How your podiatrist in Naperville, IL, can help you get relief from plantar fasciitis pain

Plantar fasciitis is a common and very painful condition among runners and joggers. You don’t have to be an athlete to experience plantar fasciitis. Non-athletes develop the condition too. Your podiatrist has several effective ways to treat plantar fasciitis and can help you get back on your feet.

Dr. Nancy Jagodzinski at Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley in Naperville, IL, provides comprehensive podiatry services, including treatment for plantar fasciitis.

Your heels have a thick band of tissue running across them. This band of tissue is called the plantar fascia, and it can become inflamed, causing plantar fasciitis. You can develop the condition if you:

• Overpronate, or roll your feet when you walk
• Carry excess weight
• Have flat feet
• Walk or stand on hard surfaces for long periods

Plantar fasciitis causes:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in your heel and the side of your foot
• Increasing heel pain when you first wake and try to stand
• Increasing heel pain with activity

If you have mild symptoms, you can:

• Place an ice pack on your heel several times each day
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
• Do gentle arch stretches several times each day
• Wear more supportive shoes

If you have moderate to severe symptoms that aren’t relieved with home remedies, you need to see your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Physical therapy and stretching to improve mobility and flexibility
• Custom-made orthotics and footwear for better support and cushioning of your feet
• Prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
• Cortisone injections

To learn more about the causes and treatment of plantar fasciitis and which treatment might be best for you, call Dr. Nancy Jagodzinski at Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley in Naperville, IL. You can reach her in the office by calling (630) 778-7670, so call now.