Understanding Plantar Fasciitis Causes

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that develops gradually as a result of the continuous strain and pressure exerted on the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes, passing through the ball of your foot. This degenerative condition occurs due to the repetitive nature of activities that put stress on the plantar fascia, such as running, excessive standing, or wearing improper footwear. Over time, these factors cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed and damaged, leading to foot pain and discomfort. It is important to seek treatment for plantar fasciitis to prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.

Individuals who suffer from this particular ailment commonly encounter feelings of unease when rising from bed in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for these symptoms to intensify during activities that involve bearing weight, such as walking or running. This condition often causes discomfort and hampers mobility in daily life.

High Arches

Having high arches can give rise to a range of problems, with foot pain being a notable issue. This condition can manifest during early childhood or can be inherited from birth. In addition, certain medical conditions such as stroke, paralysis, or spinal cord injury can also contribute to the development of high arches.

Plantar fasciitis is a common source of foot pain for people with high arches. This condition develops due to strain or damage to the plantar fascia, a ligament connecting your heel to your feet.

This ligament is designed to absorb the shocks and strains of walking, running, jumping and standing for extended periods. If damaged, it tightens, leading to inflammation that can cause intense pain.

To prevent plantar fasciitis, try to maintain a healthy weight and wear shoes that fit properly. Also, when beginning exercise, start slowly and increase the intensity gradually. If the condition is severe, ask your doctor about treatment options such as corticosteroid injections.

Obesity

Obesity is a serious condition that can have detrimental effects on all parts of your body. It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

Weight gain can lead to painful foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. It could even result in hallux valgus, a deformity characterized by a lateral bend of the big toe.

The heavier you become, the harder your feet must work to support you. This puts extra strain on the ligament connecting your heel bone to your toes, leading to inflammation and intense discomfort.

Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes, arthritis and other health complications. A healthy BMI (body mass index) is the best way to protect yourself against these potential issues.

Excessive Pronation

Pronation, which is an excessive movement of the ankle and arch when walking on concrete, can lead to plantar fasciitis and other foot issues such as heel spurs and metatarsalgia. Pronation refers to when your foot strikes the ground with excessive force.

When your foot strikes the ground, it naturally rolls inwards to absorb some shock. This is an integral part of walking or running and helps keep your feet balanced as you move through it.

Excessive pronation can cause your arch to collapse and put undue strain on the plantar fascia, leading to severe pain and other foot issues like bunions, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

You can check your pronation by standing with your heels flat and drawing a line from your knees to your ankles, looking for any curving in spots. If you see any curved lines, chances are high that you over-pronate.

Tight Calf Muscles

Tight calf muscles can cause heel and foot pain due to plantar fasciitis, as well as make walking or running more challenging.

Your calf muscles consist of the gastrocnemius and soleus. The gastrocnemius helps you bend your knee while plantarflexing (extending) your ankle, like pressing down on the gas pedal in a car.

The soleus muscle, located beneath the gastrocnemius muscle, stabilizes your tibia bone (shin bone) during running or walking.

When your calf muscles are tight, they can pull harder on the Achilles tendon and cause heel and foot pain that is indicative of plantar fasciitis.

Most cases of calf tightness can be treated at home with stretching and the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB or Aleve) may help reduce swelling and pain by relieving tension on certain areas.