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Plantar Fasciitis

CAN YOU CATCH PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Foot pain, , ,

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is not a contagious condition. It is a foot disorder that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by overuse, strain, or injury to the plantar fascia. It is not something that can be transmitted from person to person like a contagious illness.

Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia.

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that often occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.

Plantar fasciitis is extremely common. More than 2 million people in the U.S. are treated for it each year. Around 1 in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis at some point throughout their life.

If you’re experiencing foot pain or suspect plantar fasciitis, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Call to schedule an appointment with our Chicago podiatrists at 773-769-3310. Our podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and potentially recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

foot pain

When To See A Podiatrist For Your Foot Problems

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Seeing a podiatrist for foot problems can be beneficial in various situations, such as:

  1. Persistent Pain: If you have ongoing pain in your feet or ankles that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, a podiatrist can help diagnose the issue.
  2. Foot Deformities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet may require professional evaluation and management by a podiatrist.
  3. Changes in Skin or Nails: Any changes in the skin or nails of your feet—such as discoloration, thickening, or unusual growth—should be checked by a podiatrist.
  4. Injuries: Whether it’s a sprain, strain, fracture, or any foot trauma, a podiatrist can provide appropriate treatment and prevent further complications.
  5. Diabetes or Circulatory Issues: Individuals with diabetes or circulatory problems should have regular check-ups with a podiatrist to prevent and manage foot-related complications.
  6. Foot and Ankle Arthritis: Podiatrists can help manage arthritis-related foot and ankle pain and provide guidance on lifestyle modifications and treatments.
  7. Athletic Injuries: If you’re an athlete experiencing foot or ankle pain or injuries due to sports activities, a podiatrist can offer specialized care.
  8. Ingrown Toenails: Painful ingrown toenails can be treated by a podiatrist to prevent infection and alleviate discomfort.
  9. Custom Orthotics or Footwear: For issues related to gait, alignment, or foot structure, a podiatrist can provide custom orthotics or recommend appropriate footwear.

Remember, if you’re unsure whether to see a podiatrist, it’s better to err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment. Even seemingly minor issues can sometimes indicate underlying problems that a podiatrist can address before they become more serious.

Call to schedule an appointment with our Chicago podiatrists at 773-769-3310. Our podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and potentially recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

foot pain

Foot Problems

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6 Common Foot Problems

Podiatrists are doctors who treat foot and ankle conditions using conservative and, when necessary, surgical measures.

6 common foot problems:

  1. Athlete’s Foot: Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that typically occurs between the toes. It causes itching, burning, and sometimes cracking of the skin. It’s contagious and can be spread through direct contact with infected surfaces.
  2. Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It often causes heel pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing or walking.
  3. Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the big toe pushes against the adjacent toe, causing the joint to stick out and become painful. Bunions can be hereditary or caused by ill-fitting footwear.
  4. Ingrown Toenails: An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Poor nail-trimming technique and tight-fitting shoes can contribute to this problem.
  5. Corns and Calluses: Corns and calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure. Corns are typically smaller and more focused, often appearing on the tops or sides of toes, while calluses are larger and tend to form on the soles of the feet.
  6. Heel Spurs: Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone, often as a result of long-term strain on the foot’s muscles and ligaments. They can cause sharp, intense heel pain, particularly when walking or standing.

It’s important to note that if you’re experiencing any foot problems, it’s advisable to contact Chicago podiatrist at 773-205-0106 for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

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Plantar Fasciitis Treatment with MIST Ultrasound

There are many treatments available for plantar fasciitis, that causes heel pain. Heel pain results primarily from repetitive stress, such as with long-distance running, ballet, or jumping. It can also occur with structural issues that affect the bones and soft tissues. Several different conditions can cause such pain.

The most common reason for heel pain, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tough band of tissue extending from the heel bone to the tip of the foot. If the tissue stretches beyond its normal limits, the fibers become inflamed, causing pain. While you most often feel the pain in the heel bone, it can present in the middle of the foot as well.
Special exercises and physical therapy have proved helpful. New MIST treatment that provides relief and promotes healing for patients who suffer from chronic plantar fasciitis pain available at Chicago Home Foot Care.

European Foot and Ankle Clinic offers MIST Ultrasound Wounds Healing Therapy, a new technology that efficiently and simultaneously addresses pain, inflammation, and edema.

Low-intensity ultrasound (LIUS) was shown to be beneficial in mitigating inflammation and facilitating tissue repair in various pathologies.

