Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis (heel spurs) affects the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue, like a tendon, on the bottom of your foot. It connects the heel and the ball of your foot together like a rubber band and forms the arch of your foot. In people with high arches the band is short, and in people with low arches or flat feet it is long. A pad of fat extends over the it and cushions the heel from shock. When the plantar fascia becomes damaged it will cause heel pain or Plantar Fasciitis.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

As you get older the plantar fascia becomes less flexible and doesn't stretch as well. In addition the fat pad on the heel becomes thinner and does not protect the heel as much from the shock of walking and running. This extra shock can damage the plantar fascia which can swell, tear, or become bruised causing plantar fasciitis. In some cases, plantar fasciitis can cause bruising and swelling of the heel.

What are the risk factors for Plantar Fasciitis

The following risk factors can increase the chance of getting plantar fasciitis:

Spending a lot of time on your feet
Having a low or high arch
Being overweight
Diabetes

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