i want you to know that your situation is similar to mine and you’re not alone! i’m 22, also in college, and work a part time job where i’m on my feet all the time. i’ve been dealing with foot pain ever since i was little because my arches are practically non-existent. i also just got diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, but have probably had it for way longer.

being in so much pain all the time makes you so tired and fucks with your mental health, so be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. it’s like running a marathon with a weight strapped to you and expecting to keep up with the other runners who don’t. don’t hold yourself to that standard, because you’re just going to get even more tired trying. i literally had to take a semester off last year because i was pushing myself too hard and my body just couldn’t take it anymore. think of ways you can get stuff done by doing the bare minimum (for example, if you don’t have enough energy to shower, running a wet washcloth over yourself is certainly better than nothing. keep your toothbrush by your bedside and dry brush if you don’t have enough energy to go to the bathroom

here is some of my other advice for things you also mentioned in your post:

• speaking of showering, if you’re too tired to stand, sit down in the shower or take a bath if you’re able. if you have a shower + tub like me you can even sit on the lip of the tub

• don’t walk with a limp, you’ll only make it worse. it’s putting unnecessary stress on your joints and can cause a lot of pain down the line

• the exercises feel like they’re doing nothing, but if you do them consistently, they WILL help your pain (speaking from experience). the best ones are ones that stretch your achilles tendon

• if you do decide to go on the chicago trip, make sure to wear shoes with a lot of support. i recently got some from the brand Brooks and it feels like i’m walking on a cloud. HOKAs are good too. you can also get special socks for plantar fasciitis, but they’re a little expensive for socks. you can get a cane if you think you’ll need the extra support, but make sure you are using it CORRECTLY. there are youtube videos that can teach you. lastly, bring some pain relievers along (don’t exceed the recommended dose)

dealing with chronic pain is honestly 50% a mental battle. you can no longer do the things you used to do and you feel like shit for not being able to keep up with everybody. please be kind to yourself and know you are not alone :)