Risk Factors Associated With Plantar Fasciitis

Age

Although plantar fasciitis can arise without an obvious cause, certain age groups are more likely to develop it than others. Plantar fasciitis most commonly develops when an individual is between forty and sixty years old. But why is this?

Well, heels have a pad of fat that protects them and absorbs the shock when individuals walk or run. As the body grows older, the thickness of this fat decreases, which puts more pressure on the tissue. This chronic pain can also affect the elderly, as the muscles in the calves become weaker and tighter as individuals progress through life. The inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis can cause severe problems with walking and moving, warranting wearing orthotic implants.