Plantar fasciitis, often known as heel pain, is a prevalent ailment that affects roughly 10% of the population at some point in their lives. The plantar fascia is a thick section of tissue that runs along the bottom of one's foot and links the heel bone to the toes. 

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by an irritated plantar fascia. If you have plantar fasciitis, you know it's not something that makes anyone happy. In this article, we have gathered eight facts about plantar fasciitis that you should be aware of.

1. Aging is a risk factor for plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60 because the plantar fascia (a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot) loses suppleness as we age. That’s why you shouldn’t neglect heel pain and other symptoms with age. 

2. Overweight and obesity can also play a role in heel pain
Obesity is a contributing factor in 70% of plantar fasciitis instances. In certain circumstances, suddenly gaining weight is natural and even good (for example, pregnancy). However, according to research published in Medical Clinics of North America by Dr. Rosenbaum, in other conditions, it is necessary, if at all feasible, to maintain a healthy weight in order to keep the feet healthy.

3. Stretching can help to alleviate or eliminate heel pain
In research published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 52 percent of patients who were treated with an exercise regimen to stretch the plantar fascia had their heel pain eradicated or significantly better after eight weeks. 

Although stretching to cure plantar fasciitis symptoms may not always help instantly, it works for many people in the long run. Stretching should be included in your everyday routine for the best outcomes.

4. Plantar fasciitis is more frequent among people who have flat feet
Due to the absence of arches in flat feet, your feet can’t absorb the shock of ordinary motion in the same way that arches would. As a result, the plantar fascia may be subjected to undue tension. Similarly, high arches can cause plantar fascia discomfort.

5. Athletes are more likely to get plantar fasciitis
When we walk or run, we put tension on our heels, which in turn puts stress on the plantar fascia. This constant stretching and contracting of the plantar fascia can cause significant damage to the region over time. This makes athletes, particularly those who participate in sports that require a lot of running, the most vulnerable to this problem.

6. Proper shoes can help ease plantar fasciitis
In one research, 14 percent of patients said that wearing more supportive footwear improved their plantar fasciitis symptoms. Shoes are one of the most crucial parts of supporting your heel and arch. Better impact absorption, cushioning, and reduced heel movement are all signs of good footwear.

7. Plantar fasciitis is frequently misdiagnosed
When it comes to heel and foot pain, plantar fasciitis isn't always to blame. If your discomfort persists, or if insoles and stretching aggravate it, you may not have plantar fasciitis. Ligament tears and plantar fibromas are two of the most common disorders that mimic plantar fasciitis. If you have a lot of foot discomfort at night, you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome.

8. Plantar fasciitis often reoccurs
When you have plantar fasciitis, your heel gets weaker and more susceptible to the ailment. This implies you should be more cautious and have your foot evaluated by a doctor as soon as you notice heel discomfort. Changing your walking/running style might help minimize your chances of acquiring plantar fasciitis.