hope for children with autism - Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

Dr. Anjum Sayyad
Marianjoy Medical Group Physician
4
Ask the Expert
Dr. Sayyad joined the Marianjoy Medical Group
in 2011 as a staff physiatrist. She graduated
from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind
Franklin University and completed her residency
at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago affiliated with
Northwestern University.
Dr. Sayyad focuses on all levels of rehabilitation
and sees patients at Marianjoy Rehabilitation
Hospital’s Wheaton Campus. Dr. Sayyad is a
member of the American Academy of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Association of
Academic Physiatrists, and the American Congress
of Rehabilitation Medicine.
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Question:
I run a few miles a week and lately, I have been experiencing a pain in my left heel.
It hurts for about a quarter mile into my run, and then subsides, but then returns.
It seems to be at its worst when I get out of bed in the morning. Should I be concerned
or is this something that will go away on its own?
Achilles tendon
Inflammation of
the plantar fascia
can cause heel pain
Plantar fascia
Answer:
Given your symptoms, it could be
plantar fasciitis, a condition that can
occur when the plantar fascia—the
tissue that connects the heel bone to
your toes—becomes weak, resulting in
microtears and inflammation. It is the
most common cause of rear foot pain
and common in runners. People will
often complain that the first few steps
in the morning are the worst. Runners
note the pain occurs at the beginning of the run, improves, and then returns after
the completion of the run. Individuals with either high arches or flat feet are at
risk for plantar fasciitis as are individuals who are older or heavier.
Caring for Plantar Fasciitis As a physiatrist, I would examine the range of motion
in your foot, determining if your foot pronates (turns inward) or supinates (turns
outward) when you walk, causing stress on the plantar fascia. I would also evaluate
the flexibility of your calf muscles to see
if they are overly tight. By prescribing
physical therapy, I would recommend
the therapist show you proper stretches
for the plantar fascia as well as your leg
and calf muscles. Another option may
be an orthotic or taping to help with
supporting the arch. For now, I would
recommend taking a break from running,
ice the area a few times a day, and use
an anti-inflammatory until you can have
your healthcare provider evaluate the
condition.
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