Foot Pain (How To Fix ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ and Other Common Foot Problems) 

Posted on by ahorschig

Welcome to a new series of blogs dedicated to understanding and fixing many common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, bunions and hammertoes. 

The frustrating thing about a foot injury is that it affects almost every part of your waking life. If your foot is injured, it hurts to run, jump, squat, and even go up and down stairs. Every step you take is a constant unfriendly reminder that there is something wrong.  

Embed from Getty Images

If you’ve ever had foot pain, ask yourself if this story sounds familiar.

Julie is a 40-year-old mother of two. In between her day job and running her kids between school and activities, she somehow finds time to attend her local CrossFit box three days a week. Recently, a few of her training partners decided to sign up for their first marathon. While running had always been a fun hobby for her, it was never something she had seriously trained for until now. 

The first few weeks of her running program went off without a hitch. She was running more than she ever had in her life and feeling great. Then things started to take a turn for the worse. 

Half way through her third week, she woke up one morning and it struck. The first step out of bed felt like a knife had been jabbed into her right heel. She limped slowly to the bathroom and instantly grabbed some Advil. After walking around the house for a few minutes the pain eventually started to let up and she was able to get on with the rest of her day.

At first, she attributed the symptoms to extreme muscle fatigue. So, she kept running. Unfortunately, the pain continued and worsened to the point where she was unable to run at even a light pace without her foot aching with each step. 

Embed from Getty Images

Eventually Julie went to see her primary care doctor who listened to her story and said she was likely dealing with “plantar fasciitis.”  The doctor wrote her a prescription for an anti-inflammatory medication and to take a few weeks off running to let her injury heal. 

After a few weeks Julie had yet to see any significant changes in her symptoms. Her frustrations led her to a podiatrist who gave her a cortisone shot and recommended expensive custom orthotics. He told her if the pain didn’t get better in a few weeks, they could then discuss the potential for surgery.

Embed from Getty Images

Have you found yourself in a similar situation? 

If you are currently dealing with foot pain, you’re not alone. In fact, in 2014 the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) conducted a survey in which it found nearly 8 out of every 10 Americans have experienced foot pain at some time in their life.4 In fact, doctors’ offices across the United States give the common diagnosis of “plantar fasciitis” to over one million patients every year!1,2 

In the past, most in the medical community have focused their treatment of many foot issues by largely trying to reduce inflammation and pain. In fact, one research study revealed that in 47% of visits to physicians for foot injuries during a 5-year period, pain medications (including anti-inflammatory drugs) were the onlyintervention provided.2 This focus by our medical society on treating symptoms rather than addressing cause is one reason why nearly one in every two people diagnosed with this “plantar fasciitis” still have foot pain 15 years after the initial onset!3

What you’ll soon learn is that while there are many types of injuries that can be sustained at the foot, the reason why they often develop is often the same.

Foot Pain (How To Fix ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ and Other Common Foot Problems) 

Continue to Part 2: Foot Anatomy 101 (“Normal” Vs “Natural”) or skip around below!

Part 1: Introduction 

Part 2: Foot Anatomy 101 (Normal Vs Natural) 

Part 3: How Shoes Change Your Foot

Part 4: What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Part 5: How To Screen Your Foot Pain

Part 6: Foot Pain – The Rebuilding Process

Part 7: Foot Pain – Should You Wear Orthotics? 

Part 8: Foot Pain – What About Steroid Shots? – Coming Soon…

Until next week, 

Dr. Aaron Horschig, PT, DPT, CSCS, USAW

Dr. Kevin Sonthana, PT, DPT, CSCS

References

  1. DeMaio M, Paine R, Mangine RE, Drez D Jr. Plantar fasciitis. Orthopedics. 1993;16(10):1153-63. 
  2. Riddle DL, Schappert SM. Volume of ambulatory care visits and patterns of care for patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis: a national study of medical doctors. Foot Ankle Int 2004; 25:303-10.
  3. Hansen L, Krogh P, Ellingsen T, Bolvig L, Fredberg U. Long-term prognosis of plantar fasciitis a 5-to 15-year follow-up study of 174 patients with ultrasound examination. Orthop J Sports Med. 2018;6(3):1–9. 
  4. “Public Opinion Research on Foot Health and Care” American Podiatric Medical Association. March 2014. https://www.apma.org/files/APMA2014TodaysPodiatristSurveyAllFindings.pdf

