You Probably Don’t Have Plantar Fasciitis (Here’s What’s Really Going On)
Fri Dec 19 2025
If you’ve been told you have plantar fasciitis just because the bottom of your foot hurts… there’s a good chance that diagnosis is wrong or only part of the story.In this episode of Built to Endure, Dr. Daniel Shapiro, PT, DPT breaks down why so many people are misdiagnosed with plantar fasciitis — and what might actually be causing your heel and foot pain instead.Most people hear: • “It’s plantar fasciitis. Just stretch your calves.” • “Wear these inserts forever.” • “Your arches are bad; that’s why you’re in pain.”But it’s not that simple.🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why “plantar fasciitis” is often used as a catch-all label for any foot pain • The difference between true plantar fasciitis, heel fat pad irritation, nerve issues, and Achilles/calf problems • Why your pain might be worse first step in the morning — and what that actually tells us • How your ankles, hips, walking mechanics, and even training load can create “plantar fasciitis” symptoms • Why rest, ice, and random stretches often fail (or only help for a few days) • Practical starting points to calm your symptoms down and rebuild capacity so your foot actually trusts you again👣 This episode is for you if: • You’ve been told you have plantar fasciitis (maybe more than once) • You’ve tried inserts, rolling on a frozen water bottle, and “foot stretches” with minimal results • Your foot pain keeps coming back every time you try to walk more, stand longer, or get back into exercise • You’re tired of chasing labels and want to understand what’s really driving your pain
Important Note:This is educational and not medical advice. Speak with your clinician about a safe plan tailored to you.
Free Resources & Work With Us🤝 From NY, NJ, FL, or MA and want 1-on-1 help? Book a FREE Discovery Session:⮕ https://projectphysicaltherapy.com/free-discovery-session📸 Instagram (daily tips & behind-the-scenes):⮕ https://www.instagram.com/stories/officialdannyshapiro/
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If you’ve been told you have plantar fasciitis just because the bottom of your foot hurts… there’s a good chance that diagnosis is wrong or only part of the story.In this episode of Built to Endure, Dr. Daniel Shapiro, PT, DPT breaks down why so many people are misdiagnosed with plantar fasciitis — and what might actually be causing your heel and foot pain instead.Most people hear: • “It’s plantar fasciitis. Just stretch your calves.” • “Wear these inserts forever.” • “Your arches are bad; that’s why you’re in pain.”But it’s not that simple.🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why “plantar fasciitis” is often used as a catch-all label for any foot pain • The difference between true plantar fasciitis, heel fat pad irritation, nerve issues, and Achilles/calf problems • Why your pain might be worse first step in the morning — and what that actually tells us • How your ankles, hips, walking mechanics, and even training load can create “plantar fasciitis” symptoms • Why rest, ice, and random stretches often fail (or only help for a few days) • Practical starting points to calm your symptoms down and rebuild capacity so your foot actually trusts you again👣 This episode is for you if: • You’ve been told you have plantar fasciitis (maybe more than once) • You’ve tried inserts, rolling on a frozen water bottle, and “foot stretches” with minimal results • Your foot pain keeps coming back every time you try to walk more, stand longer, or get back into exercise • You’re tired of chasing labels and want to understand what’s really driving your pain Important Note:This is educational and not medical advice. Speak with your clinician about a safe plan tailored to you. Free Resources & Work With Us🤝 From NY, NJ, FL, or MA and want 1-on-1 help? Book a FREE Discovery Session:⮕ https://projectphysicaltherapy.com/free-discovery-session📸 Instagram (daily tips & behind-the-scenes):⮕ https://www.instagram.com/stories/officialdannyshapiro/