Plantar Fasciitis Searches Surge Worldwide, Peaking in Summer Months, Recent Analysis Finds

Public interest in plantar fasciitis has increased steadily over the past 2 decades, according to a new analysis in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. The findings suggest that patients are increasingly turning to online resources for information about heel pain, with search activity reaching its highest levels during the summer months.

Key Takeaways

• Public interest in plantar fasciitis has risen significantly worldwide and across the United States since 2004.
• Search activity peaks during the summer and declines during the winter, suggesting a seasonal pattern in patient interest.
• No significant differences were found between high-income and low-income U.S. states, indicating widespread interest across socioeconomic groups.

Rising Search Interest Reflects Growing Demand for Information

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found a marked increase in online searches for plantar fasciitis over the past 20 years, highlighting the growing public demand for information about one of the most common causes of heel pain.¹

Researchers analyzed Google Trends data from 2004 through 2024 using the search term “plantar fasciitis” to evaluate changes in public interest globally and within the United States. Relative search volume (RSV) data were assessed for temporal, seasonal, and socioeconomic patterns.¹

The analysis demonstrated a strong upward trajectory in search activity over time. Linear regression models showed significant increases in public interest both globally (R² = 0.871, P < .001) and in the United States (R² = 0.854, P < .001). According to the authors, the trend likely reflects the condition’s high prevalence, persistent symptoms, frequent recurrence, and the increasing reliance on internet-based health information.¹

Plantar fasciitis affects an estimated 10% of the population and remains one of the leading reasons patients seek care for heel pain.¹ Podiatrists are well-aware of its challenging symptomatology, and prolonged course that some patients experience, which likely contributes to ongoing patient concerns and information-seeking behaviors.

Summer Brings the Highest Search Volumes

One of the study’s most notable findings was the presence of clear seasonal trends.

Across both global and US datasets, search activity was highest during the summer months and lowest during winter. Seasonal differences were statistically significant worldwide and within the United States (P < .05). The most pronounced differences occurred between winter and summer searches, while spring, summer, and fall volumes were generally similar to one another.¹

In the United States, August generated the highest average search volume, while February recorded the lowest. Monthly differences reached statistical significance only in the U.S. dataset. Globally, August also represented the peak month, although month-to-month variation did not reach statistical significance.¹

The authors suggest that increased physical activity during warmer weather may contribute to heightened interest in plantar fasciitis. Previous research has linked seasonal increases in foot and ankle pathology searches to greater participation in outdoor activities and exercise during summer months.¹

For podiatric physicians, these findings may help anticipate periods when patients are more likely to seek information or present for evaluation of heel pain symptoms.¹

Interest Spans Income Levels

The investigators also explored whether socioeconomic factors influenced online interest in plantar fasciitis by comparing Google Trends data from the five highest-income and five lowest-income U.S. states.¹

Although search volumes were slightly higher in wealthier states, no statistically significant differences were observed between income groups. The authors note that this finding contrasts with prior Google Trends studies involving other musculoskeletal conditions, where higher-income regions often demonstrated greater search activity.¹

The results suggest that plantar fasciitis affects—and interests—individuals across a broad socioeconomic spectrum, reinforcing its status as a common and widely recognized musculoskeletal condition.

Implications for DPMs

The study’s findings underscore the growing importance of accessible, evidence-based patient education materials related to plantar fasciitis. As more patients seek information online before or after clinical visits, DPMs may have opportunities to improve patient engagement through reliable digital resources, educational content, and shared decision-making tools.

The authors conclude that public interest in plantar fasciitis is likely to continue growing and that healthcare organizations and clinicians should be prepared to meet increasing demand for accurate, understandable information about diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.¹

Reference

1. Alyanak B, Bağcıer F. From pain to search: mapping USA and global interest in plantar fasciitis. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2026;116(3):26.

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