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Plantar Fasciitis
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Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed-resulting in heel pain.
Symptoms
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain on the bottom of the heel that usually worsens when standing up and increases over a period of months.
The heel pain from plantar fasciitis is often worse when getting up in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking the pain decreases, because walking stretches the fascia.
For some, the pain subsides but returns after spending long periods of time standing and/or walking.
Causes
Plantar fasciitis is most commonly caused by a faulty structure in the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when a person's job requires long hours on their feet. Obesity also contributes to plantar fasciitis.
Treatment
Treatment of plantar fasciitis begins with simple steps you can begin at home:
- Exercises that stretch the calf muscles help ease heel pain and assist with recovery.
- Avoid going barefoot as walking without shoes strains and stresses the plantar fascia.
- Put an ice pack on your heel for 10 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation.
- Wear supportive shoes with good arch support and a slightly raised heel to reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
- The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Lose weight as extra pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
- Place pads in the shoe to soften the impact of walking.
- Employ custom orthotic devices that fit into your shoe and help correct the underlying structural abnormalities causing the plantar fasciitis.
- Corticosteroid injections may be used to help reduce the inflammation and relieve pain.
- A removable walking cast may be used to immobilize your foot to promote healing.
- A night splint helps to maintain an extended stretch of the plantar fascia while sleeping. This may help reduce heel pain felt in the morning by some patients.
- Exercises and other physical therapy measures may be used to help provide relief.
While most patients with plantar fasciitis respond to non-surgical treatment, a small percentage of patients may require surgery. If the heel pain continues after several months of non-surgical treatment, surgery will be considered.
We Can Help
The podiatrists at Northwest Surgical Specialists are leaders in both conservative and surgical treatment of all foot and ankle disorders. For additional information, please contact one of our three convenient locations to arrange a consultation.
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Surgical Care Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
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Foot & Ankle Care