The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs between the toes and heel along the length of the bottom of the foot. Stress or injury to the plantar fascia can cause it to become inflamed, causing pain for the individual involved. This condition, called plantar fasciitis, often develops gradually over time. Plantar fasciitis can be attributed to several causes, but proper foot care along with stretching and resting the foot can generally help resolve any problems.
Repetitive Activity
Plantar fasciitis tends to develop in people who participate in activities that put repetitive stress on the foot, explains MayoClinic.com. This can include activities such as long distance running or dance aerobics, since these can cause continual jolts to the heel and bottom of the foot.
Foot Arch Problems
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the number one cause of plantar fasciitis is a problem with the structure of the foot itself. Since the plantar fascia stretches under the foot, its length and structure determines the arch of the foot. Flat footedness, which occurs if the plantar fascia is lengthened, can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Extremely high arches, indicating a very short plantar fascia, may also be to blame. As people get older, the plantar fascia itself becomes less elastic, adding to the potential for structural problems to cause damage.
Poor Walking Style
Sometimes, the way a person walks can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis. According to MedlinePlus, pronation can cause plantar fasciitis. In pronation, the foot lands on the outside edge first and rolls inward. Someone who tends to pronate typically has a particular wear pattern on the shoes: the outside edges of the soles of the shoes wears down before the rest of the sole.
Bad Footwear
Another cause of plantar fasciitis is wearing shoes that don't fit well. Flat soles and poor arch support are common shoe problems that can lead to the condition. Shoes that don't offer enough support place extra stress on the structures of the foot, including the plantar fascia. Going barefoot can also encourage the development of plantar fasciitis. Poor shoe support is exacerbated when walking on hard surfaces or participating in sports or activities that put excess pressure on the heel. Often, the solution to solving plantar fasciitis foot pain is to purchase new shoes or shoe inserts that provide better support.
