248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe Keain episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 21, 2026 · 40 MIN

248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe Keain

from The Stronger Stride Podcast · host Stronger Stride

248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe KeainThis episode is sponsored by ⁠ASICS⁠ - celebrating the release of the brand new Superblast 3. Check them out ⁠here⁠ Today we’re joined by podiatrist Joe Keain to break down one of the most common (and frustrating) running injuries: plantar fasciopathy.In this episode, Joe shares a clear and practical approach to understanding heel pain - from what’s actually going on in the tissue, to why the term “fasciitis” might not always be accurate. We dive into the key risk factors, common mistakes runners make, and how to effectively manage and progress this injury without getting stuck in the boom–bust cycle.We cover:• What plantar fasciopathy is (and fasciitis vs fasciopathy)• Early stage management and the role of inflammation• Key risk factors: load, footwear, and training errors• Strengthening the foot and building tissue capacity• Pain management and returning to running safely• When to progress to higher load (plyos, faster running)• Shoe considerations and what might actually helpThis episode is packed with practical takeaways for runners dealing with heel pain, or those wanting to stay ahead of it. Whether you’re in the early stages or stuck in a recurring cycle, this will help you better understand what your body needs, and how to progress with confidence.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest01:55 Joe’s background and journey into podiatry14:52 Working with runners and injury prevention17:42 What is plantar fasciopathy and its symptoms19:19 Fasciitis vs fasciopathy20:57 Inflammation and early treatment21:58 Risk factors and load management27:05 Foot posture: does it matter?31:07 Foot strengthening exercises32:20 Offloading and early management34:20 Pain management and return to running36:42 Boom–bust cycle explained40:56 Recovery timelines42:54 Progressing to higher loads43:25 Shoe considerations45:05 When to seek further assessment47:35 Choosing the right podiatristFollow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielaneYouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WADiscount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP x

248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe KeainThis episode is sponsored by ⁠ASICS⁠ - celebrating the release of the brand new Superblast 3. Check them out ⁠here⁠ Today we’re joined by podiatrist Joe Keain to break down one of the most common (and frustrating) running injuries: plantar fasciopathy.In this episode, Joe shares a clear and practical approach to understanding heel pain - from what’s actually going on in the tissue, to why the term “fasciitis” might not always be accurate. We dive into the key risk factors, common mistakes runners make, and how to effectively manage and progress this injury without getting stuck in the boom–bust cycle.We cover:• What plantar fasciopathy is (and fasciitis vs fasciopathy)• Early stage management and the role of inflammation• Key risk factors: load, footwear, and training errors• Strengthening the foot and building tissue capacity• Pain management and returning to running safely• When to progress to higher load (plyos, faster running)• Shoe considerations and what might actually helpThis episode is packed with practical takeaways for runners dealing with heel pain, or those wanting to stay ahead of it. Whether you’re in the early stages or stuck in a recurring cycle, this will help you better understand what your body needs, and how to progress with confidence.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest01:55 Joe’s background and journey into podiatry14:52 Working with runners and injury prevention17:42 What is plantar fasciopathy and its symptoms19:19 Fasciitis vs fasciopathy20:57 Inflammation and early treatment21:58 Risk factors and load management27:05 Foot posture: does it matter?31:07 Foot strengthening exercises32:20 Offloading and early management34:20 Pain management and return to running36:42 Boom–bust cycle explained40:56 Recovery timelines42:54 Progressing to higher loads43:25 Shoe considerations45:05 When to seek further assessment47:35 Choosing the right podiatristFollow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielaneYouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WADiscount Codes:TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha SunscreenThanks for tuning in!TSSP x

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248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe Keain

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248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe KeainThis episode is sponsored by ⁠ASICS⁠ - celebrating the release of the brand new Superblast 3. Check them out ⁠here⁠ Today we’re joined by podiatrist Joe Keain to...

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