Plantar Fasciitis: Understanding Causes and Pain Relief

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that takes place on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, a thick band of issue that runs from the heel up towards the toe gets inflamed and, as a result, pain develops. This band of tissue is called the plantar fascia. There are various causes for this pain.

Runners

• People who are repetitive runners can suffer pain that is related to plantar fasciitis. This would be the case with people who play sports that include a lot of running and jumping and people who run marathons, for example.

Pregnancy

• Being overweight or obese puts excess weight on the heel when you take steps, which can cause plantar fasciitis pain. Pregnancy can also contribute, being that it too adds excess weight to the body.

Arthritis

• Inflammatory conditions can also cause pain. One common condition that causes inflammation and can lead to pain is arthritis.

Shoes

• Shoes should be comfortable, should be well padded and should offer the foot good support. If they do not, they can cause pain.

Gait

• Poor walking mechanics can also lead to plantar fasciitis pain. An example of this is if your foot hits the ground awkwardly when you walk, causing the bottom of the foot to be overtaxed.