When people think of work-related repetitive stress injuries, they often think of carpal tunnel syndrome from typing or joint pain from operating a machine all day. However, they may not consider plantar fasciitis.
What is plantar fasciitis and how can your workplace activities cause it?
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Inflammation in the tissue located on the underside of your foot between the bone of your heel and your toes causes the condition. This condition often results in sharp pains that are most noticeable when you first get out of bed. The pain often subsides with movement but may return.
How can work activities cause plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia supports your foot’s arch and absorbs shock during activities such as walking or running. Too much pressure on the plantar fascia results in small tears that can become irritated or inflamed with repeated stretching and tearing.
Jobs that involve being on your feet all day, whether that is walking, standing, jumping, running or other activities, can place excessive stress on the plantar fascia, leading to plantar fasciitis. Employees who spend long amounts of time working on hard surfaces, such as concrete, are at particular risk.
Because plantar fasciitis is a common injury and many day-to-day activities and lifestyle factors can contribute, it may be difficult to prove your plantar fasciitis is work-related. However, California workers’ compensation law does not require that your injury be entirely caused by work-related activities, as long as your job is a contributory factor.