Plantar Fasciitis
Starting your day with stabbing heel pain isn’t at the top of anyone’s to-do list. But when you’re living with plantar fasciitis, you begin every day with heel pain. It may go away once you get moving, only to return if you sit or stand for too long. Living with any pain can be draining – and foot pain affects every step of your day.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue connecting the toes to the heel bone. It supports your arch and acts as a shock absorber. Though this band of tissue is very strong, it can still become damaged.
When it becomes inflamed and irritated, you feel it in your heel as a stabbing pain. As it continues to become damaged, the plantar fascia can develop small tears, developing even more pain.
The cause is usually overuse. It’s most common in people who stand or walk a lot on the job, or who are very active, like runners and soccer players.
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The signature symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain that:
- Has a stabbing quality
- Is worse when you first wake up
- Improves throughout the day
- Becomes worse when standing for long periods
- Is triggered when standing up from a seated position
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
Most cases heal with a few months of conservative treatment and over-the-counter pain relievers. Resting and icing your foot can help reduce the inflammation at home.
If the pain is interfering with your life or isn’t improving at home, give us, Advanced Foot & Ankle Centers of Illinois, a call for an evaluation. We’ll examine your foot, discuss your symptoms, then develop the best treatment plan that fits your needs. We utilize a wide variety of the best treatments available today.
Treatment options:
We use gentle, advanced healing techniques to get you back on your feet:
Aquaroll Therapy
Aquaroll therapy uses compression and vibrations to stimulate healing blood flow and soothe the pain. It works through the combination of warm water and glass beads into which your feet are submerged. While your feet are submerged, you will also do some range of motion exercises to help strengthen the hurt area.
EPAT Therapy
EPAT stands for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology. The EPAT device sends high-energy pressure waves to the injury to activate your body’s healing response and relieve pain. The waves shake up the area to help damaged cells accelerate their repair processes. The resulting increase in blood flow then brings an increase in oxygen and other things to stimulate healing. It also helps increase the blood’s ability to remove excess fluid away and reduce swelling.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics compensate for poor biomechanics by cushioning, supporting, and realigning your feet. The result is pain relief and improved biomechanics. We will mold your foot so that you get a one-of-a-kind perfect fit orthotic that provides you the best support. With this treatment, every step you take is another step towards being pain-free.
MLS Laser Therapy
Multiwave Locked System laser therapy delivers wavelengths of light energy to the injury, accelerating the body’s natural healing process, increasing blood flow to the area, and reducing swelling. Through this amazing therapy, you will experience less pain, less inflammation, and faster healing.
Do Not Let Plantar Fasciitis Prevent You From Living Your Best Life
Heel pain can ruin anyone’s day, but there are amazing treatment options with today’s level of technology. If you are experiencing heel pain in the Chicago area, contact one of our seven offices to schedule your appointment today and get the help you need!