3 Types of People Who Get Plantar Fasciitis

Some estimates suggest that plantar fasciitis affects 10% of all Americans, but how do you know if your heel pain fits the bill? At Edmond Norman Foot & Ankle, we’re familiar with all the different causes that lead to such aches, and we want you informed! The blog below details some typical scenarios and the kinds of folks who tend to confront plantar fasciitis most.

— Scenario 1: Maria’s Morning Misery —

Maria dreads getting out of bed. Not because she dislikes mornings but because those first few steps are excruciating.

• “It feels like a sharp stab, right in the bottom of my heel,” she describes. “Like stepping on a piece of glass.”

The pain usually eases slightly after she walks around for a few minutes, but it often returns later in the day, especially after sitting at her desk for a while. This classic morning heel pain is the hallmark sign of plantar fasciitis, caused by the tightening of the inflamed plantar fascia band overnight.

— Scenario 2: David’s Running Roadblock —

David is training for the OKC Memorial Marathon, but his progress is being hampered by a persistent ache in his heel that starts mid-run.

• “It begins as a dull throb,” he explains, “but gets progressively worse the longer I run. Afterwards, my heel feels bruised and tender.”

He recently increased his mileage and wonders if his running shoes might be worn out. This type of activity-related heel pain, especially linked to overuse or improper footwear, is another common presentation of plantar fasciitis, where repetitive stress inflames the fascia.

— Scenario 3: Sarah’s Standing Struggle —

Sarah works in retail, spending hours on her feet on hard floors. By the end of her shift, her feet aren’t just tired – her arches and heels ache.

• “It’s a deep, aching fatigue,” she says. “My ankles tend to roll inwards, and finding comfortable work shoes is a constant battle.”

Sarah has relatively flat feet. Her end-of-day arch and heel pain, potentially linked to her foot structure (like flat feet causing overpronation) and prolonged standing without adequate support, strongly suggests plantar fasciitis aggravated by biomechanics and footwear.

Connecting the Dots

If any of these heel pain stories resonate with you, take action! Our team would be delighted to help, so schedule your appointment today!

Bill Buksh, DPM, works alongside his expert medical staff at Edmond Norman Foot & Ankle to offer superior podiatric care to anyone in need. Pairing thorough, comprehensive remedies for common podiatric conditions with unique specialty treatments for nerve pain, he and his team would be delighted to treat your feet. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!