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 symptoms
• Why many runners develop plantar fasciitis after months or years of subtle warning signs
• Why foot strength and running mechanics matter more than stretching alone
• The role of calf mobility, great toe motion, and the kinetic chain in plantar fascia loading
• When treatments like shockwave therapy, PRP, or injections may be appropriate
• Why plantar fasciitis rehab can take 6–9 months for chronic cases
• How nutrition, protein intake, vitamin D, and micronutrients support connective tissue healing
• The mental side of injury when running is your primary stress relief
• How long rehab realistically takes

If 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.

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00:00 — Podcast Introduction
Meet the hosts and overview of Interdisciplinary Case Miles.
01:05 — Case: Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
A 42-year-old runner dealing with persistent heel pain.
03:20 — What Plantar Fasciopathy Means
Why this injury is usually chronic rather than inflammatory.
05:40 — Evaluation & Diagnosis
Gait analysis, imaging, and identifying root causes.
08:40 — Treatment Foundations
Strengthening the foot and addressing biomechanics.
11:20 — Physical Therapy & Rehab Timeline
Why recovery may take several months.
14:10 — Running Mechanics & Foot Function
Key mobility and strength factors affecting the plantar fascia.
17:00 — Nutrition for Healing
Protein, collagen support, and key micronutrients.
19:30 — Vegetarian Diet Considerations
Ensuring adequate amino acids and nutrients.
21:10 — Mental Side of Injury
Managing stress and staying engaged during recovery.
23:20 — Key Takeaways
Final advice from each expert.
24:40 — Episode Wrap-Up
Closing thoughts and how to submit a case.

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