What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition that affects many individuals, leading to discomfort and
pain in the heel and bottom of the
foot. Understanding the causes of plantar fasciitis is essential for effective prevention and treatment.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.
This condition is characterised by pain, particularly in the heel area, and is commonly experienced during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Several factors can contribute to the development of
plantar fasciitis:
- Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Engaging in activities that involve prolonged standing, walking, or running, especially on hard surfaces, can place excessive strain on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation.
- Foot Mechanics: Abnormal foot mechanics, such as over-pronation (flat feet) or high arches, can alter the distribution of weight and pressure on the foot, increasing the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
- Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper arch support, cushioning, or have inadequate heel support can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis by failing to provide the necessary support to the feet.
- Tight Calf Muscles and Achilles Tendon: Limited flexibility in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can increase tension on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on the feet, increasing the risk of developing
plantar fasciitis.
- Age: Individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to changes in foot structure and decreased elasticity of the plantar fascia with age
- Occupational Factors: Jobs that require prolonged standing or walking, such as those in the service industry or healthcare, can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Treatment and Prevention
Addressing the underlying causes of
plantar fasciitis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention:
- Footwear Modifications: Wearing shoes with proper arch support, cushioning, and a firm heel counter can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further strain on the plantar fascia.
- Orthotic Devices: Custom or over-the-counter orthotic insoles can provide additional support and help correct abnormal foot mechanics.
- Stretching Exercises: Regularly stretching the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia can improve flexibility and reduce tension on the foot.
- Rest and Ice Application: Resting the affected foot and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress placed on the feet and lower the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms and gradually increasing the intensity of physical activities can help prevent the onset of plantar fasciitis.
If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues. However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces. However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes. After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”
