A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the long, thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone and the toes. This thick band is called the plantar fascia, and it supports the arch of the foot.
The heel pain due to plantar fasciitis is often more uncomfortable in the morning after the feet have been resting all night. Stepping out of bed and onto the floor creates a stabbing pain in the heel, and this usually subsides with activity.
Although the pain subsides, it tends to return. After you have been sitting for a while, standing back up again can be painful just like it was in the morning. Additionally, standing up for long periods of time can also exacerbate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Let’s talk about who tends to be susceptible to plantar fasciitis and what you can do about it if you do develop heel pain due to this inflammation.
Risk Factors Related to Plantar Fasciitis
The cause of plantar fasciitis is generally believed to be stress and pressure on the plantar fascia. Heavy tension causes the band of tissue to stretch awkwardly and to eventually tear, similarly to a torn ligament.
However, heel pain due to plantar fasciitis can also appear without any apparent reason. There are certain risk factors that can cause you to develop the condition, including the following:
Activity
Any activity that keeps you on your feet for a while, especially on a regular basis, could cause plantar fasciitis. This includes working at a job or volunteer work that requires long hours of standing on hard surfaces.
Age
Plantar fasciitis is most common for people who are between 40 and 60 years of age. This is likely because the inflammation develops as we get older and our tissues lose some elasticity and strength, which would explain the condition in people who are in their 40s and 50s. Likewise, because people over 60 do not stand and walk as much as those who are younger, this may be why people in this age group do not tend to develop this inflammation as often.
Foot Structure
The shape and structure of a person’s feet can make them more susceptible to plantar fasciitis, such as those who have flat feet or high arches. Because foot structure affects a person’s stance and gait (i.e., how they walk), this can cause the foot to react abnormally when standing and walking – thereby making them susceptible to plantar fasciitis.
Obesity
A person who is overweight is at a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis than are those whose weight is in the normal range. The added weight places excess downward stress on the feet, which causes strain on the plantar fascia.
Heel Pain Treatment in San Antonio
If you have heel pain or foot pain, see a doctor who specializes in the feet. A podiatrist specializes in conditions that affect the feet, and this physician can diagnose and treat the cause of your foot pain. Here at The Podiatry Group of South Texas, our medical team treats plantar fasciitis and other issues related to the feet and ankles.
To request an appointment, call our location near you or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you enjoy a pain-free lifestyle once again.
