Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of The Runner’s Sole — the podcast where running meets science, stride by stride. In this episode, podiatrist and runner Sharon Miller finally answers the million-dollar question every listener has been waiting for:

Why does plantar fasciitis actually happen?

In the last episode, we explored the anatomy of the plantar fascia — the spring-like structure under your arch that stores and releases energy with every step. Today, we go deeper and uncover the major root causes and risk factors that load your plantar fascia beyond its limits.

In this episode, Sharon breaks down:

• The #1 cause of plantar fasciitis: overload (even if you're thin!)
• How sudden increases in mileage, steps, or activity can cause micro-tears
• Why lifestyle overload — like new jobs, new routines, or new pets — also triggers heel pain
• Foot mechanics: overpronation, high arches, tight calves, stiff ankles
• How poor biomechanics stretch or strain your fascia with every step
• The role of age, recovery habits, and ignoring early warning signs
• How walking on concrete and other man-made surfaces overloads the fascia
• Why unsupportive shoes, old running shoes, flip-flops, and ballet flats worsen pain
• Real patient examples showing how small changes can create the “perfect storm”

You’ll also hear:
✔ Why plantar fasciitis is almost never caused by a single reason
✔ What questions you should ask yourself if you’re experiencing heel pain
✔ How identifying your personal risk factors can help you prevent or eliminate plantar fasciitis

This episode is your roadmap to understanding how plantar fasciitis develops and what factors might be at play in your own foot pain story.

In the next episode, we’ll dive into:
✔ How podiatrists diagnose plantar fasciitis
✔ What other conditions can mimic heel pain
✔ How to know for sure whether YOU have plantar fasciitis

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Run smart, recover well, and keep taking care of those feet!