FAQs About Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common condition. If you suspect your pain is a result of PF, you probably have many questions about this condition that can cause agonizing pain in your heel or foot. Dr. Supreet Ghuman from Prairie Foot & Ankle and his team want to ensure that all your questions are answered and give your feet the best care possible so you no longer need to avoid activities you love because of plantar fasciitis pain in Elgin, IL & Chicago, IL. Common questions we receive about PF are answered below.

What is PF?

A thick band of connective tissue, the plantar fascia, runs along the sole of your foot. Its main function is to provide arch support. When plantar fasciitis occurs, the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. Most commonly, people who spend a lot of time on their feet at work or through exercise deal with PF at some point.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

PF results from overuse when someone excessively strains the foot. This excess strain comes from greater stress on the foot than the plantar fascia can support. Other factors can lead to PF as well. There is no direct genetic link, but what can be passed on by parents are abnormalities in the structural anatomy of the foot. Additional causes are:

• Abrupt increase in activity levels
• Regularly walking or running on hard surfaces
• Tight calf muscles
• Age - years of stress placed on the foot without adequate support may cause PF. 
• Repetitive high-impact activity
• Unsupportive footwear
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Abnormally high arches

What are the common symptoms of PF?

Some symptoms are:

• Severe, intense pain when taking your first step out of bed
• Heel pain
• Pain when you take a step after resting for a while
• Swelling 
• Pain that shows up after exercise 

What treatments and things can I do to manage plantar fasciitis on my own?

Treatment of PF usually involves multiple factors, as listed below.

• Dr Ghuman will teach you stretching and strengthening exercises targeted at the foot and ankle complex or recommend a physical therapist in Elgin, IL & Chicago, IL for plantar fasciitis treatment.
• Stretch your foot and calf before taking the first step out of bed in the morning. Keep a towel next to your bed and right after you wake up, straighten your leg and wrap the towel around your forefoot. Next, pull the towel towards you. Hold this position for 20 seconds, release and repeat the stretch 5 times.  
• Wearing a splint through the night
• Changing footwear to more supportive shoes
• Custom orthotics
• NSAIDs like Ibuprofen to help with pain and swelling
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding aggravating activities

Some cases are more involved and will require additional treatment, such as cortisone injections. PF rarely requires surgery. 

Contact us

If you didn't have your questions answered in this article about plantar fasciitis treatment in Elgin, IL & Chicago, IL, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghuman at Prairie Foot & Ankle by calling (224) 227-6973.