Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue (called the plantar fascia) that connects the front of your foot to your heel becomes overly stretched. This causes the tissue to become irritated and inflamed, leading to heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis pain is often more severe after a period of rest—for example, after a long car ride, or while taking your first few steps out of bed in the morning. The condition can make it difficult to exercise, play sports, and perform daily activities. It can also interfere with your ability to work, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
Below we explore risk factors and treatments for plantar fasciitis, including alternatives to some of the more invasive standard treatments.

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis
In many cases there is no identifiable cause of plantar fasciitis; however, factors that increase your risk for developing it include:
- Wearing improperly fitting or high-heeled shoes
- Having a high arch or flat feet
- Carrying extra weight; obesity increases your risk
- Activities or exercises that place excess stress on your heel, such as long-distance running, ballet dancing, or aerobic exercise
- Being on your feet for extended periods of time
- Age; people between the ages of 40 and 60 are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis