Epidemiology

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of infracalcaneal pain and accounts for 11% to 15% of all foot complaints that require professional treatment.[4] It has been estimated that around 10% of the population in the US will develop plantar fasciitis in their lifetime. Active individuals appear to develop plantar fasciitis at an even greater rate than the general population, with incidence rates ranging from 8% to 21% among athletes and runners.[3]​ ​​Incidence peaks between the ages of 40 and 60 years.

It is a bilateral complaint in about one third of patients.[4] A systemic cause is more likely in people presenting with bilateral pain.[5][6]​​

Plantar fasciitis is not gender specific and affects about 2 million of the American population per year.[7] It is estimated to account for over 1 million physician visits annually in the US.[8] It usually presents as a chronic condition, with symptom duration often greater than 1 year prior to seeking treatment.[9]​ In two retrospective cohort studies involving 432 individuals diagnosed with chronic plantar heel pain, the mean duration of symptoms ranged from 13.3 to 14.1 months.[10][11]​​​​

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer