Plantar fasciitis: part 3

Risk factors

Plantar fasciitis only develop in certain individuals. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common the age groups 40-60. However, in active athletes and overweight individuals, it is not uncommon to have the disorder in the early 30s.

Gender: Females for some unknown reason are more prone to plantar fasciitis.

Type of exercise is also an important risk factor. Individuals who place a lot of tension or stress on the heel are most prone to the disorder. Marathon runners, track joggers, aerobic dancers, ballet dancers and other individuals who are constantly leaping or jumping are also prone to the disorder.

Misaligned anatomy such as having flat foot or having a high arch can also cause abnormal gait and thus, leads to uneven weight bearing on the heel. This leads to more tension on the plantar fascia and pain.

Individuals who are obese generally are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis simply by virtue of placing more weight or tension on the plantar fascia

Any occupation where one is always standing or has to be upright for prolonged periods also causes plantar fasciitis. Teachers, airhostesses, servers, nurses, and waiters commonly develop this condition. Many of these individuals often develop disabling pain that requires a change in occupation.

Individuals who wear shoes with improper arch support or loose shoes often develop plantar fasciitis. Women who wear high-heeled shoes place a great deal of tension on the plantar fascia and often develop severe heel pain. Today, improper or inadequate shoe wear is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis North American society