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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFactors that may increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis include:
- Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Sex. Women are more likely than men to develop plantar fasciitis.
- Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and dance aerobics — can contribute to an earlier onset of plantar fasciitis.
- Faulty foot mechanics. Being flat-footed, having a high arch or even having an abnormal pattern of walking can adversely affect the way weight is distributed when you're standing, putting added stress on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
- Occupations that keep you on your feet. People with occupations that require a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces — such as factory workers, teachers and waitresses — can damage their plantar fascia.
- Improper shoes. Shoes that are thin soled, loose, or lack arch support or the ability to absorb shock don't protect your feet. If you regularly wear shoes with high heels, your Achilles tendon — which is attached to your heel — can contract and shorten, causing strain on the tissue around your heel.
References
- Plantar fasciitis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cf,?topic=A00149. Accessed Jan. 2, 2009.
- Sheon RP, et al. Plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel and sole pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 2, 2009.
- Pasquina PF, et al. Plantar fasciitis. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/115323583-3/0/1678/89.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50088-2_1412. Accessed Jan. 2, 2009.
- Thomas JL, et al. Clinical practice guideline: The diagnosis and treatment of heel pain. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2001;40:329.
- Running and jogging injuries. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. http://www.sportsmed.org/secure/reveal/admin/uploads/documents/ST%20Running%20and%20Jogging%2008.pdf. Accessed Jan. 5, 2009.
- Stracciolini A, et al. Sports rehabilitation of the injured athlete. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine. 2007;8:43.
