3 of the Most Common Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem, one that can disrupt your normal routines. In fact, plantar fasciitis brings many Brooklyn, New York, residents to the Artisan Podiatry office in search of relief. While we love welcoming new patients to our practice, Shazia Amar, DPM, would prefer to help members of our community avoid painful foot conditions.

That’s why we’re here today to discuss the risk factors for plantar fasciitis. If these apply to your lifestyle, you have the power to make adjustments that can preserve your foot health and reduce the risk that you’ll need podiatric care. 

What is plantar fasciitis, and how does it develop?

There’s a thick band of connective tissue running across the bottom of your feet. This tissue, known as the plantar fascia, connects your toes to the heel of your foot and runs across the ball and arch of your foot. The plantar fascia is what gives your arch its shape. 

This stretch of tissue absorbs some of the shock that happens as you walk and run. It also plays a central role in the foot mechanics that keep you moving each and every day. 

Like any tissue, there’s only so much it can handle before the damage takes its toll. Overuse is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. You can also damage the plantar fascia during a sports or traumatic injury. If the tissue is stretched too far, inflammation will quickly develop, with pain coming along for the ride. 

Let’s look at three of the main risk factors for plantar fasciitis.

#1: Suddenly increasing your physical activity

Boosting your activity levels is a great way to improve your health, but you have to give your body time to adapt. This is especially true when it comes to the connective tissues within your body, like tendons, ligaments, and the plantar fascia. 

These tough tissues have a limited ability to stretch. So when you make a dramatic increase in physical activity, connective tissues are placed under strain. Jumping into a new routine (especially if that routine involves a lot of actual jumping) can damage your plantar fascia on one or both feet. 

#2: Wearing the wrong shoes

An argument can be made that there is a time and place for every pair of shoes. But if you choose shoes that fail to offer the right level of support on a day that you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet or walking/running long distances, your plantar fascia can suffer. 

A prime example is spending a long day in flip flops or sandals. These shoes, while comfortable and airy for short periods, very rarely offer the support and structure your feet need to thrive. Virtually everyone knows the feeling of kicking off a pair of uncomfortable shoes at the end of a long day.  Choosing the right shoes for the job can help avoid plantar fasciitis. 

#3: Spending time on hard surfaces

If your job or hobbies have you standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time, it makes sense that the band of tissue running across the sole of your feet would suffer. It doesn’t matter if you’re exercising at the gym, standing in front of your stove making dinner, or performing work duties on a concrete floor. 

Too much time on a hard surface is damaging to your feet. If you’re not wearing supportive shoes with the right degree of cushioning, the damage can become even worse. You can reduce your risk by taking breaks as frequently as possible or adding anti-fatigue mats where possible. 

How do I know I have plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis announces itself clearly. The most common sign is foot pain, which is often worse when you first step out of bed in the morning. You might also notice an increase in pain upon standing after sitting or resting. 

People with plantar fasciitis describe the pain as dull or throbbing. But it can also feel like a sharp, stabbing pain when you put weight on the affected foot. It’s possible to develop plantar fasciitis in one or both feet. 

In the early stages, treatment for plantar fasciitis often involves wearing a special brace or splint during sleep. This keeps your foot at an angle that reduces strain on the plantar fascia, allowing it to rest and heal. 

Left untreated, the condition can worsen to the point that more invasive treatment options offer the best path toward relief. When you’re ready for help, the team at Artisan Podiatry is ready to step in. You can schedule a visit to our Brooklyn, New York office by phone or online.