European Foot and Ankle Clinic already successfully treated multiple chronic wounds with MIST therapy,

please call us to schedule yours by calling:  773-205-0106

Read more about MIST Therapy here: MIST Ultrasound Therapy

heel pain laser

Laser for Chronic Foot Pain

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MLS Laser Treatments for Foot Pain

Chronic heel pain is one of the most common forms of foot pain in adults. Most of heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis.  Low level laser therapy (LLLT) offers a quick, painless, non-invasive, side-effect free alternative to relieve the debilitating pain of plantar fasciitis.

Low level laser therapy accelerates the body’s natural healing process by energizing the biochemical responses within our cells.

Low-level laser therapy has been found to be effective in numerous medical conditions and associated symptoms. Regardless of the condition for which it is used, LLLT has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps with edema and promotes faster healing.

It has been demonstrated that this therapeutic solution could relieve short-term pain in multiple acute and chronic conditions such as rheumatic disorders, neck pain, chronic joint disorders,  tendinopathy.

Five common foot ailments:

Arthritis

MLS can reduce swelling and increase your range of motion and mobility for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, the constant pain and stiffness in your feet can make it hard to walk.

Foot neuromas

MLS stops the pain of diabetic feet and foot neuromas, it can help heal the tissue that’s causing the pain.

Plantar fasciitis

MLS laser can help if you have a plantar fasciitis.

Tendonitis

MLS targets that inflammation and stops the discomfort so you can get moving again.

Sprains/strains

Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries are sprains and strains.  MLS helps to ease the pain and help the tissues regenerate and heal.

Call to schedule an appointment for any our Chicago podiatry offices: 773-205-0106

High heels problems

Wearing High Heels

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High Heels Problems

While podiatrists strongly advise patients to avoid wearing high heels, the reality is many patients will continue to wear them. Women wear high heels for special occasions like weddings, birthdays etc.

The higher the heel the more pressure your foot will apply to the ball of your foot and your toes.  The higher the heel, the worse the problem. A one-inch heel exerts about 22% -25% more pressure on the ball of your foot than a flat shoe. With a three-inch heel, there’s more than 75% more pressure on your forefoot!

High heels pitch your weight unnaturally forward, throwing off the mechanics of your entire body. When you have good posture, your weight is equally balanced throughout the soles of your feet, and you have a neutral spine with your shoulders centered over your hips and knees. Your weight is then distributed evenly across your supporting muscles and ligaments.

Wearing high heels over prolonged periods of time may worsen the condition of our feet. High heels can become ‘killer’ high heels causing problems such as blisters, corns and calluses to serious foot, ingrown toenails, joint pain, bunions, Morton’s neuroma and plantar fasciitis, knee and back pain.

High heels shift the weight of our body forward, onto the ball of our feet and our toes,  making them absorb all the pressure when we walk around or stand.
Keep High heel for special occasions!

If you experience any of these conditions, call us : 773-205-0106 or visit website to schedule an appointment: https://europeanfootandankleclinic.com

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

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What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain. Plantar fasciitis affects as many as one in ten people in their lifetimes.  Although it affects all age groups, sexes, and ethnicities, there is a higher prevalence in women between 40 and 60 years of age. Because it is so common, many people think plantar fasciitis is both unavoidable and untreatable. Plantar fasciitis can be very uncomfortable.

Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is often mistaken for heel spurs. It causes pain on the sole of your foot, and has been described by sufferers as a stabbing pain in the bottom of their feet.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can include:

  • Sharp pain in your foot
  • Significant pain when you first get up in the morning
  • Foot pain after exercise
  • Foot pain after standing or sitting for long periods

Some Tips that Can Help to Reduce Risks of Plantar Fasciitis

 Plantar fasciitis strikes without warning, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of staying healthy. Here are some suggestions from our doctors:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight will protect feet and ankles from numerous afflictions. Eat a well-balanced diet rooted in lean protein, whole grains, colorful fruits, and vegetables.

  • Wear sensible comfortable shoes. High heel shoes also make you vulnerable to plantar fasciitis.

  • Alternate high-impact start-and-stop athletic activities like tennis or basketball with lower-impact options like swimming and bicycling.

  • Stretch before and after exercise and even when you’re just watching television at home. Stretching helps keep soft tissues supple and healthy.

 

Our podiatrists at European Foot and Ankle Clinic have a great experience in treating plantar fasciitis as it is the leading cause of heel pain. A podiatrist may use tests such as an MRI, X-ray or ultrasound to properly diagnose plantar fasciitis and rule out other ailments that also cause heel pain.

Call us today if if you’re experiencing pain in your heel or foot: 773-205-0106. Or schedule an appointment here: https://europeanfootandankleclinic.com