Published by

ahorschig

64 thoughts on “Foot Pain (How To Fix ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ and Other Common Foot Problems) ”

  1. I absolutely love the quality and detail in Dr. Horschig’s Instagram page and looking forward to reading new blog posts as they come out. Squat University is an amazing gateway into the world of biomechanics and hopefully helps people understand how their body works and the importance of things that we often take for granted.

  2. Looking forward for this. I admire Dr. Aaron and since we drove to D.C. to Saint Louis to meet him, I wouldn’t see any other doctor.

  10. Thanks for talking about this topic. In fact, I hope I never have to deal with that feeling again, because it’s terrible. Plus, to all this, I will add the fact that I have flat feet and this does not make life easier for me, but rather complicates it. https://seabedee.org/cbd-topicals/ I hope that I can overcome this state. CBD products also help me with pain, a great organic solution.

  12. Feet are considered as the second heart of the body. Keeping your feet healthy is essential. I have a piece of advice that young people should not sit too long to play flappy bird instead, exercise.

  13. Feet are considered as the second heart of the body. Keeping your feet healthy is essential. I have a piece of advice that young people should not sit too long to play flappy bird instead, exercise.

  14. Feet are considered as the second heart of the body. Keeping your feet healthy is essential. I have a piece of advice that young people should not sit too long to play flappy bird instead, exercise.

  17. I also have some problems with my foot even if I sit all day. I don’t know about the reason why I feel that. I need your help to become better. I often join geometry dash scratch to relax and forget my pain.

  18. Do you want a puzzle game that will keep you entertained for hours rather than just a few minutes? You needn’t look any farther than 2048!

  19. Julie’s journey from enthusiastic running to debilitating foot pain vividly illustrates the pervasive impact of a foot injury, turning once joyful activities like running and daily tasks into constant reminders of discomfort. This relatable narrative sheds light on the challenges individuals face when striving for fitness goals amidst the frustrating and limiting experience of foot injuries.

  20. Julie’s journey from enthusiastic running to debilitating foot pain vividly illustrates the pervasive impact of a foot injury, turning once-joyful activities like running and daily tasks into constant reminders of discomfort. This relatable narrative sheds light on the challenges individuals face when striving for fitness goals amidst the frustrating and limiting experience of foot injuries. To feel relax make some calculation on https://parobook.es/ and forget pain.

  23. The stabbing pain in her heel, especially upon taking the first steps in the morning, is a classic symptom of plantar fasciitis. This pain often subsides as the foot subway surfers warms up and loosens throughout the day but can return with activity, particularly high-impact activities like running.

  24. Rất đồng ý với những gì bạn chia sẻ! Để có một trải nghiệm cá cược tốt, việc chọn đúng nhà cái là rất quan trọng. Mình đã tham gia BK8 và cảm thấy rất hài lòng với dịch vụ của họ. Mọi người có thể xem thêm tại Website BK8 Chính thức.

  26. Hãy truy cập Tài xỉu 104 ngay hôm nay để trải nghiệm game tài xỉu online đẳng cấp và rinh về những phần thưởng hấp dẫn!
    #taixiuonline #cacuoctructuyen #gametaixiu #taixiuonlineorg #khuyenmaitaixiu #trangwebtaixiuuytin #taixiuonline104

  27. Foot pain can truly disrupt your day-to-day life, just like trying to run a busy Papa’s Pizzeria with a broken oven! It’s great to have solutions like these to get back on your feet and feel better.

