Abridged from www.ipfh.org
Plantar fasciitis is thought to develop as the result of repeated small tears in the plantar fascia that occur when your foot strikes the ground. Common causes include the following:
- Overuse or a sudden rapid increase in physical activity. Plantar fasciitis is especially common in long-distance runners. Other types of sudden exertion, such as lifting heavy weights, can trigger the pain.
- Faulty biomechanics. Overpronation (flat-footedness), a high arch or an altered gait can affect the way weight is distributed when you’re on your feet, thereby stressing the plantar fascia.
- Being overweight, especially if weight gain takes place rapidly.
- Poorly designed shoes. Shoes that are thin-soled, too loose, too stiff, or that lack arch support and impact absorption don’t protect the feet well. If you regularly wear shoes with high heels, the Achilles tendon can contract and shorten, causing strain on the plantar fascia.
- Arthritis. Some types of arthritis can cause inflammation in the tendons in the bottom of the foot, which can lead to plantar fasciitis.
- Diabetes. For reasons that are not yet clear, plantar fasciitis occurs more often in people with diabetes than in those who don’t have diabetes.
- Being on the feet for extended periods. People in occupations that require a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces often develop plantar fasciitis.
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