Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of foot pain. This condition occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
The inflammation tends to worsen with activity and lessen with rest. However, it can also cause intense pain upon waking up in the morning. In this blog, Kerry E. Berg, DPM, of Intermountain Foot & Ankle Associates explains six of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis.
Runners and other athletes may experience plantar fasciitis due to suddenly increasing their activity level. This can put a lot of pressure on the plantar fascia, which can lead to inflammation.
To avoid developing plantar fasciitis, increase your activity level slowly. In addition, stretch your feet before and after exercising. And, if your feet hurt after exercising, give them some rest.
Being overweight can put extra pressure on your plantar fascia. This, in turn, can lead to inflammation. The best way to take pressure off of your plantar fascia is to lose the weight. But as mentioned previously, don’t ramp up your activity level all at once. Start slowly and eat a healthy diet.
While you can develop plantar fasciitis at any age, it’s most common among people between the ages of 40-60, especially women. If you’re in this age group, keep your weight down and exercise consistently.
Several types of shoes can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Both high heels and flat shoes with worn-out soles can lead to foot pain and eventually plantar fasciitis.
Wear supportive athletic shoes as often as possible. In many cases, simply switching to a more supportive style of footwear can clear up a case of plantar fasciitis.
If you have flat feet or high arches, you have a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This is because your feet naturally lack some of the support needed to take the pressure off of your plantar fascia. You may be able to compensate for these issues by wearing supportive shoes or using orthotics.
Certain jobs, such as being a factory worker, food server, or nurse, may require you to stand on your feet for the majority of the day. This can lead to strain and inflammation in your plantar fascia. If you have this type of job, wear supportive shoes and take as many breaks as you can to rest your feet.
If you think you may have plantar fasciitis, Dr. Berg can give your feet a thorough examination and direct you on your next steps. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Intermountain Foot & Ankle Associates today.
