/ 6 min

Symptoms and Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

logo kuru author2
By: KURU Footwear

Key Takeaways

  • The plantar fascia is a strong, flat band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot and propels us forward as we walk.
  • Everything in our body is connected, and the health of one part of the body can affect the movement and health of other parts. This includes the plantar fascia, which is closely associated with the Achilles tendon and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle.
  • To take care of the plantar fascia, it is important to wear proper-fitting shoes, lengthen and stretch the calf muscles, and strengthen the toes. KURU shoes, which have KURUSOLE™ technology, are recommended for preventing foot pain and injury.

If you have ever had foot pain you have probably heard the term plantar fascia. This post will hopefully shed some more light on the plantar fascia and why it plays such an important role in foot health. Here is what the plantar fascia is:

  • The plantar fascia is a strong, thick, band of connective tissue that begins at your heel (the calcaneus bone) and runs all the way to your toes (it connects at the metatarsal bones)
  • The plantar fascia is wide and flat, kind of like a ribbon that runs the length of the bottom of your foot
  • The plantar fascia is made up of very dense and structured collagen fibers
  • The plantar fascia, as seen in an actual human, is white and smooth.
  • It is very organized and tightly packed so that it almost looks like plastic
  • The plantar fascia has lots of purposes, but two of its main purposes have to do with foot support and walking
  • The plantar fascia works a little bit like a spring and helps propel us forward as we walk
  • It also serves as the main support of the arch of your foot

As you walk, the part of the plantar fascia that takes the most pressure and stress, is right where it connects to the heel. And to be even more specific, on the outside of your heel (in medical terms that is the lateral portion of the plantar fascia—the part of the plantar fascia that is furthest from your heart.)

If you have been looking for information about the plantar fascia (either from your doctor or the internet) you may have also heard or seen the term plantar aponeurosis. Do not worry. Those are not two different things, they are the same thing. There is some debate in the scientific community about whether or not the plantar fascia is actually a aponeurosis or a fascia (they are both types of connective tissue, they just differ in their main function). For the purpose of this post, we will refer to it as the plantar fascia.

plantar fasciitis stats and facts
Continue Reading

How Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain Affects US Adults: A Data Study

In our bodies everything is connected. Even though they may seem unrelated, the health of one part of your body can affect the movement of the other parts of your body. Is your shoulder sore? It may be affecting the way that you walk (because the way you swing your shoulders is an important part of your gait) and the health of your feet.

As with everything in your body, understanding the idea that everything is connected is an important part of understanding the plantar fascia. Back, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet are all important parts that work together to help us walk or run—if something is wrong with any of those parts it can affect any of the other parts.

The plantar fascia works very closely with two specific parts of the body. When we are born, the plantar fascia is attached to the Achilles tendon. As we get older, that connection very slowly dissolves, and in the elderly there is very little connection between the two. The plantar fascia is also closely associated with the flexor digitorum brevis muscle (FDB) which is the muscle that controls all of your toes except your big toe. Your big toe is used to help you keep your balance, while your smaller toes are critical in spreading out the load of walking.

The plantar fascia is such an important structure that it is imperative that you take care of yours. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis your doctor may have already given you a list of things that you can do to help treat your pain. These may include plantar fasciitis stretches, a mixture of icing and heating for your foot, and good old fashioned rest. If you do not suffer from foot pain or plantar fasciitis, there are some things that you can do to keep your feet healthy and even help prevent foot injury.

Wear Proper Fitting Shoes

Improper footwear is one of the leading causes of foot pain and foot injury. We always recommend KURUs because of the KURUSOLE™ technology which actually cups the heel of the foot and helps to prevent injury and erosion to your foot’s natural fat pad. Many people are actually wearing the wrong size of shoes, so before you buy your next pair, go and get a professional fitting. At many athletic stores and high-end clothing stores, staff are trained to fit shoes properly. Go in and have them measure your foot, you may be surprised to find that you have been wearing the wrong size for years.

Looking to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis? Explore our curated list of the top 10 best shoes for plantar fasciitis, crafted to deliver ultimate comfort and support.

Discover relief with our comprehensive guide to plantar fasciitis pain relief.

Lengthen Your Calf Muscles

Longer calf muscles mean that your plantar fascia will have their full range of motion. There are lots of ways to lengthen, stretch, and strengthen your calf muscles, Yoga is an excellent exercise option for those who are interested in lengthening their calf muscles. You should also be sure that you are stretching after running or walking. There are also braces that you can wear at night which help to lengthen calf muscles. Here are a few stretches that are best for your plantar fascia.

Strengthen Your Toes

I know this sounds absolutely ridiculous, but yes, I am suggesting that strengthening your toes will help prevent foot injury. These strengthening exercises are most easily completed with a fitness band. Make a loop with the band around your 4 smaller toes. Hold the top of the band at your knee, keeping the tension steady, and use your toes to push down on the band.

No matter which activity you are wanting to do in your life, KURU has a shoe for you that will give you the support, comfort and style that your feet have been craving.

Shop KURU plantar fasciitis shoes today!

About Us

For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.

Shop women's shoes from KURU!

Shop All

Women’s

Shop men's shoes from KURU!

Shop All

Men’s

Sign up for our newsletter
Stay informed on the latest in foot health and wellness. Gain access to advanced foot care knowledge and receive tips for healthy feet from our team of experts.
You’re Subscribed