Heel spur/plantar faciatis

Question
Dr
I came down with plantar faciitis in the Fall, probably as a result of cheap runners on pavement. I had it once before in the same foot, and an ex-ray revealed a small heel spur.
I have used a night sock to eliminate morning stiffness, and three cortisone shots killed most of the pain. My doc says now I have to wait a few months to get another if I need it.
I can only walk for a few minutes and cant run , so its really affecting my ability to exercise.
I wanted to try acupuncture as it worked well for a knee meniscus tear, but the clinic I called recommended I start with shock wave therapy.
What do you think? Thanks for your thoughts!

Answer
Dear Bud

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Ukranian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...

For your plantar fasciitis,
Go see a podiatrist & find out the bio-mechanical cause of your plantar fasciitis. The spur is evidence of the plantar fasciitis, not the cause. The cause may be obesity, tight calves, change in shoes, etc. Example: a simple heel lift will alleviate the pain if it's tight calves. Orthotics will work for low arches, diet for weight gain, etc
Skip the shock wave & acupuncture until you know the cause. Then treat the cause, not the pain.
Hope this helps & Good Luck!

The Chicago Podiatrists of http://anklenfoot.com/ are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago, Elmhurst & Bartlett. We welcome second opinions & are experts in revision surgery & chronic pain of the foot & ankle.

Dr George Tsatsos, Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Massard & Dr Kurtz
Chicago 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


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