Some people believe that Plantar Fasciitis is reserved for athletes who overuse their bodies and thus are prone to injury.
While athletes can experience Plantar Fasciitis, it's even more common in other groups of people.
So Who Is At Risk?

1. If you are over the age of 50, Plantar Fasciitis may be nipping at your heels.
   
2. If you are overweight, the added pressure on the plantar fascia may become a painful problem.
   
3. If you are active or an athlete, you might be overusing your plantar fascia, which can lead to Plantar Fasciitis.
   
4. If you have fallen arches, your feet are a prime target for damaged plantar fascia.
   
5. If you are dehydrated, you may experience tiny tears that lead to Plantar Fasciitis.
   
6. If you have tight calf muscles, you're vulnerable.
   
7. If you make repetitive motions or stand for long periods of time while on a hard surface, watch out.
   
8. If you hurt your feet and do nothing about it - as in fighting through the pain of a sore heel under the "No Pain No Gain" mentality - be careful.
   
9. If you live in flip-flops or go barefoot, you're risking it.
   
10. If you have poor posture, you could be next.
    

Chances are you fall into one of the ten categories above.
Even some children have issues with their feet such as no arches, poor posture or dehydration.
More than 78% of Americans are chronically dehydrated even when they have water readily available to drink.
Something as simple as lack of water can make muscles and tissue more brittle and dry, allowing cracks, tears and injuries to happen.
Warning Signs There are a few key warning signs to look for, to know if you are at risk for Plantar Fasciitis.

1. Foot pain after and sometimes even during exercise.
   
2. Inflammation or swelling in your heel.
   
3. A persistent "pebble" feel in your heel as though you stepped on a rock in your shoe.
   
4. Foot pain the moment you place weight on your feet in the morning.
   
5. Dull or sharp pain in your heel when standing from a seated or resting position.
   
6. Foot pain when you've been standing for long periods.
   

Basically, if you have foot pain you need to be aware.
Foot pain is a "danger" sign in your path that must be addressed or it can lead to a chronic condition - Plantar Fasciitis.
Typically, when people experience foot pain they ignore it for up to six weeks.
They begin to place unbalanced weight forward on the foot and protect that sore heel.
This leads to knee, hip and back problems rather quickly.
When the feet hurt, physical activity usually falls by the wayside, which is the first mistake.
While it's important not to overuse the foot, it's also vital not to become stationary.
Stationary bodies tend to put on weight which, in turn, adds more pressure to the foot.
Little by little, this stationary or protective approach worsens the injury causing continual damage to the plantar fascia which is the delicate yet flexible tissue between toes and heel.
Top Three Things To Do Now The top three key things you can do right now to help with Plantar Fasciitis support and prevention are:

1. Drink water to stay hydrated.
   
2. Stretch daily, at least morning and night.
   
3. Wear supportive shoes whenever possible.
   

You shouldn't have to live in pain.
It's possible to have healthy feet.
Barring that, it's also possible to heal your heels if ever the need should arise.
Don't wait for chronic Plantar Fasciitis to set in.
Always do your research and seek medical treatment so that you can have the best course of action to healthy heels.