7 Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
If you wake up, take a few steps, and feel that sharp heel pain like you’ve never felt before, there’s a good chance plantar fasciitis is behind it. You’re not alone. Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain on the planet, mainly because the tissue at the bottom of our feet bears so much pressure and weight. We at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center see this every day, so we’ll tell you all about its many causes below.
Cause 1: Overuse and Activity Changes
A sudden jump in mileage, more pickleball, or a weekend of nonstop errands can overload the fascia. When your activity level spikes faster than your tissue adapts, micro-tears add up, and your heel lets you know first thing in the morning.
Cause 2: Unsupportive or Worn-Out Footwear
Thin, floppy shoes, or pairs past their prime, let your arch collapse and your heel absorb too much force. If your work shoes feel mushy, or your favorite sneakers are smooth on the bottom, they’re quietly inviting plantar fasciitis to the party.
Cause 3: Tight Calf Muscles and Limited Ankle Motion
When calves or the Achilles tendon are tight, your foot can’t roll forward smoothly. That stiffness shifts extra tension to the plantar fascia with every step. Daily calf stretches, just 30 seconds at the wall, can be surprisingly powerful.
Cause 4: Flat Feet and High Arches
Both ends of the arch spectrum can stress the fascia. Flat feet may over-pronate and tug on the heel; high arches tend to be rigid and don’t absorb shock well. Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure and give your fascia a breather.
Cause 5: Higher Body Load and Carrying Weight
Your feet carry you, and whatever you’re carrying. Extra body weight or routinely hauling heavy gear increases the load through the heel and arch. Small changes (supportive shoes, strength work, smarter pacing) can lighten that load for your fascia.
Cause 6: Long Periods of Standing & Hard Surfaces
Concrete floors are unforgiving. If your work requires you to be on your feet all day, every day, the constant loading of impact does add up. A cushioned insole, an anti-fatigue mat, or even rotating between two supportive pairs of shoes can reduce strain.
Cause 7: Age-Related Tissue Changes and Recovery
Collagen naturally changes with age. Tissues get a bit less springy and take longer to recover, which makes doing too much activity in a short period of time more likely to flare the fascia.
That’s why prioritizing recovery, sleep, gentle mobility, and gradual training are all great starts for treating plantar fasciitis.
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.