Plantar Fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia wears out and tears, leading to pain and inflammation. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This band of tissues acts as a shock absorber and provides arch support for the bodyweight when an individual is standing. When one suffers from plantar fasciitis, they are likely to experience stabbing pain around the heel area. The stubbing pain starts as minor and rapidly develops to affect an individual’s mobility when ignored. There are many plantar fasciitis causes. Some of these causes are natural and take time before one experiences pain. Other causes are accidental and cause intense pain instantly. Here are some common causes of plantar fasciitis.
Physical Activities
Plantar fasciitis is most common in active adults aged between 40 and 70 years. As one grows old, the plantar fascia is subjected to continuous wear and tear due to physical activities. As a result, the tension build buildup weakens the plantar fascia leading to wear and tear.
Engaging in Strenuous Activities
Engaging in strenuous activities such as long-distance running or standing for long hours poses a great risk of plantar fasciitis. Running facilitates continued buildup of tension in the plantar fascia resulting in wear and tear. This is the main reason why most athletes suffer from plantar fasciitis now and then.
Structural Foot Problems
The structure of an individual’s foot can be the main cause of plantar fasciitis. Individuals with very high arches and flat feet are at a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Tight Achilles tendons, tendons attaching the calf muscles to the heels, can also lead to development of plantar fasciitis.
General Body Structure
How an individual’s body is structured contributes to tension in the plantar fascia. When the tension is too much, the individual is at risk of developing pain in the plantar fascia. For instance, obese people exert extra weight on the plantar fascia. This exposes them to a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. The same principle applies to pregnant women due to the additional weight of the unborn baby.
Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Shoes are the main point of contact between the ground and the foot. Wearing shoes that do not provide enough shock absorption weakens the plantar fascia leading to wear and tear. One should wear shoes that provide enough arch support and soft soles to reduce the impact of body weight on the plantar fascia.
Accidental Causes
One can suffer from plantar fasciitis as a result of an accident. Accidental exertion of force on the plantar fascia can lead to abrupt wear and tear of the tissue. For instance, when one accidentally steps on a hard object, the impact of their body weight can lead to tearing of the tissues in the plantar fascia.
The above-named are the main causes of plantar fasciitis. However, the degree of pain and tissue damage caused depends on gender. The plantar fascia in men is more resistant to tension than in women. This is the main reason why plantar fasciitis is more common in women than in men.
