“It feels like I’m stepping on pebbles”: a qualitative exploration of people’s lived experiences with plantar heel pain

Key Points

• Plantar heel pain affects not only physical function but also emotional well-being and social participation for individuals.
• Qualitative findings indicate that those experiencing plantar heel pain report significant changes in their daily lives and relationships.
• Analysis of personal experiences emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological impacts alongside physical symptoms of plantar heel pain.
• The implications of this study suggest a shift towards patient-centered rehabilitation approaches that address both physical and emotional needs.