can someone please help me? im only 23

@classicalcakery356 Welcome to Mayo Connect.
Your doc is probably correct, it sounds like classic plantar fasciitis. You need to nip this in the bud so you can keep working.
You said "I work a job on my feet, though, admittedly, i could be wearing shoes with more protection. I just hadn’t the money, which is neither here nor there." I'll tell you, as someone whose parents worked always on their feet, and hammered home the necessity of good footwear, that you NEED to get good shoes ASAP.

Please, on payday, take yourself to a real shoe store and get a pair of well-cushioned shoes that have good support for standing and walking on hard surfaces.
Then put it in you budget - they will need to be replaced every 4 months or so- if you set aside $3-4 a week - that's just one latte or cheap burger - you'll have the money to replace them.
Not only will your feet thank you now, but also in 30-40-50 years, when you can still walk and your Croc & flip-flop wearing friends are limping around.
Good luck.

I can understand why you are so concerned. It sounds like you are dealing with it early. That’s a great thing!

I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis years ago. Mine was more in my middle foot and not the heel, but later I had heel involvement, that wasn’t painful. Had a clicking sound in one heel. The best thing I did was start wearing orthotic shoes and there are some that are fashionable. Try Vionic. It’s an investment but quite helpful. Your doctor might recommend inserts. I never cared for inserts, but if you have pain, good support worked wonders for me.

I would encourage you to pursue the issue and get answers, if possible. Ask them to explain the reasoning for the diagnosis. And, please ask for a B12 blood test, before you start taking any B12. Getting the initial number is crucial. None of my doctors ordered that for me when I had foot issues, some tingling too. I’m now seeing a neurologist about it, but everyone might not need that.

I hope you can get your concerns addressed and issues resolved. Please post your results.

Hi @classicalcakery356! With spending that much time on your feet, 20,000 -30,000 steps daily with shoes that aren’t supportive, it wouldn’t suprise me at all if you were having plantar fasciitis symptoms. So you’re not crazy. 😉

Feet take quite a beating, even when you’re young! When you have a job or life that has you on your feet that much during a day it can take a toll. I found a good article for you from Modernfootandankle.com that may help ease your mind.

The best thing to do is get yourself fit for a good walking shoe from a reputable athletic store. They can be a little pricey but well worth the investment. There are also orthotics that you can find at a drug store to put inside your shoes to help alleviate the symptoms.
And…tons of exerices available online to help correct and avoid plantar fasciitis. Check out youtube with a search for: plantar fasciitis exercises

Ok, now, take a deep breath and exhale! What has you walking so many steps daily?

Thank you so much.

I am absolutely investing in shoes come my next pay period! And I appreciate the resources for exercising my feet as well:) i will look into those!

I’m mostly walking so much due to a combination of being a waitress and having to walk my dogs sometime within the day, every day. It’s a very rare day that i strike below 20,000, though I’ve been resting my feet a lot more now!

Thank you— im definitely calling back and asking for a panel. I think i may not require b12 supplements as I’ve actually been quite dizzy since starting them, though it could also be the amount of stress I’ve been under:(

Thank you, Sue!! Much appreciated and helped me take a breath:)!!

I Will absolutely put in the work to getting proper protection for my feet. I have insoles at the moment, but I’m going to use my next pay period for support for my feet. I have bunions, so it’s best to nip this in the bud and take the actions required to make it easier on myself.

Thank you ♥️

Good luck. And ask the doctor to give you some foot/arch strengthening exercises to help you heal. When I had plantar fasciitis, I used to put on a sock and and roll my foot back and forth over a bag of frozen peas while I ate or watched TV.

If I were 23 again (I'm 92) I would ask my doctor if there is a study group that is looking for a patients study and help. I know that at my age, I would not be of much of a subject for a study. I would hope that such a group would offer position to you. at no cost. Best of luck.

Hi @classicalcakery356,

Yes, you want to win this battle with plantar fasciitis. First, shoes for support, second exercises and stretches, please do some before your day starts. I roll my foot on a coke bottle filled with water and frozen. If the doctor says to take a medication to relieve the swelling, take it. It may not be swollen to you. But under your skin...
I developed PF after walking 3 miles in Keds. I have battled PF several times, never the same place on my foot. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery. Considering that you are in constant motion, it might take a wee bit longer, but it will happen!
JFN

Have your doc refer you to a good neurologist. One that can check out all your nerve endings. The neurologist I visited after my ski fall was excellent. She was private practice and was able to spend an hour and a half with me on my first visit. She was old school. wrote everything down by hand and transcribed her noted to digital later. She was able to prescribe a cocktail of drugs that helped me get back on my bike and do 30-50 miles a week. I was 68 at the time. You are young and resilient. God has a great plan for your life. a plan to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11).