Plantar Fasciitis - Cause

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Exactly what causes plantar fasciitis is not well understood. But it probably develops as the result of repeated small tears in the plantar fascia Click here to see an illustration.. Normally when you walk, your plantar fascia stretches as your foot strikes the ground. If the plantar fascia is strained by the way you walk or by repeated stress, it can become weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed), and it can hurt when you stand or walk.

Conditions or activities that may lead to plantar fasciitis include:

  • Factors that affect how the feet work (biomechanical factors). These include abnormal inward twisting or rolling of the foot (pronation Click here to see an illustration.), high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or tight tendons at the back of the heel (Achilles tendons). Excessive pronation is a common cause of plantar fasciitis.
  • Repetitive activities, such as jobs that require prolonged walking or standing on hard or irregular surfaces or sports such as running.
  • Factors that put extra stress on the feet, such as being overweight or wearing shoes that are poorly cushioned, don't fit well, or are worn out.
  • The natural process of aging. Plantar fasciitis is most common in middle-aged adults.
  • In rare cases, a single injury to the foot.
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 22, 2009
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery

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