Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Gurnee, IL
University Foot Associates provides personalized plantar fasciitis treatment at our Gurnee podiatry office for patients who are experiencing persistent heel or arch pain. Plantar fasciitis commonly causes sharp pain beneath the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for an extended period. Our podiatrists can identify the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, foot structure, activity level, and health history. If heel pain is interfering with walking, work, exercise, or everyday activities, schedule an evaluation with our Gurnee foot and ankle specialists.
What Is The Plantar Fascia?
The plantar fascia is a rubber band-like ligament that stretches from your heel to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk. Tension and stress can cause inflammation in the bottom of the foot, especially as people age or engage in exercises like running or aerobic dance. Foot mechanics, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to foot pain, as can occupations that require standing for long periods of time on a hard surface like concrete.
About Plantar Fasciitis Foot Injury
Plantar fasciitis injuries generally occur when tension and stress on the ligament are too great and cause small tears along the fascia. The tissue can also become damaged by repeated over-stretching. You are more likely to have plantar fasciitis if you do daily activities that require a lot of running, jumping, or if you do a job that requires being on your feet for long time. Pain can also be due to excessive body weight, poorly fitting shoes, or a combination of all these factors.
Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis usually causes pain beneath the heel, although discomfort may also extend into the arch of the foot. Symptoms can develop gradually and may affect one or both feet.
Common signs include:
- Sharp or stabbing pain beneath the heel
- Pain with the first steps in the morning
- Discomfort after sitting or resting for an extended period
- Heel or arch pain after prolonged standing, walking, or exercise
- Tenderness along the bottom of the heel
- Pain that improves as the foot warms up but returns later in the day or after activity
Not every case of heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis. Stress fractures, tendon problems, arthritis, and nerve irritation can produce similar symptoms. If your pain persists, worsens, or interferes with normal activities, a podiatric evaluation can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
Start living pain-free again
We take charge of your Foot health and Identify the root cause of every painful condition. We understand every foot profile uniquely and can treat any form of foot pain to give you a pain-free life.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options:
- Physical therapies like stretching the calf muscle.
- Wearing supportive and properly cushioned shoes. In such cases, one must completely try to avoid slippers, heels, and flip flops that do not provide the right arch to the feet. And also do not walk bare feet.
- Using night splints or orthotics
- Rubbing ice 3-4 times on the area for 15-20 mins every day and massaging that area.
- Losing weight
- Injecting corticosteroids
- Shockwave Therapy
- Surgery
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. Nasser and his team at University Foot Associates explore all non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment options before recommending surgery. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a great tool to treat plantar fasciitis by using high energy shockwaves to stimulate deep tissue. It precisely targets areas of pain with varying levels of energy waves to stimulate blood flow and healing in the region. This non-invasive surgical alternative is proven to be a safe and effective treatment for persistent plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
Most patients with plantar fasciitis can be treated without surgery. If all non-invasive options like shockwave therapy and orthotics have been exhausted, there are two surgeries that may be considered. The procedure recommended will depend on the factors contributing to the condition.
Gastrocnemius surgery and plantar fasciitis release surgery may both be considered. Under Gastrocnemius surgery, the length of the tendons and muscles is increased. Surgery may involve partially releasing the plantar fascia. If surgery is being considered, your podiatrist will explain the proposed procedure, alternatives, recovery expectations, and potential risks.
Why Choose University Foot Associates?
When it comes to treating chronic foot and ankle pain, experience and specialization matter. At University Foot Associates, our team focuses exclusively on foot and ankle conditions—giving you a level of expertise and precision that general clinics simply can’t match.
Specialized Foot & Ankle Expertise
Unlike general physical therapy or chiropractic offices, our providers are trained specifically in diagnosing and treating foot-related conditions. This allows us to accurately identify the root cause of your pain.
Trusted Board-Certified Podiatrists
Our board-certified podiatrists Dr. Nasser and Dr. Tikiwala specialize exclusively in foot and ankle care. They are board-certified by both the American Board of Podiatric Medicine as well as the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fastest way to treat plantar fasciitis?
A: Plantar fasciitis is sometimes remedied by icing the affected area, stretching, and avoiding activities that increase pain. Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Q: What is the main cause of plantar fasciitis?
A: Tension and stress can cause inflammation in the bottom of the foot, especially as people age or engage in exercises like running or aerobic dance. Foot mechanics, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to foot pain, as can occupations that require standing for long periods of time on a hard surface like concrete.
Q: How do I know if my heel pain is plantar fasciitis?
A: Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain beneath the heel or along the arch of the foot. The pain is often strongest with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for an extended period. Because stress fractures, tendon problems, arthritis, and nerve irritation can produce similar symptoms, an examination is the best way to determine the cause.
Q: Does plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
A: Plantar fasciitis can go away on its own sometimes with treatment like ice or massage. If it is a common, repetitive injury a physical therapist or podiatrist can help identify the root cause of the pain.
Q: Why Choose Dr. Audey Nasser for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?
A: Dr. Audey Nasser is a double board-certified podiatrist who treats plantar fasciitis and persistent heel pain at University Foot Associates’ Gurnee office. He takes a conservative-first approach, beginning with a careful evaluation to confirm the source of the pain and identify contributing factors such as foot structure, activity level and footwear.
Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may include stretching, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or medication. For plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conventional care, Dr. Nasser also offers extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a noninvasive treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing response. Patients choose Dr. Nasser for his specialized foot and ankle expertise, personalized treatment plans and commitment to exploring nonsurgical options before considering surgery.
Your Foot Specialist in Gurnee, IL
If you are experiencing chronic foot or heel pain, contact University Foot Associates to learn more. Get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment today. Located in Gurnee, Illinois University Foot Associates serves the greater North Chicago area including Grayslake, Lake Forest, and Lake County
Dr. Nasser Lends His Plantar Fasciitis Expertise To The Media
