Information by James Baxter – Lead Podiatrist and Clinical Director of Foot Mechanics. A comprehensive literature review has identified some key reasons for pain in the heel or plantar fasciitis:
- Age – It is thought that as a part of the normal ageing process, the tissue of the plantar fascia becomes more brittle and more prone to injury.
- High BMI – Increases in body weight also contribute to increased stress on the plantar fascia.
- Occupational – There is a high incidence in occupations that involve prolonged standing and time on feet.
- Footwear – low or very flexible footwear. I see a marked increase in plantar fasciitis cases following the summer break with the transition to jandals in my practice.
- Activity – Many cases will present following a sudden increase in unaccustomed activity, for example taking up walking or running.
- Foot Function – In some instances the way your foot and lower limb function may be implicated, for example very restricted ankle range of motion.
Heel Pain is one of the most common conditions we see at Foot Mechanics. For more information about heel pain – see here
