Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis
The most important supporting structure of the arch is the plantar ligament 
Years of walking, running or standing on improperly aligned feet can
stress these ligaments to the point where micro-tears appear and inflame the fascia. Foot pain then begins to occur with:
- Sudden increases in levels of activity or over exertion
- Regular high-impact exercise (i.e.: running);
- Walking in workplaces with floors constructed of concrete slabs;
- Poor footwear (non-supportive, excessively flexible, improperly laced, or worn-out shoes);
- Body weight issues;
- Female hormonal changes; and
- Arthritic or diabetic conditions.
Typical Causes
Plantar fasciitis is caused by any kind of repetitive trauma to the misaligned foot.
Jogging, walking, climbing stairs, and other types of high-impact activity can place too much stress on the plantar ligament, especially near the heel bone. Work environments requiring extended periods of standing on ladders, moving of furniture or large appliances can also trigger inflammation and pain in the heel.
Loose or thin-soled shoes that lack arch support or shock absorption will also place undue stress on the heels.
In addition to improper footwear and foot trauma, diseases like diabetes and arthritis can also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Corrective Measures
There are many ways to help prevent or reduce the severity of a plantar fasciitis condition, including:
- Correction of foot misalignment either with external orthotics
- Enhancing the healing capacity of the injured plantar fascia with high-energy laser treatments
- Reduction of activity that causes excessive strain in the plantar ligaments or arch
- Wearing shoes with proper support
- Reducing body weight (if overweight) to lessen the load on strained arches
- Daily stretching of tight Achilles tendons to reduce strain on the plantar fascia
- Being mindful of body posture spending long hours on your feet to reduce tension in the foot muscles, tendons and ligaments
Treatment is Available
Are you suffering from pain or discomfort in your feet? Ottawa Foot Practice provides effective treatment options for heel and foot pain.
Contact our office at 613-595-9700 to schedule an appointment. Free parking is available at our state of the art Ottawa foot clinic.
