As the popularity of the peloton exploded, so did the number of cautions and questions about using the equipment correctly. It was just Emily’s first time riding the Peloton bike that she experienced pain and inconvenience on her foot tissue called Plantar Fascia. She asked me, “Can peloton cause Plantar Fasciitis?”
You might have gone through this experience too in your life, a heel pain known as plantar fasciitis, that would have increased your wondering whether it has a connection to your peloton bike or to your foot condition. Emily was surprised and at the same time frustrated too because she had this belief that the peloton was a safe and effective way to stay fit.
Generally, cycling and spinning bikes like peloton do not cause foot pain or plantar fasciitis since they do not exert a lot of stress on your heel if you are not overusing your bike or wearing the wrong pair of shoes that can lead to pain in your feet. Instead, it can be your age, foot mechanics, obesity, or your daily lifestyle.
Rather than end here, this blog post continues with Emily’s story of the roller coaster of her journey with insights, into other factors like foot mechanics, shoe size, etc, and advice to the question, “Can riding a peloton cause peloton fasciitis?” So, let’s dive in and find out!
Can Ride a Peloton Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
As Emily reported her condition regarding plantar fasciitis that whether the condition occurs due to peloton or not. It is not proven yet in any study or research that peloton is the direct cause of Plantar Fasciitis among various people. But indirect factors that are related to the peloton might cause this heel pain.
The primary factor for plantar fasciitis from the peloton can be overuse and increasing the workout intensity. The reason Emily experienced this heel pain would be engaging herself in repetitive activities on the Peloton Bike that would have increased the chance of placing a strain on her Plantar Fascia. And this must happen to you if you are an avid rider of a Peloton bike.
Thus, those who don’t wear proper footwear or don’t take adequate breaks while riding a spin bike like Peloton increase their chances of getting plantar fasciitis.
Another interesting factor is your biochemical imbalances as some people are born with flat feet or have tight calf muscles, so with this condition the risk of developing plantar fasciitis while riding on peloton increases.
Therefore, the problem isn’t with the Peloton bike but rather the way you use it.
Is there any research on the link between Peloton and Plantar Fasciitis?
At this time moment, there is very limited research that shows the direct link between the peloton and plantar fasciitis. But there are some studies that are studying the relationship between the type of exercise and plantar fasciitis, which provide some insights into the potential risk of developing heel pain while riding a peloton bike.
The journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical therapy published a paper in which the researchers found that volunteers, who were part of their research and engaged in high levels of physical activity, particularly activities that involved repetitive motions of high-impact movements, were seen at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This means it can be the Peloton workout.
The international journal of sports medicine discovered higher levels of ankle dorsiflexion in runners which happens due to biomechanical imbalances like righting calf muscles and flat feet.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Before we move ahead, let’s try to perceive the nature of the problem first.
Plantar fasciitis, which is experienced by Emily and you, is not a rare condition but rather a common one. It is a condition in which you experience pain in the heel and bottom of your foot.
Why does it actually happen? It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of ligament tissue that connects your heel to the toes, is inflamed or swallowed due to overusing or tissues strained suddenly that unfortunately leads to pain and inflammation.
The basic function of the Plantar fascia is to support the arch of your foot and absorbs the shock when you pedal or do the movement.
A person with a plantar fasciitis problem might not be able to walk properly, stand firmly, or participate in any physical activity. As the day progresses, it may worsen in the morning and come with some periods.
According to NCBI Study, “Plantar Fasciitis is referred to as plantar feel pain syndrome, heel spur syndrome, plantar fasciopathy or painful heel syndrome.”
It often treats with some rest, effective stretching exercises, and wearing proper footwear.
Ideally, you should consult your orthopedic consultant or a physiotherapist first to determine the cause of your problem.
What are the Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis?
We concluded above that the peloton is not the direct factor that is associated with plantar fasciitis. But if you are curious to know the risk factors that can increase your chance of developing PF, I have compiled a table of some principal risk factors which you need to look at carefully.
| Risk Factors | Causes | |
| Intrinsic | Anatomic Risk |
|
| Functional Risk |
| |
| Degenerative risk |
| |
| Extrinsic | Overuse |
|
| Incorrect Training |
| |
| Inadequate footwear |
| |
How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis if you are Using Peloton?
You might have a question in your mind if the peloton doesn’t cause this condition then can it worsen plantar fasciitis? Yes, it can.
Consequently, preventing plantar fasciitis is the key. But if somehow you develop this heel pain while you ride your peloton bike, then there are some prompt treatments that will help you to decrease the pain and prevent the condition to become chronic.
I suggested this to Emily and she showed a great amount of progress though.
What do you need to do? Let’s look into it:
- Use proper Footwear: you need to carefully choose footwear or shoes for the peloton that can provide adequate arch support and cushioning to reduce strain on the plantar fascia. There is a study that happened among the patients at National Taiwan University Hospital that suggested wearing insoles or orthotics is highly suggested for clinical therapy.
- Stretching: Stretch your calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia before and after exercise for 10 to 15 minutes to help prevent tightness and reduce strain.
- Gradual increase in intensity: Increase the intensity and duration of your Peloton rides gradually to allow your body to adjust.
- Rest and ice: If you experience pain, rest and apply ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Supportive devices: Wearing a splint or brace at night can help keep your foot in a flexed position and provide support to the plantar fascia.
Conclusion
To conclude my above blog, I would say that the peloton bike isn’t the sole reason for causing Plantar Fasciitis to Emily and neither to any of you. It can, however, indirectly become the cause or worsen it as increasing the intensity and duration of repetitive motion on a peloton bike with your feet.
There are some preventions that you can follow to reduce the risk of developing heel pain such as using the right pair of shoes, stretching for 10 to 15 minutes and gradually increasing the intensity of your workout on the peloton bike.
Before you do any of the above precautious methods, it is better to consult with an orthopedic consultant so you can halt future occurrences to become chronic.
Let me know in the comments section, what was your experience with Plantar fasciitis (if you felt it before) and how did you deal with it? Do you think the peloton was the reason for it? I am excited to read it!
Thanks For Visiting!
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