Plantar Fasciitis – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Plantar fasciitis ranks among the most widespread reasons for heel discomfort. This condition involves inflammation in the plantar fascia—a thick tissue band stretching across the foot bottom from heel to toes.

People with this condition typically feel sharp pain with their first morning steps. The discomfort usually lessens with movement but may return after extended periods of standing or when rising after sitting.

Medical experts don’t fully understand what causes plantar fasciitis. However, certain groups face higher risks:

• Runners
• People carrying excess weight

The pain pattern is distinctive—often worst during the first steps after rest and improving with moderate activity. This pattern helps doctors distinguish plantar fasciitis from other foot conditions.

Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis causes sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot near the heel area. Most people experience the worst pain:

• During the first few steps after waking up in the morning
• After standing for extended periods
• When getting up after sitting for a while

The pain often decreases after taking a few steps, but might return after long periods of activity or standing.

Causes

The plantar fascia is a strip of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. It helps support your foot’s arch and works as a shock absorber when you walk.

Plantar fasciitis develops when this tissue gets damaged. Small tears can form when too much tension pulls on the fascia. Over time, these tears can cause irritation and inflammation.

Many cases of plantar fasciitis happen without a clear reason. The condition typically results from:

• Repeated strain on the tissue
• Ongoing stress to the foot
• Continuous stretching of the fascia

These factors gradually weaken the tissue, leading to pain and discomfort.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of developing plantar fasciitis:

• Age Range: People between 40 and 60 years old face higher risk of this condition.
• Physical Activities: Exercises that put significant pressure on your heel area can trigger plantar fasciitis, including:
  • Long-distance running
  • Ballet
  • Aerobic dance classes
• Foot Structure and Movement: Your natural foot shape affects how weight spreads across your feet. Problems can arise from:
  • Flat feet
  • High arches
  • Unusual walking patterns
• Weight Considerations: Carrying extra body weight places additional strain on the plantar fascia.
• Job Requirements: Occupations requiring extended periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces increase risk. This includes:
  • Factory workers
  • Teachers
  • Retail employees

Complications

Ignoring heel pain can lead to ongoing problems that affect daily life. People who change how they walk to avoid foot pain may develop issues in their feet, knees, hips, and back.

These changes in walking patterns often create new problems beyond the original foot pain. This makes movement more difficult over time.