Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2025
Predictive Measurement for Windlass Change in Length and Selected Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Published on: March 1, 2024
The struggle to stay physically active-A qualitative study exploring experiences of individuals with persistent
Marianne Mørk1,2,3, Helene Lundgaard Soberg4,5, Aasne Fenne Hoksrud6
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4956, 0242, Oslo, Nydalen, Norway. mamork@studmed.uio.no.
Background:
Plantar fasciopathy is the most common cause of heel pain, and is associated with decreased physical activity level and quality of life. There has been limited research on the experiences of patients with plantar fasciopathy. This study seeks to gain more in-depth understanding and knowledge by exploring the lived experiences of people with persistent plantar fasciopathy.
Methods:
We included 15 participants with longstanding plantar fasciopathy. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clark's reflexive thematic analysis. We used an inductive approach led by a phenomenological theoretical framework.
Results:
We identified three core themes and ten sub-themes. The first theme was 'Struggling to stay active' with sub-themes 'Struggling with pain and how to adjust it', ' Finding alternative activities' and 'Longing for the experience of walking'. The second main theme was 'Emotional challenges' with the sub-themes 'Feelings of frustration and self-blame' and 'Worries of weight gain and related consequences'. The third main theme was 'Relations to others' with the sub-themes 'Participation in family and social life', ' Visible in new ways', ' Striving to avoid sick leave' and 'Bothering others'.
Conclusions:
Participants revealed how their heel pain led to inactivity and emotional and social challenges. Pain when walking and fear of aggravating it dominated the participants' lives. They emphasised the importance of finding alternative ways to stay active and avoiding sick leave. Treatment should focus on holistic and individually tailored approaches.
