16: Plantar Fasciitis in Runners: Are You Hobbling to the Bathroom in the Morning?

Are you hobbling to the bathroom in the morning because of heel pain? Many runners with plantar fasciitis ignore that early symptom for months until it starts affecting every run. In episode 16 of the Interdisciplinary Case Miles Podcast, Dr. Sara Raiser, sports medicine physician and running specialist, Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, orthopedic physical therapist and running PT, and sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius break down a case involving chronic plantar fasciitis that slowly worsened over time.The case involves a 42-year-old runner who runs 3–5 miles nearly every day to manage work stress. For over a year she ignored classic plantar fasciitis symptoms, morning heel pain and stiffness after sitting because the pain would improve once she started moving. Eventually, the pain began showing up during her runs and getting worse halfway through, forcing her to finally seek help.In this episode, the team explains why plantar fasciitis often becomes a chronic plantar fasciopathy, why morning heel pain happens, and why runners often wait far too long before addressing the root causes.You’ll learn:Why morning heel pain and hobbling after sitting are classic plantar fasciitis symptomsWhy many runners develop plantar fasciitis after months or years of subtle warning signsWhy foot strength and running mechanics matter more than stretching aloneThe role of calf mobility, great toe motion, and the kinetic chain in plantar fascia loadingWhen treatments like shockwave therapy, PRP, or injections may be appropriateWhy plantar fasciitis rehab can take 6–9 months for chronic casesHow nutrition, protein intake, vitamin D, and micronutrients support connective tissue healingThe mental side of injury when running is your primary stress reliefHow long rehab realistically takesIf you're a runner struggling with heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or foot pain when you first step out of bed, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening and how to recover without giving up running.If you’re enjoying these conversations, please follow the podcast and take a moment to rate or review it. Sharing it with a runner, coach, or healthcare provider helps us reach the people who can make the biggest difference in athletes’ lives.This podcast is for runners at every level, the coaches guiding them, and the healthcare professionals who care for them. We believe interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes  and stronger runners.00:00 — Podcast IntroductionMeet the hosts and overview of Interdisciplinary Case Miles.01:05 — Case: Chronic Plantar FasciitisA 42-year-old runner dealing with persistent heel pain.03:20 — What Plantar Fasciopathy MeansWhy this injury is usually chronic rather than inflammatory.05:40 — Evaluation & DiagnosisGait analysis, imaging, and identifying root causes.08:40 — Treatment FoundationsStrengthening the foot and addressing biomechanics.11:20 — Physical Therapy & Rehab TimelineWhy recovery may take several months.14:10 — Running Mechanics & Foot FunctionKey mobility and strength factors affecting the plantar fascia.17:00 — Nutrition for HealingProtein, collagen support, and key micronutrients.19:30 — Vegetarian Diet ConsiderationsEnsuring adequate amino acids and nutrients.21:10 — Mental Side of InjuryManaging stress and staying engaged during recovery.23:20 — Key TakeawaysFinal advice from each expert.24:40 — Episode Wrap-UpClosing thoughts and how to submit a case.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at [email protected].