The Link Between Iron Deficiency and Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, estimated to affect over 2 million Americans each year. This painful condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia - the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot.
While the exact causes of plantar fasciitis are not fully understood, several risk factors have been identified including overuse injuries, foot structure problems, and obesity. Interestingly, some research also suggests that decreased iron levels may play a role in the development of plantar fasciitis pain.
The Role of Iron in Inflammation and Healing
Iron is a mineral that has several important functions in the body. In addition to being part of hemoglobin to transport oxygen in the blood, iron is also essential for the production of collagen. Collagen provides strength and flexibility to connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
Having an iron deficiency can reduce collagen production and affect tissue repair and healing. This may cause the plantar fascia and other foot structures to become weaker and more prone to inflammation and injury when subjected to repetitive strain.
There is also evidence that low iron levels can trigger a pro-inflammatory state in the body. This may promote increased pain sensitivity and chronic inflammation problems like plantar fasciitis.
Research Connecting Iron Deficiency and Heel Pain
A few studies have specifically analyzed if there is a link between reduced iron stores and risk for plantar fasciitis pain.
One study compared mineral status between adults with plantar fasciitis and healthy controls. The results showed that iron deficiency was significantly more common in those with heel pain compared to the control group.
Another study found that treating iron deficiency anemia helped reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Adults with iron deficiency anemia and heel pain were given oral iron supplements daily for 3 months. By the end of the treatment, 89% had improved plantar fasciitis pain and function.
The Impact of Low Iron Levels
It’s clear that there is some connection between depleted iron levels and increased risk for developing plantar fasciitis. But why exactly does iron deficiency cause problems?
Weakened Muscles and Connective Tissues
Iron plays a key role in forming collagen proteins that strengthen tendons, ligaments, fascia, cartilage, and bone. An iron deficiency can reduce collagen production, leading to weakened connective tissues that are more prone to inflammation and injury.
Low iron levels also reduce oxygen supply to muscles, which can promote fatigue and muscle dysfunction. Weak foot intrinsic muscles or calf muscles may increase strain on the plantar fascia and raise injury risk.
Increased Inflammation
Iron deficiency causes certain changes in immune function that create a pro-inflammatory state. This results in increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and other chemicals that promote swelling, irritation, and pain sensitivity.
This low-grade chronic inflammation can manifest as ongoing plantar fascia inflammation and heel pain. Restoring normal iron levels can help reduce this inflammatory response.
Numbness or Nerve Problems
In some cases, a severe or long-standing iron deficiency can progress into a condition called restless leg syndrome (RLS). RLS causes uncomfortable sensations like tingling, itching, creeping, pulling that make you feel the urge to move your legs.
Nerve problems related to iron deficiency may also contribute towards heel pain symptoms. Numbness, burning, or shooting pain signals from the heel area up through the leg can occur with conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Treatment Options
If your iron levels are low, replenishing iron stores through your diet or supplements should be the first step. This may help resolve cases of heel pain caused by iron deficiency anemia or dysfunction.
Oral Iron Supplements
Taking over-the-counter oral iron tablets daily can be an effective way to increase iron levels back to normal. You may need to take supplements for several months to fully build up iron stores again.
Just keep in mind that iron tablets commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects like stomach pain, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. Working with your doctor can help determine the appropriate iron dosage and formula for your needs.
Dietary Iron
Consuming iron-rich foods may also help boost your levels over time. Good dietary sources of iron include:
- Red meats
- Poultry like chicken or turkey
- Seafood, especially clams, oysters, shrimp
- Beans, lentils, soybeans
- Dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli
- Iron-fortified breakfast cereals
- Raisins, prunes, or other dried fruit
Getting enough vitamin C can improve iron absorption from foods. Combining iron sources with vitamin C-rich fruits or vegetables is a great way to boost your dietary iron intake.
Other Treatments
While treating the iron deficiency is important, you’ll also need a customized treatment plan to address the underlying plantar fasciitis inflammation and discomfort. This may involve:
- Resting the foot from aggravating activities
- Stretching and foot exercises
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Supportive shoe inserts or orthotic devices
- Anti-inflammatory treatments like massage, icing, contrast baths
- Cortisone injections or PRP injections
In severe cases, surgery may even be recommended to release the plantar fascia and stimulate tissue healing. Working closely with your podiatrist can help develop an integrated treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Take-Away Points
- Iron deficiency could be a contributing factor for plantar fasciitis in some individuals.
- Low iron impacts collagen production, muscle function, inflammation levels, and nerve signals - all of which may aggravate heel pain.
- Getting tested for iron deficiency makes sense if struggling with chronic or unexplained plantar fasciitis symptoms.
- Correcting the iron deficiency along with targeted foot treatments offers the best chance for resolving your heel pain.
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.
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