“It feels like I’m stepping on pebbles”: a qualitative exploration of people’s lived experiences with plantar heel pain

Plantar heel pain (PHP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that substantially affects physical function and quality of life. Research has described the clinical features of PHP, but limited research has explored people lived experiences with PHP, especially within Saudi Arabia contexts. This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of individuals with PHP in central region of Saudi Arabia. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with individuals with PHP. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Participants reviewed the themes to ensure their accuracy and relevance. Twenty-three participants (14 females, 9 males; mean age 43 years) completed this study. Six main themes were identified from the thematic analysis of the interview data: Morning pain is a key feature of living with PHP; Beyond pain, there are other symptoms associated with PHP; PHP has negative impacts on people everyday activity; PHP has psychosocial consequences; Coping strategies with PHP; Personal attributions and understandings of PHP. Participants ensured that the identified themes reflected their lived experiences with PHP. This study findings reveal that PHP affects not only physical function but also emotional well-being and social participation. These findings highlight the need for patient-centred rehabilitation approaches. Individuals with plantar heel pain (PHP) experience a wide range of functional and psychosocial challenges that extend beyond the local heel symptoms.For holistic management of individuals with PHP, healthcare practitioners should adopt a person-centered approach that addresses not only the physical impairments but also the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of PHP.Clinicians should have conversations with those with PHP about the impact of PHP on their daily life and use appropriate, validated outcome measures to capture the full impact of the condition on function, participation, and overall well-being. Individuals with plantar heel pain (PHP) experience a wide range of functional and psychosocial challenges that extend beyond the local heel symptoms. For holistic management of individuals with PHP, healthcare practitioners should adopt a person-centered approach that addresses not only the physical impairments but also the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of PHP. Clinicians should have conversations with those with PHP about the impact of PHP on their daily life and use appropriate, validated outcome measures to capture the full impact of the condition on function, participation, and overall well-being.