What did you do to your poor feet?
You have plantar fasciitis. So what did you do that was so wrong, that thrust such “abuse” on your feet? Did you force your feet to endure torture beyond anything they were designed to withstand? Possibly. But perhaps your actions were constructive; you became dedicated and got serious about exercise. There’s a chance you maintained a positive, healthy workout regimen, where you got your heart rate up, worked your muscles, and burned calories. Maybe you were exercising to lose weight. Or, you may have simply performed your job, one which requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time. In short, plantar fasciitis affects very active people and completely sedentary people, and those with activity levels anywhere in between. Its victims come in all shapes and sizes, and in just about any age range. However, the following factors increase your risk of experiencing plantar fasciitis:
- Extensive use of the feet. This includes just about every activity you do on your feet, if done for very long periods of time or with great intensity. Working all day on your feet and running are common causes.
- Excess weight. Carrying just 15 or 20 pounds of extra weight greatly increases the odds of plantar fasciitis occurring.
- A heavy body. Unfortunately, the effects of impact and stress on the feet are still amplified by a fit but larger body. Muscle and bone do count; the laws of physics ensure that your feet can’t tell the difference.
- Hazardous shoes. In other words, the choice of footwear usually based on fashion instead of comfort. Shoes with high heels, an extremely tight fit, a loose and floppy fit, very little cushioning, and those which don’t support the foot’s arch belong in this category.
- Age. A 20-year-old can acquire a case of plantar fasciitis, but a person’s risk becomes greater after age 30 and especially once he or she reaches middle age.
- Doing too much too soon when embarking on an exercise routine.
- Doing too much total exercise without adequate rest. In other words, overtraining.
- Flat feet.
- Highly-arched feet.
- Inflexible calf muscles and Achilles tendons. Tightness in these areas is a huge contributor to plantar fasciitis, as it places extra strain on the plantar fascia.
Any of these factors sound familiar? If any describe you, your activities, or your footwear, rest assured you are amongst many. Common characteristics and behaviors can cause the condition to rear its ugly head, so you may not have done anything that horrendous or atypical to acquire plantar fasciitis.