The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis: Understanding the Risk Factors

Plantar fasciitis is an unpleasant issue that causes pain in the bottom of your foot. The worst discomfort tends to be in the morning when you first take a few steps. If you're suffering from it, you may wonder why. Or, if you don't have it, you may be curious about how to prevent it. Fortunately, Dr. Russell Grimes, Dr. Ross Bartley, and Dr. Tyler Sten of Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, with locations in St. Joseph and Kansas City, MO, can help prevent it and are there if you should happen to develop it.

How Plantar Fasciitis Occurs in General

Underneath your foot, there's a band of tissue connecting from the base of your toes clear to your heel, supporting your arch. This connective tissue absorbs shock whenever you're walking, so it makes sense that it takes a lot of wear and tear.

Over time, stress on the tissue, especially from stretching it, can cause tiny tears. As a result, it may become irritated or inflamed and cause pain or stiffness. 

Age's Relationship

Age plays a role in the onset of this issue, with most people not experiencing it until they're between 40 and 60. 

The aging process causes you to produce less collagen and elastin over time, making the tissue less flexible and resilient. Without adequate collagen, the tissue weakens and becomes more susceptible to micro-tears.

You may also lose the arch in your foot over time, and the stress you've put on the tissue from running and other physical activity may catch up with you.

Being Physical (Activities and Work)

If you're on your feet a great deal, either for work or exercise like running, you're more vulnerable to plantar fasciitis. You continuously stress the tissue, which causes tears that you can't see or feel. 

You're particularly prone to stressing the area if you aren't warming up as you should before exercises.

Quick Weight Gain or Being Overweight or Obese

Being overweight or obese or gaining 15 or more pounds in a few-month span can lead to plantar fasciitis because of strain on the area. 

Wearing Non-Supportive Footwear

If you wear footwear without adequate arch support or that doesn't absorb shock well, you are at risk for this condition. If you're unsure of the right shoes, a podiatrist at one of our St. Joseph and Kansas City, MO locations can help.

Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons has locations in St. Joseph and Kansas City, MO. There, Dr. Grimes, Dr. Bartley, and Dr. Sten provide care to prevent and treat plantar fasciitis.

Call us at 816-364-2338.