The Stronger Stride Podcast

248. Understanding Plantar Fasciopathy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention with Joe Keain

Today we’re joined by podiatrist Joe Keain to break down one of the most common (and frustrating) running injuries: plantar fasciopathy.

In this episode, Joe shares a clear and practical approach to understanding heel pain - from what’s actually going on in the tissue, to why the term “fasciitis” might not always be accurate. We dive into the key risk factors, common mistakes runners make, and how to effectively manage and progress this injury without getting stuck in the boom–bust cycle.

We cover:

• What plantar fasciopathy is (and fasciitis vs fasciopathy)
• Early stage management and the role of inflammation
• Key risk factors: load, footwear, and training errors
• Strengthening the foot and building tissue capacity
• Pain management and returning to running safely
• When to progress to higher load (plyos, faster running)
• Shoe considerations and what might actually help

This episode is packed with practical takeaways for runners dealing with heel pain, or those wanting to stay ahead of it. Whether you’re in the early stages or stuck in a recurring cycle, this will help you better understand what your body needs, and how to progress with confidence.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest
01:55 Joe’s background and journey into podiatry
14:52 Working with runners and injury prevention
17:42 What is plantar fasciopathy and its symptoms
19:19 Fasciitis vs fasciopathy
20:57 Inflammation and early treatment
21:58 Risk factors and load management
27:05 Foot posture: does it matter?
31:07 Foot strengthening exercises
32:20 Offloading and early management
34:20 Pain management and return to running
36:42 Boom–bust cycle explained
40:56 Recovery timelines
42:54 Progressing to higher loads
43:25 Shoe considerations
45:05 When to seek further assessment
47:35 Choosing the right podiatrist
Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielane
YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition
STRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
STRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for tuning in!

TSSP x

In case you missed it - this is one of our favourite episodes from 2023.
*Interview starts at 9:25*
Women's health physiotherapist Madison Cutmore joined us to debunk myths around the pelvic floor including; incontinence, hyperactivity and kegels. Mad's runs us through the pelvic anatomy, its normal function and the common things that can go wrong. We discuss pre and post-natal considerations for runners aiming to prevent leakage and prepare for a smoother birthing experience. 

Mads explains that pelvic floor dysfunction can be experienced by anyone at any age, and she discusses some of the common causes, signs to watch out for and when to seek professional treatment. If you've every experienced leakage or pelvic pain then this episode is a must listen. Incontinence is not normal as runner, despite it being more common that we think! There's so much we can do and seeking help from a professional like Mads is a great place to start. 

You can reach out to Mads on social media where she shares educational content here @physiomads
Thanks for all of your support! Please rate the podcast, leave a review and follow us on instagram @strongerstride to stay up to date.

Explore the fascinating history of running from ancient Greece to modern innovations, highlighting key milestones, technological advances, and inspiring stories of perseverance. In this episode, Sophie takes you through a brief history lesson - when the first marathon was run, Kathrine Switzer's nearly getting kicked out of Boston Marathon, the 4-minute mile and 2-hour marathon barriers, as well as her own personal running journey.

This episode is sponsored by ASICS - celebrating the release of the brand new Superblast 3. Check them out here

Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: A Dive into Running History
03:38 Pheidippides and the Birth of the Marathon
06:34 The Evolution of the Marathon Distance
09:50 Breaking Barriers: Roger Bannister and the Four-Minute Mile
12:42 The Rise of Mass Participation in Running
15:26 Katherine Switzer: A Trailblazer for Women in Running
20:40 The Need for Women's Sports Opportunities
21:10 The Evolution of Women's Marathon Running
23:54 The Rise of Popularity in Running
24:44 Breaking Barriers: The Two-Hour Marathon Challenge
26:36 The Evolution of Athletic Footwear
32:34 The Impact of Minimalism and Barefoot Running
33:41 The Evolution of Running Shoe Technology
43:25 Personal Journey in Running
49:14 The Impact of Running on Life

Josh Kwan is a Sydney-based cyclist who share's his adventures on YouTube with an incredible knack for story-telling.

In this episode, Josh shares his journey with cycling, insights on how to get started as a beginner , and how and why runners can implement cycling into their training.

We also discuss what gear is important, safety precautions and why he loves it so much.

Follow Josh:
Instagram: @josh.kwan
YouTube: Josh Kwan
Cycling Club: Pastries CC

Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielane
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠⁠
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x

In this episode of the Stronger Stride podcast, we discuss our recent training experiences, including challenges with illness and the importance of maintaining fitness.

We explore various gym techniques, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of partial range exercises. The conversation also delves into the mindset required for sports and the empowering nature of physical activity. We finish by discussing some listemer questions.

Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@sophielane
YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind NutritionSTRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoesSTRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x