What foot condition is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, contributing to heel pain?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. One of the key contributors to the development of plantar fasciitis is pes planus, commonly known as flat feet. In individuals with pes planus, the arch of the foot is lowered or collapsed, which can lead to excessive strain on the plantar fascia during activities such as walking or standing. This increased stress on the tissue can result in inflammation and pain, particularly in the heel area.

The mechanism behind this relationship involves biomechanics. When the arch is flattened, there is altered load distribution across the foot, causing abnormal stresses that can lead to injury. Therefore, pes planus is a significant risk factor for developing plantar fasciitis, making it the correct answer in this context.

While conditions like pes cavus (high arch), hammertoe, and flatfoot deformity can affect foot function and potentially lead to other types of pain or discomfort, they are not as directly associated with the specific inflammatory process of plantar fasciitis as pes planus is.