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A person is placed at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis if he or she is:
Pregnant
Several studies done in the past have proven that the weight gain and swelling that normally accompany pregnancy can cause ligaments in feet to relax. This can lead to mechanical problems and inflammatory conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Wearing shoes with poor arch support or stiff soles
The fact is that poorly designed pumps, loafers and boots can cause plantar problems. People should therefore avoid them.
Active in sports
Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel bone and the attached tissue, such as running, ballet dancing and aerobics, are most likely to cause plantar fasciitis.
Workers on their feet
There is no doubt that people with occupations that require a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces, including factory workers, teachers and waitresses, can damage their plantar fascia. That’s why they are placed at the highest risk for developing this condition!
Flat-footed or have high arches
It is proven that people with flat feet may have poor shock absorption, which increases the stretch and strain on the plantar fascia.
Middle-aged or older
Heel pain tends to be more common with aging as the arch of your foot begins to sag and relax more then it should, putting stress on the plantar fascia.
Overweight
Carrying some extra pounds around can break down the fatty tissue under the heel bone and cause heel pain. That’s why weight loss is one of the principles of good therapy!
Other anatomic risks include overpronation, discrepancy in leg length, excessive lateral tibial torsion and excessive femoral anteversion. Functional risk factors include tightness and weakness in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and intrinsic foot muscles.
Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
Patient’s history
Patient’s history is very important in making the right diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Doctor should ask about symptoms and look for points of tenderness in patient’s foot. This can help rule out other causes of heel pain, such as tendinitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or a cyst.
X-ray imaging or MRI
Some doctor believe that X-ray or MRI could be very important in diagnosis because these diagnostic tools can rule out the stress fracture which is also a common condition. Sometimes, an X-ray shows a spur of the bone projecting forward from the heel bone, which can be corrected surgically.