Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

Dr. Anthony Spitz, DPM

Podiatrist & Ankle and Foot Surgeon located in Wheeling, IL

Dr. Anthony Spitz, DPM

Plantar Fasciitis

If you have pain in your heel when you walk, it may be a sign of plantar fasciitis. Your plantar fascia supports the arch in your foot and absorbs the impact of your steps as you go about your daily activities. At Foot Clinic, Anthony Spitz, DPM, and the team of experienced podiatrists offer treatments for plantar fasciitis, including endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, to help you walk comfortably again. To learn more, call the office in Wheeling, Illinois, or book an appointment online today.

Plantar Faciitis Q & A

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that occurs when the thick strip of tissue – the plantar fascia – that connects the toes to the heel bone becomes inflamed.

When your plantar fascia is healthy, it acts as a support for the arch in your foot, absorbing impact as you walk. However, if the plantar fascia is under too much tension, it can develop small tears and inflammation.

Some people have a higher likelihood to develop plantar fasciitis than others. Factors that put you at risk include:

Being overweight or obese
Having a high arch or being flat-footed
Walking abnormally
Engaging in activities that put too much stress on your feet

In addition, having a job that requires you to stand on your feet for a long time can increase your risk.

Generally, the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in your heel. In most cases, the pain feels like a stabbing sensation and begins when you take your first steps in the morning.

As you move around more, the pain becomes less severe. However, it may get worse again after you’ve spent a significant amount of time sitting down or standing.

Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed based on your medical history and an examination of your feet. During this exam, Dr. Spitz checks for tenderness in your foot and asks questions about your symptoms.

If he suspects that your symptoms may be caused by something other than plantar fasciitis, he may recommend an X-ray or another type of imaging for confirmation.

If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, several different treatments may be beneficial. Treatments available for this condition include:

Medication

Some patients with plantar fasciitis benefit from anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen.

Orthotics

Custom orthotics support your arches and distribute pressure over the feet evenly, which may improve your symptoms.

Night splints

Wearing night splints helps with plantar fasciitis by stretching the arch of your foot and your calf while you sleep.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat plantar fasciitis. At Foot Clinic, Dr. Spitz offers endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, a minimally invasive procedure to treat plantar fasciitis.

During the procedure, he cuts part of the plantar fascia ligament to release tension and relieve inflammation. He may administer local anesthetic to the area so you'll be awake but won't feel anything. It is an outpatient procedure and takes about an hour.

For the treatment of plantar fasciitis, call the office or book an appointment online today.

(847) 465-9311

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