Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the band along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or inflamed.  Patients often say they have heel pain after rest or when they first step down when they wake up in the morning.  The pain often gets somewhat or completely better after walking around for a period of time. 
 
Causes
Weight changes-especially increased weight
Activity changes
Flat Feet
Lack of supportive shoes
 
Treatment
Often many different conservative treatments must be used to treat this condition.  Studies show that greater than 90 percent of patients do not need surgery, and in my practice, I rarely perform surgery for this condition. Some patients respond quickly to treatment for this condition, and others spend several months incorporating the conservative treatments to feel better.  Conservative treatment options include the following:
 
Ice-a minimum of three times per day for ten minutes each time
Stretching-a minimum of three times per day
Arch supports or special pads for shoes
Supportive shoes
Oral medications to reduce inflammation-such as motrin or a one week oral steroid
Pain relieving gels
Prescription Crocs (not over the counter)
Injections
Night splints
Injections (only three permitted in the heel per year)
Physical therapy-must attend at least twice per week for a minimum of one month
            -massage, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, strengthening, stretching
 
It is important that patients do not walk barefoot or in stocking feet with this condition.   Supportive shoes with an arch support or orthotic device are needed when walking (even when at home).  Slippers rarely offer enough support to the feet.
 
If you are in the Chicagoland area, please call 708-763-0580 (Oak Park) or 773-776-3166 (Chicago) for your appointment!

Dr. Bender is in private practice and teaches at Dr. Scholls School of Podiatry