Probability of Developing Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting approximately 10% of the population at some point during their lifetime. It accounts for about 1 million doctor visits per year in the United States. The condition occurs when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed.

Risk factors include age (peak incidence between 40-60), obesity (a BMI over 30 increases risk 5.6 times), occupations requiring prolonged standing, flat feet or high arches, tight calf muscles, and sudden increases in activity (particularly running). Women are slightly more likely to develop plantar fasciitis than men.

The hallmark symptom is sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting, which often improves with activity but worsens again after extended standing. About 80-90% of cases resolve within 10-12 months with conservative treatment including stretching exercises (particularly calf and plantar fascia stretches), proper footwear, orthotics, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. For persistent cases, treatments include corticosteroid injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, and rarely, surgical release.