Causes of plantar fasciitis

The cause of plantar fasciitis is uncertain, but there are two main theories. The first is that increased pressure from the ground compresses the tissues under the heel, causing pain. The second theory, is there is increased stress on the plantar fascia, and this causes pain at the spot where it inserts on the heel bone.

Despite the unknown cause, there are risk factors for plantar fasciitis, which include:

• Increased number of hours spent standing

• Tight calf muscles

• Those who are overweight

• The presence of heel spurs (bone growths on the bottom of the heel).

Addressing these risk factors is an important method of managing plantar fasciitis.