Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Illinois

Are You Suffering from Pain on the Bottom of the Foot?

The plantar fascia is a thin, web-like, ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot. It acts as a kind of shock absorber, supporting the arch of the foot and aiding in walking and running. When the plantar fascia experiences too much stress or strain it can become irritated or damaged.

The resulting inflammation of the plantar fascia is known as plantar fasciitis, and it is one of the most common causes of foot pain in active patients. If left untreated plantar fasciitis has the potential to become a chronic condition, ultimately impacting the patient’s normal level of activity.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

It is estimated that the plantar fascia carries as much as 14% of the total load of the foot. That stress can often lead to irritation or damage of the ligament. Active adults between the ages of 40 and 70 are at greatest risk for developing plantar fasciitis, and the condition is somewhat more common in women than in men.

While plantar fasciitis often presents with no specific primary cause, there are several factors that can put patients at greater risk for developing the condition.

• Obesity: carrying excess weight places increased pressure on the plantar fascia ligament, making it more prone to irritation or damage.
• Repetitive impact activities: long-distance runners, and even casual joggers, are at a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Workers whose jobs require long periods of standing or walking (restaurant workers, factory employees, etc.) are also at a greater risk.
• Pre-existing foot problems: patients with high arches or flat feet may be more prone to suffer from plantar fasciitis.
• Improper footwear: wearing shoes with overly soft soles or poor arch support can lead to plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Pain at the bottom of the heel sometimes extending into the arch
• Pain while taking the first steps of the morning, or after sitting
• Pain diminishes after warming up
• May feel like a nail driving up from the bottom of the heel

If you are experiencing symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis, call (630) 584-1400 today.