Plantar fasciitis is not known to be genetic nor contagious. But two elite sports legends who happen to be brothers share the pain.
Denver Broncos Pro football quarterback Peyton Manning, son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and older brother of New York Giants QB Eli Manning, set numerous records in his career. Both Manning sons were sidelined for a time in their respective careers with plantar fasciitis. Eli Manning suffered a full tear of his plantar fascia in the 2009 season, but the New York Giants quarterback did not miss any games.
In 2015, Peyton Manning partially tore his plantar fascia in his left foot.
That same week, Dr. Cynthia Oberholtzer-Classen, DPM and founder and owner of Podiatry Associates PC, appeared on KOA radio where she discussed plantar fasciitis and its treatments. She explained to listeners that sometimes a partial tear is more painful that a major tear. “Surgery is recommended with a major tear so that the ligament can heal in a more clean fashion.”
The surgical route routinely has a 3-month healing process, Dr. Oberholtzer-Classen explained to listeners.
Fans were concerned that if Manning was out it would be detrimental to the Broncos season. But in February 2016, Manning closed out the season with a win over the Caroline Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
One month later he announced his retirement after 18 years and numerous career records: passing yards (71,940), touchdown passes (539), AP MVP awards (5), Pro Bowl appearances (14), 4,000-yard passing seasons (14), single-season passing yards (5,477 in 2013) and single-season passing touchdowns (55 in 2013).
According to Dr. O, while plantar fasciitis is not genetic nor contagious, there are innate risk factors—flat feet being one of them. Individuals with flat feet tend to roll their feet inwards while walking making them susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Being an athlete is a risk factor as well.
Contact Podiatry Associates for a free book entitled “What Are Your Feet Telling You?”
The book helps people recognize symptoms of foot and ankle problems, offers prevention tips and details treatment options. Podiatry Associates has four offices in metro Denver in Cherry Creek, Castle Pines, Parker and Aurora.