Long shifts, hard floors, and nonstop movement—no wonder your heel feels like it’s on fire by the end of the shift. However, you barely have time to rest. The holidays are here, and customers are counting on you. If you're an Amazon or shipping worker in Indianapolis dealing with chronic heel pain, there's a good chance it’s plantar fasciitis.
You don’t have to choose between healing and earning a paycheck. At Indy Podiatry, we treat many patients who can’t afford to take time off—and we focus on solutions that keep you working while your feet recover. Managing plantar fasciitis on the job is possible with the right support, targeted treatments, and a plan designed around your schedule.
What’s Plantar Fasciitis—and Why Does It Hurt So Much?
It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot—gets overstretched, irritated, or torn. Typical symptoms often include:
- Heel pain that flares up after rest. You might feel a sharp or aching sensation when getting out of bed or after sitting for a while.
- Discomfort that builds with time on your feet. The longer you walk, lift, or stand, the more the pain may intensify—especially during long shifts.
- A pulling or tight feeling in your arch or calf. This tension makes your entire foot feel stiff or less flexible, sometimes leading to mild cramping.
This condition happens frequently to people who spend long hours on their feet, walk on hard surfaces, or wear unsupportive shoes—sound familiar?
Can You Keep Working With Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes, but it requires some adjustments. The key is reducing strain on your heel while encouraging healing. At Indy Podiatry, these are just a few methods we recommend to patients on the go:
- Alternate your tasks. If possible, rotate duties to limit constant standing or walking.
- Use heel-friendly insoles. Custom orthotics can reduce impact and support your arch.
- Wear supportive shoes. Avoid flat, worn-out footwear. Look for options with good cushioning and arch reinforcement.
- Request padded floor mats. If you're standing in one spot, anti-fatigue mats help reduce pressure on your heels.
- Take strategic breaks. Sitting for even 5–10 minutes every hour relieves tension in your feet.
- Use ice during breaks. Apply a cold pack for a few minutes daily to reduce inflammation.
How you treat plantar fasciitis at home also helps reduce discomfort:
- Elevate your feet after work. Raise your feet on a pillow to relieve pressure and improve circulation.
- Stretch before and after shifts. Loosen tight muscles to improve foot mobility.
- Track your pain. Logging your symptoms helps your podiatrist adjust your care plan.
While these adjustments won’t cure plantar fasciitis, they will hopefully prevent it from worsening.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Plantar Fasciitis?
Unfortunately, it generally takes several weeks to a few months to heal—especially if you’re still on your feet most of the day. Factors that influence the process include:
- How long you’ve had the pain
- Your weight and footwear
- How active your job is
- Whether you follow a treatment plan consistently
The earlier you seek quality professional care, the faster you’re likely to recover. At Indy Podiatry, we provide tailored treatment plans that fit into your life—even during peak shipping season. Some of our innovative solutions include:
- Daily stretching and strengthening routines. Targeted exercises help relieve tension in the plantar fascia and improve flexibility in the calf and foot muscles.
- Supportive night splints. Worn during sleep, these devices gently keep the foot in a stretched position to reduce morning pain and stiffness.
- Custom-fit orthotics. Tailored to your unique foot structure and job demands, these inserts provide essential arch support and shock absorption.
- Remy laser therapy. This non-invasive treatment option uses light energy to decrease inflammation and stimulate tissue repair at the cellular level.
- Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) shockwave treatment. EPAT is highly effective for relieving foot pain. High-energy pulses boost circulation and jumpstart healing of chronic plantar fasciitis.
Our goal isn’t just to get you through your next shift. Our team of skilled podiatrists focus on long-term foot health that keeps you moving well beyond the busy season. From personalized treatment plans to proven therapies that support lasting recovery, we help you take care of your feet now so pain doesn’t control your future.