Innovative Treatment for Heel Pain

Des Plaines Woman Part of New Generation of Heel Pain Sufferers Seeking Relief

For Des Plaines resident Carolyn Haderspeck, 42, playing volleyball has been a life-long passion. As a high school, college and adult player, she has played competitively on her feet for more than 25 years. And, working three jobs, including two as a teacher and one in retail, plus running after three children, the time on her feet intensified. When nagging and painful plantar fasciitis (heel pain) started up, she played, taught and worked right through it.

Carolyn is far from alone. An estimated two million Americans a year and 10% of the population during their lifetime will experience a condition called plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue on the bottom surface of the heel bone and extending along the sole of the foot towards the toes. Its primary symptom is pain on the underside of the heel which is typically most severe first thing in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and can be successfully treated in a variety of ways.

“I used to love wearing heels before my foot pain started,” Carolyn explains. “Playing volleyball, standing in a classroom or on the sales floor at J.C. Penney, meant I was typically on my sore feet for 10-12 hours a day. I eventually ditched the heels but continued walking and working until one morning I literally couldn’t put my foot down because I was in so much pain.”

According to Dr. Anthony Borrelli, a board-certified podiatric surgeon at the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute (WFAI) specializing in reconstructive surgery, Carolyn fits the new demographic of plantar fasciitis sufferers. In a typical week, he sees an average of 15 patients with plantar fasciitis. “We’re seeing an increase in all age groups with heel pain but especially with midlife patients because 60 is the new 40,” he explains. “One reason is what is known as ‘overload syndrome’ caused by this generation’s interest in an active lifestyle. Most people don’t want to ease into activities or take a break from their jobs and sports to nurse an injury, so they end up with a full-blown case of plantar fasciitis.”

Dr. Borrelli and other podiatric surgeons at WFAI also point to an increase in obesity, which puts extraordinary pressure on the feet. Those most at risk for plantar fasciitis include: runners, golfers and other fitness-minded people who overdo their activities; laborers, hospitality, retail and manufacturing industry workers who stand for long periods in non-supportive shoes; people with tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons; wearers of “outdoor slippers,” or other non-supportive shoes.

Dr. Borrelli and the team of physicians at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute suggest the following for preventing heel pain:

• Keep the body fit by regular walking and gentle weight-bearing exercise.
• Maintain a sensible weight.
• Athletes: beware of over-doing activity.
• Warm up and cool down. The importance of stretching is paramount.
• Wear supportive shoes, preferably with good arch supports.
• Don't put off treating your heel pain. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to find relief.
• Stretch your feet after getting out of bed in the morning or do some gentle calf and Achilles stretches.
• Use supportive shoe inserts.

After a thorough exam by Dr. Borrelli, Carolyn underwent a series of diagnostic and therapeutic treatments including a night splint, a removable walking cast, a painless cortisone shot and an MRI. Eventually, Dr. Borrelli performed surgery on Carolyn because her degenerative condition was so severe and untreated for so long that she was unresponsive to the several different types of therapy. The surgical procedure, called a minimally invasive plantar fasciotomy creates a tiny cut in the plantar fascia and was tailored to her needs and condition. It was highly successful and she was relieved of pain almost immediately. Today, Carolyn describes herself as “80% pain-free” and is back to playing competitive volleyball and watching her teenage daughter play the game too.

For more information on plantar fasciitis treatment, the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute is offering a free Kick Heel Pain Kit which includes a brochure on symptoms, treatment options and exercises. It also includes a small foot massager for relieving early signs of heel pain discomfort. To get yours, complete the email form here