Understanding Plantar Fasciitis (part 1)

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot and heel pain that affects up to 10% of the US population and accounts for approximately 600,000 outpatient visits annually. There are a lot of differing opinions as to what plantar fasciitis is and why plantar fasciitis affects so many people. The biggest thing you have to understand that it can manifest in different ways for various people. It's so hard to say and looks even weirder - but the easiest way I explain it to my customers is this: it's like the word "headache" - you can have a sinus headache or a stress headache - so many different types and all over your head.

Plantar Fasciitis is like that too. It's a tendon that runs from your heel to your toes, meaning that you can have damage to many different areas of your foot and it would still fall under the general term. With the Baby Boomer generation being so much more active than even the last generation - this is now quite the catch phrase for many doctors. You see and hear about it everywhere.

Let's back up a bit and quickly discuss what plantar fasciitis actually is.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick, robust connective tissue linking the heel bone to the bases of the five toes. This tissue supports the arch and stabilizes the foot. Plantar Fasciitis can be explained very easily in this respect. Plantar is the name of the tendon in your foot and fasciitis is inflammation of a tendon. Simple really - but causing so much trouble.

You can injure yourself in one day and it can take up to 6 months to rectify - sometimes longer if you don't realize what you did or what may be contributing to the problem. There is no quick fix and it can be very painful. Like I said earlier many people 40+ will experience this more because as you age your tendons get less elastic. If you don't keep them stretched or suddenly change your routine dramatically, you can damage your foot.

Although there is no way to completely prevent plantar fasciitis, there are ways to reduce your risk and preventative measures you can take. Knowing the risk factors can help you prevent this foot condition to begin with.

Understanding the causes and risk factors of plantar fasciitis

Ever wondered why plantar fasciitis strikes some people but not others? In Las Vegas we have an interesting factor - everything is on concrete. Most of the houses in the valley don't have subflooring like many other parts of the country. People move here and get foot problems. I think part of it is that it's so nice most of the year, you want to go barefoot. But between the concrete and hard floors (like tile, laminate and wood) being so popular - it's almost like a double whammy to your feet. It can be very hard on your feet and aggravate every foot, knee and back problem you have.

Now I know there are many schools of thought that encourage being barefoot. I do too - but you also have to understand that is usually on terrain that gives under your foot. Sand and dirt can be soft enough that your foot can actually get a workout - in a good way. Concrete on the other hand is unrelenting and causes shock waves to travel thru your joints. There are 26 bones in your foot and each of them has connective tissue or tendons that keep them working properly. Put too much stress or aggravation on your feet and you can cause damage down the road. As you age the fluids, cartilage and tendons that support your skeletal system (and your foot bones) deteriorate, you become much more susceptible to causing damage if you don't take a few factors into consideration.

A review published in Oxford Academic sheds some light . They identified several factors that can increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Here's the rundown:

• Biological factors

  Age, sex, and weight all play a role. Pregnancy can also put extra strain on your feet.

• Foot structure

  Flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern can affect how your weight is distributed, impacting the plantar fascia.

• Shoes 

  Loose, thin-soled shoes and shoes lacking arch support or cushioning can leave your feet vulnerable. High heels can also be problematic.

• Activities 

  Certain exercises like long-distance running, ballet, or high-impact aerobics put a lot of stress on your plantar fascia.

• Occupation

  Jobs that require prolonged standing can also increase your risk.

 A LOT of people experience this foot condition in their lifetime, which begs the question:

Is there a way to prevent plantar fasciitis?

Tune into the next installment for some suggestions and techniques to answer this question.