One of the most common soft tissue foot conditions we treat is plantar fasciitis. This disorder involves the painful swelling of the plantar fascia, the strip of tissue connecting your toes to your heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is probably why you feel stabbing heel pain when taking your first steps of the day. Today, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center share some plantar fasciitis risk factors and how we can help you stay on your feet and pain-free.

Plantar Fasciitis Risk Factors

The plantar fascia’s primary function is to absorb the impact on your feet when standing, running, and walking. This body part takes a great deal of use, and additional strain can injure the plantar fascia.

Several risk factors can increase your probability of developing plantar fasciitis, including:

• Foot Mechanics: Flat feet, tight calf muscles, an abnormal walking pattern, or high arches can affect the distribution of weight when you’re standing and place added stress on the plantar fascia.
• Time Spent on Your Feet: Spending most of the day on your feet can significantly contribute to plantar fasciitis. Runners are more vulnerable to this condition due to repeated stress on their heels.
• Age: This disorder is more widespread in patients between 40 and 60.
• Obesity: Being pregnant or overweight can put more pressure on the feet.

When you consult with our podiatrists, we’ll help you create strategies to ensure your activities don’t cause heel inflammation. Applying footwear and lifestyle modifications can make all the difference in relieving your heel pain.

If you ignore your plantar fasciitis pain, it can result in ongoing pain and possible structural damage to your foot, so seek treatment immediately!

Don’t let plantar fasciitis keep you from the activities you love. Our team at greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center can help you with all your foot care needs and develop a customized treatment program to suit your personal needs.

Click here to locate the office nearest you and schedule an appointment today.