What causes it?

The main cause is flat feet although high /weak arches, excessive stress / weakness on the foot arch, an increase in physical activity, inactivity, excessive weight on the feet (excess body weight / pregnancy), rigid feet, running on the toes and poor fitting shoes can be to blame.

It is commonly associated with Heel Spurs as sufferers tend to develop heel spurs to alleviate the tension placed on the plantar fascia; Heel Spurs are a common indicator that a patient is suffering with this condition. It is found to affect more women than men.