Plantar fasciitis most often affects adults 40 to 60 who are on their feet all day. A Grayslake podiatry practice explains the signs and treatments, from custom orthotic inserts to shock wave therapy.

The holiday season puts a lot of Grayslake-area workers on their feet, from retail floors and warehouses to restaurant kitchens, and long shifts on hard surfaces are hard on the heel. According to North Shore Foot & Ankle, plantar fasciitis most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40-60, especially those who work in a field that requires them to be on their feet all day.

The practice, which has a Grayslake location on East Belvidere Road, explains that the plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot and connects the heel to the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of that tissue, and heel spurs, flat feet, high arches and excess body weight can all contribute.

The pattern is often recognizable. The pain usually flares first thing in the morning or after sitting for long periods, and soreness can also flare up after long periods of activity, such as the end of a long shift.

North Shore Foot & Ankle treats the current flare-up while working to prevent the next one. Its options include extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotic inserts, cortisone injections and corrective shoes, and surgery is considered when conservative therapies are not effective or heel pain is worsening.

The Grayslake location is at 1475 E. Belvidere Road, Pavilion C, Suite 281, and is open until 6:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

"Holiday shifts mean more hours standing on hard floors, and that is when heel pain tends to get worse. If the first steps in the morning are the worst part of the day, that is worth having looked at. Most people improve with the right inserts, shoes and treatment, and we have several options before anyone needs to think about surgery," said a spokesperson for North Shore Foot & Ankle.

• Wear supportive, cushioned shoes for long shifts.
• Replace worn-out work shoes and insoles.
• Stretch the calves and arches before getting out of bed.
• Take short sitting breaks when you can during a shift.
• See a podiatrist if heel pain keeps coming back.

North Shore Foot & Ankle in Grayslake is at 1475 E. Belvidere Road, Pavilion C, Suite 281. Patients with heel pain can learn more about seeing a Podiatrist in Grayslake or call (847) 282-3142.

About North Shore Foot & Ankle

North Shore Foot & Ankle is a podiatry practice with locations in Grayslake and Glenview, Illinois. Its podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons treat heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, gout, sprained ankles, plantar warts, toenail fungus, ulcers and more, and offer custom orthotic inserts and shock wave therapy. More information is available at nsfootankle.com.

Contact Information:

North Shore Foot & Ankle (Grayslake, IL)

1475 East Belvidere Road Pavilion C
Grayslake, IL 60030
United States

A spokesperson for North Shore Foot & Ankle
(847) 282-3142
https://nsfootankle.com/