There is no single cause or set of causes or characteristics that can unquestionably explain the onset of Plantar Fasciopathy. Human gait, whether running or not, has a unique biomechanics from person to person and is influenced by various anatomical, physiological, and even psychological factors.

Proof of this is that, although a collapsed longitudinal arch is often associated with plantar fasciopathy, it also occurs in feet with normal and high arches. This leads us to conclude that the key to resolving or reducing this problem lies in how the different characteristics of each person’s gait interact.

That said, certain endogenous and exogenous characteristics can predispose someone to and/or prolong Plantar Fasciopathy. These also guide the physiotherapist’s clinical reasoning during evaluation, and some of them are:

• Amount of time spent standing in daily life
• Changes in training intensity and competition load
• Type of surface on which you run
• Technical features of footwear and insoles (and how long they’ve been in use)
• History of injuries in the spine, pelvic girdle, and lower limbs
• Knee valgus or varus (“knock knees” or “bow legs,” respectively)
• Excessive foot pronation when standing and in motion (pronation of the subtalar joint and/or Chopart joint complex)
• Flattening of the longitudinal arch
• Strength of the intrinsic foot muscles
• Strength and muscular control of the Triceps Surae (“calves”) and Posterior Tibialis
• Range of motion of the toes (metatarsophalangeal joints)
• Muscle length of various lower limb muscles
• Gait kinematics

Whether you are a runner or an “everyday athlete,” don’t treat the problem halfway or let it drag on assuming it will go away.

See your physiotherapist!