How does heel fasciitis develop?

The formation of heel fasciitis is mainly related to long-term mechanical stimulation, living environment, abnormal body structure and bad living habits. Improving foot pressure distribution, adjusting lifestyle and scientific treatment can effectively alleviate and prevent it.

1). Standing for long periods of time or exercising excessively

Heel fasciitis is usually caused by repeated excessive pressure on the plantar fascia. People who are active, such as standing, running, and jumping, are more susceptible to the disease. Excessive use of the feet can cause the fascia to be in a tight state for a long time, which will cause micro-tears and inflammation over time. If your job requires you to stand for a long time, it is recommended to choose shoes with good shock absorption or place professional arch pads in your shoes. When exercising, control the amount of exercise, avoid excessive exercise, and increase stretching exercises to relax the fascia.

2). Improper shoe wearing and foot abnormalities

Shoes with too hard soles, too high heels or no foot support will affect the force distribution on the soles of the feet and increase the burden on the fascia. Physiological structural abnormalities such as flat feet, high arches or asymmetric feet may also lead to uneven force on the plantar fascia, which in turn causes inflammation. Such people should choose appropriate corrective insoles or customized shoes to reduce the pressure on the fascia by improving the mechanical structure of the foot.

3) Obesity and aging

Obesity increases the burden on the feet, causing the fascia to bear extra weight for a long time. At the same time, middle-aged and elderly people are more susceptible to fasciitis due to the decrease in fascia elasticity and toughness. It is particularly important to control weight and strengthen daily foot exercises. It is recommended to do low-impact exercises for about 150 minutes per week, such as swimming or cycling, to reduce the direct weight on the feet. At the same time, you can regularly massage the soles of your feet or apply ice to relieve inflammation.

4). Traumatic injury and intervertebral disc pathology

Trauma to the foot or minor injuries that have not healed for a long time can directly lead to tightness or inflammation of the fascia, which can become a predisposing factor for fasciitis. Disc problems in the lower back can cause compression of related nerves, further aggravating the inflammatory reaction on the sole of the foot. If accompanied by severe foot pain or numbness in the lower limbs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI) can clarify the problem and guide treatment.

Heel fasciitis can be prevented by changing daily habits, wearing shoes that fit well, controlling weight, exercising properly, etc. If symptoms are severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner and choose anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (such as ibuprofen), local injection of steroid drugs, or in rare cases, consider surgical treatment. Reasonable intervention in the condition of the foot can help restore a healthy arch and reduce inflammation.