3 Typical Causes of Plantar Fasciatis

3 Typical Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

We tend to underappreciate the importance of having healthy feet. It quickly becomes an unbearable problem if the foot starts to hurt. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain and discomfort along the bottom of the foot. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick tissue that connects the heel bone to the toe bones, becomes inflamed. The pain is usually noticed first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Understanding the typical causes of plantar fasciitis can help in both preventing and managing this condition. Dr. Aaron Workman, a member of one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in the Lexington area, discusses three common causes:

1. Overuse and Strain from Activity

One of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis is overuse, particularly from physical activities that put excessive strain on the feet. Sports and activities that involve a lot of running, jumping, or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time are major contributors. High impact activities end up putting too much stress on the foot, leading to strain and inflammation in the fascia. If you have an occupation in which you stand all day you can end up with the same type of irritation. Factory workers, teachers and healthcare workers can all have high risk due to their prolonged standing leading to inflammation and discomfort.

2. Improper Footwear

Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support, or cushioning is another major cause of plantar fasciitis. Your feet need proper arch support and shock absorption to handle the impact of walking, running, and other activities.  Sandals, crocs, and slides may fail to provide support on every step, putting pressure on the plantar fascia due to the lack of foot arch support. On the other hand, wearing high heels can lead to shortened, tight calf muscles, overstressing the foot arch, causing inflammation. Even an old worn-out shoe that does not distribute forces equally can lead to strain on the plantar fascia.

3. Foot Structure and Biomechanics

The natural structure of your feet can also play a large role in whether you develop plantar fasciitis. Some foot shapes and biomechanics make it more likely for the plantar fascia to be overstretched or strained. A case of flat feet (fallen arches) will overstretch parts of the foot. The entire surface of your bottom foot ends up striking the ground giving more pressure on every step. If the foot has too much arch, it can also affect its ability to handle walking without discomfort.  If anything has changed the way you walk or run, that uneven distribution of force can lead to irritation of the plantar fascia.

This type of foot pain is a frustrating condition that will remind you just how important foot health can be. Understanding the typical causes can help you take steps to prevent it. Overuse from activity, wearing improper footwear, and having different contributing foot structures are the most common reasons people develop this condition. If you think that you have plantar fasciitis, it is important to have a healthcare professional take a look. By addressing these causes, you can protect your feet and reduce the likelihood of plantar fasciitis disrupting your daily life.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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