Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in healthcare workers -- and yet it remains chronically under-recognised as an occupational health issue. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research found that among 332 female nurses, pain occurrence was reported on 3 to 4 days per week by 46.7% of participants. Nearly half of all nurses studied experienced regular heel pain as a direct result of their work.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When this tissue becomes strained from repetitive loading -- the exact mechanism that occurs during a 12-hour shift on hard floors -- it becomes inflamed and develops micro-tears. The result is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps of the morning or after sitting for a period.
According to Ausmed's clinical resource on plantar fasciitis, the condition is unique in that it is not classified as a tendon injury (despite often being described as one). It is a ligament-like structure, which means it heals more slowly and requires different treatment approaches than soft tissue injuries.
The Research on Nurses and Plantar Fasciitis
A nationwide population-based study published in PMC (National Institutes of Health) found that nurses and physicians had a significantly elevated risk of developing plantar fasciitis compared to the general population, directly attributed to long working hours and prolonged standing on hard surfaces.
The 2024 study also found a statistically significant relationship between high heel usage and increased plantar fasciitis pain levels (p=0.000), and concluded that footwear choices are a critical factor in both the development and prevention of the condition among nurses.
What Footwear Helps With Plantar Fasciitis?
Podiatrist Anne Sharkey of the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute, quoted in research compiled by Prevention magazine, recommends shoes with stability throughout the mid-foot and flexibility at the ball of the foot for nurses with plantar fasciitis. Key features to look for include:
- Thick, shock-absorbing sole material -- EVA foam absorbs more impact than rubber or standard foam
- Roomy toe box that allows natural toe splay, reducing load on the plantar fascia
- Contoured footbed that supports the arch without rigid orthotic-level stiffness
- Flexibility in the forefoot while maintaining heel stability
Prevention Is Better Than Surgery
The ScienceDirect study on chronic foot pain in nurses found that some nurses had progressed to foot surgery that still did not resolve their plantar fasciitis. This is a sobering reminder that appropriate footwear is not just about comfort -- it is about preserving the long-term function of your feet and your career.