  28. Nulls Clash offers a thrilling twist on classic Clash gameplay, featuring unlimited resources, unlocked troops, and enhanced strategies. Dive into this exciting experience and enjoy endless possibilities in building and battling. Explore the fun today!

  29. **Foot pain** from conditions like **Plantar Fasciitis** can be managed with rest, stretching exercises, and proper footwear. Bra Size Calculator Applying ice, using orthotic insoles, and performing gentle stretches can alleviate inflammation and discomfort. In severe cases, physical therapy or medical interventions may be required for long-term relief.

  30. It’s unfortunate to hear about Julie’s foot pain, which is a common issue for many active individuals. It’s essential to listen to your body and consider cross-training options, like poptropica, to keep your fitness routine fun and varied without putting too much strain on your feet. Additionally, consulting a podiatrist could provide insights into proper footwear and preventive measures. Remember, recovery is as important as the training itself!

  34. Do not ignore problems related to the feet because the soles of the feet are one of the locations where many important acupuncture points are concentrated.

  35. If you’re looking for something simple but still fun, you might want to try Null’s Brawl. It’s easy to pick up and play, but still has a lot of action! What kind of gameplay do you usually enjoy the most?

  37. The art of making dreams come true is Event Planning to create a day that captures the couple distinct love story and leaves a lasting impression on all those involved careful planning imaginative design and meticulous organization are required.

  38. There’s an ease in how you express yourself, yet the message holds depth. That ability to make something meaningful feel natural is a gift not many possess.

  39. You’re absolutely right — dealing with a foot injury can feel like it invades every moment of your day, from basic movement to staying active. It’s a reminder to listen to your body and give it the proper rest and care it needs to heal fully.

    If you’re taking it easy and looking for comfort food while you recover, check out the [**five guys menu**](https://5guyzmenu.com/) for some tasty options to treat yourself!

  40. Uso magistv desde hace meses y estoy muy satisfecho. Tiene películas, canales internacionales y funciona sin pausas. Magistv video tiene buena calidad, incluso en móviles antiguos. Recomiendo descargar magistv desde una fuente oficial para tener una versión estable y segura. Muy útil para ver TV en casa.

    https://themagiistv.com/

  45. I’ve dealt with foot pain before, and learning about plantar fasciitis really helped me understand what was going on. I like how these tips give practical ways to ease the discomfort — especially stretches and supportive footwear. For me, small daily changes made a big difference in recovery.

  46. Foot pain can disrupt nearly every aspect of daily life, from running and squatting to simply walking up stairs. The article from Squat University explores common issues like plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, bunions, and hammertoes, emphasizing how injuries to the foot affect both fitness routines and everyday comfort. It shares Julie’s story, illustrating how persistent heel pain can impact even the most active individuals. For anyone seeking practical solutions, understanding the underlying causes and exploring effective treatments is essential—whether it’s through rest, proper footwear, or targeted exercises. For those interested in visualizing health journeys or mapping out recovery strategies, flowchart ai offers tools to help organize and clarify your process.

  47. Foot pain is a common issue that can come from standing too long, wearing poor footwear, or overusing your feet. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes, creating stabbing heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia — the ligament supporting your arch — becomes inflamed or irritated. Catching it early can prevent long-term discomfort and more serious injury.

  48. Stretching is key to relieving plantar fasciitis. Simple calf stretches, rolling your foot on a frozen water bottle, and gently massaging the arch can loosen tight tissue. Strengthening exercises, like toe curls or towel scrunches, also support recovery. spotify premium apk matters — daily stretching can speed up healing and reduce recurrence.

  50. “Really helpful article! The breakdown on plantar fasciitis and everyday fixes (like stretches, proper shoes, load management) is clear and practical. I also spotted a post on vizacas.com recently about making smart health and lifestyle choices — seeing both encourages me to pay more attention to how I treat my body daily. Thanks for sharing these tips — I’m going to try a few of those stretches tonight!”

Leave a Reply to Tài Xỉu OnlineCancel reply