricots

Vitamin C aids iron absorption so pairing iron-rich foods with citrus, peppers, strawberries and tomatoes is recommended.

Iron Supplements

If diet alone cannot restore iron levels, iron supplements are typically used. Iron tablets, drops or syrups are available over-the-counter and by prescription. Intravenous iron infusions are an option for those with severe deficiency. Always consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Underlying Cause

Treating any underlying condition causing iron deficiency is also important. Heavy menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, surgeries and other medical issues may need addressed.

Prevention

You can reduce the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis related to iron deficiency anemia by:

• Maintaining adequate iron levels through iron-rich foods or properly prescribed supplements
• Getting regular blood testing to monitor iron levels
• Preventing iron deficiency causes like heavy menstruation or gastrointestinal issues
• Wearing supportive footwear and orthotics
• Stretching calf muscles and plantar fascia
• Avoiding overtraining when running or jumping
• Losing excess weight to reduce foot strain

Proper nutrition and training adjustments can help you maintain healthy iron levels and potentially lower plantar fasciitis risks if deficiency is a contributing factor.

The Importance of Iron for Proper Foot Function

While not definitively proven, some emerging research suggests iron deficiency could play a role in certain cases of plantar fasciitis. Understanding why iron is important for proper foot function provides insight into this potential link.

Iron's Role in the Body

Iron is a mineral that serves several essential functions in the body:

• Production of hemoglobin to transport oxygen in red blood cells
• DNA synthesis
• Energy metabolism
• Immune system function
• Brain development and function
• Muscle movement and coordination
• Collagen production needed for connective tissues

Effects of Iron Deficiency

When the body lacks sufficient iron, it cannot properly carry out these critical roles. Iron deficiency develops in stages:

• Stage 1 - Iron stores in the body become depleted as measured by low ferritin levels.
• Stage 2 - The production of iron-containing proteins starts to be affected. Zinc protoporphyrin levels increase.
• Stage 3 - Hemoglobin levels fall as iron is not available for red blood cell production.

The effects of these declining iron levels may include:

• Fatigue and weakness from reduced oxygen transport
• Shortness of breath or fast heartbeat as heart works harder to compensate
• Headaches or dizziness as oxygen to the brain is decreased
• Pale skin, cracks at the side of the mouth, brittle nails
• Swollen or sore tongue
• Frequent infections from low immune function
• Poor concentration, memory or cognition
• Muscle cramps or restless legs from low oxygen
• Hair loss or thinning hair

Impact on Feet

Iron deficiency can potentially contribute to foot problems like plantar fasciitis in some people. Here's how:

• Without oxygen, tissues in the feet may not get adequate oxygen supply resulting in damage.
• Lack of iron reduces collagen production. Collagen gives strength and flexibility to connective tissues like the plantar fascia.
• Low iron leads to muscle weakness. Weakened foot and calf muscles disrupt motion and put more strain on the plantar fascia.

These effects may come together to increase risk of overuse injury and inflammation of the plantar fascia. Keeping iron levels optimal ensures enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells and collagen to support proper foot function.

Managing Plantar Fasciitis Related to Iron Deficiency

If iron deficiency or anemia is contributing to your plantar fasciitis, carefully managing your condition is important. Here are some tips:

Get Tested

See your doctor for blood work to determine if iron deficiency or anemia is present. Testing analyzes levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and other markers.

Rule Out Other Causes

Make sure to consider and address other potential causes of your heel pain like overuse, improper footwear, arthritis, and abnormal foot structure or motion patterns.

Correct the Iron Deficiency

Boosting iron levels through diet changes and supplementation under medical supervision helps treat an underlying deficiency. Increasing iron intake may help minimize plantar fascia symptoms.

Supportive Devices

Wearing shoe inserts, arch supports or night splints while the fascia heals reduces strain and re-injury risk. They help maintain proper foot alignment and provide cushioning.

Rest and Ice

Take a break from activities that aggravate your heel pain. Applying ice packs for 10-15 minutes a few times per day decreases inflammation and discomfort.

Gentle Stretching

Lightly stretching your calves and plantar fascia regularly preserves flexibility and range of motion in these areas. Avoid over-stretching while injured.

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist can help you improve strength, mobility and function. Therapeutic exercises, modalities like ultrasound, and manual techniques are often used.

Proper Footwear

Wear shoes with good arch support, shock absorption and enough room in the toe box. Replace shoes every 300-500 miles if running.

Lose Excess Weight

Carrying extra body weight increases strain on the plantar fascia. Losing weight if needed reduces the load on your feet.

Monitor Progress

Keep track of your pain levels and function on a scale from 1-10. This allows you to assess how well treatments are working.

Paying attention to proper nutrition, footwear, activity levels, and treatment adherence helps manage plantar fasciitis associated with low iron intake or deficiency.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.