Plantar Fasciitis Causes & Risk Factors

By Tim Wall MS/ATC

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis & Risk Factors

There are many causes/risk factors of plantar fasciitis including leg length discrepancy, excessive pronation of the foot, inflexibility of the arch, and tightness of the calf muscle. Wearing shoes without sufficient arch support, running with a lengthened stride, and running on soft surfaces are also potential causes of plantar fasciitis.

Other potential causes of Plantar Fasciitis:

• Poor biomechanics: Bad form can contribute to PF among other foot conditions.  An option which can help is the use of a foot orthotic or insert in your shoes for work or for walking and running.  JOI Rehab can help you with an affordable orthotic for your shoes.  Give us a call at 904-858-7045. 
• Failure to prepare for a workout: The simple things sometimes make the biggest difference. Read the JOI Fitness Tips on how to properly prepare yourself for a workout.
• Long distance running: Running long distances can sometimes lead to plantar fasciitis in athletes. Learn about some alternative exercises to running.
• Changing surfaces for sports: Plantar fasciitis is very common in tennis players.  It is often brought on by changing from hard courts to clay or the reverse.  The clay tennis show is much flatter on the bottom surface as to not tear up the clay courts.  Changes in the shoes and the courts certainly can cause plantar fasciitis.  An orthotic insert in your shoe again would be the best option.

JOI & JOI Rehab Treatment Options

Whatever the cause or risk factor you may have for Plantar Fasciitis, JOI and JOI Rehab have a varied treatment program to get you back to the sport that you love.  Our programs consist of:

Laser Therapy, Graston Technique, custom orthotic insoles, soft tissue massage, stretching, strengthening and a gradual return to sport program.  We also can utilize the Alter G Treadmill to reduce the weight on your foot while walking or running.

For JOI Rehab appointments, please call 904-848-7045.  For a new patient appointment with a JOI Physician, please schedule online.

Plantar Fasciitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Causes / Causes/Risk Factors
• Complications
• Treatment
• Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

By: Tim Wall MS, ATC