Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis & Treatment in Schaumburg, IL
Plantar Fasciitis
If you are a dedicated runner, you may be familiar with the pain of plantar fasciitis. This condition is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel. Your plantar fascia is a long ligament that is located beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot. This ligament connects your heel to the front of your foot while supporting the arch of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament becomes irritated and inflamed due to overuse from running or jumping.
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What is Plantar Fasciitis? How and Why It Happens
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. Its main job is to support the arch of your foot and absorb shock when you walk. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this crucial ligament becomes inflamed, causing stabbing pain, usually near the heel.
Most cases of plantar fasciitis happen due to repetitive stress and strain on the foot. Common causes include long periods of standing, running on hard surfaces, wearing shoes with poor support, or a sudden increase in physical activity. Factors like obesity, flat feet, or very high arches can also put extra tension on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
Foot & Ankle Specialists at BOS
Meet the podiatric foot and ankle surgeons who diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis and heel pain for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plantar Fasciitis?+
Plantar fasciitis (fashee-EYE-tiss) is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel. It occurs when the strong band of tissue supporting the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed. Approximately 2 million patients are treated for this condition every year.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?+
The plantar fascia absorbs the stresses and strains placed on the foot. Excessive pressure can damage or tear the tissue, leading to inflammation. This inflammation causes heel pain and stiffness characteristic of plantar fasciitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?+
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel
- Pain with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest
- Greater pain after exercise or activity (not during)
What Are the Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?+
Over 90% of patients improve within 10 months of starting simple, nonsurgical treatments. These include:
- Rest: Reduce activities that worsen the pain, such as running or step aerobics.
- Ice: Roll your foot over a cold water bottle or apply ice for 10 minutes, 3–4 times daily.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation.
- Exercise: Stretching the calves and plantar fascia is essential:
- Calf Stretch: Lean against a wall, keep one knee straight and heel down, pushing hips toward the wall. Hold 20 seconds; repeat 3 times per foot.
- Plantar Fascia Stretch: While seated, cross the affected foot over your opposite knee. Pull your toes back gently, feeling a stretch in the fascia. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 3 times.
- Cortisone Injections: Steroid injections may relieve inflammation but should be limited to avoid tissue rupture.
- Supportive Shoes & Orthotics: Use cushioned shoes, heel pads, or custom orthotics to reduce tension on the fascia.
- Night Splints: Night splints keep the plantar fascia stretched while you sleep, reducing morning pain.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help with stretching, massage, and specialized treatments.
What Are the Surgical Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?+
Surgery is considered only after 12 months of nonsurgical treatment. Options include:
- Gastrocnemius Recession: Lengthens tight calf muscles to reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
- Plantar Fascia Release: Partially cuts the plantar fascia to relieve tension. Bone spurs may also be removed during this procedure.