Heel Pain Relief That Actually Lasts
QUICK ANSWER
Heel pain in Chicagoland is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. Dr. Praveen Vohra, a board-certified podiatrist and published plantar fasciitis researcher, treats this condition daily at two Chicagoland locations. Over 90% of patients recover fully without surgery.
If You're Wincing With Your First Steps Out of Bed...
…you already know how much heel pain controls your day. It changes the way you walk. It stops you from exercising. It affects your mood, your sleep, and your quality of life.
Heel pain is the most common condition we treat at Foot and Ankle Specialists — and it is also Dr. Vohra’s area of published clinical research. That means when you sit across from him, you’re not getting a guess. You’re getting a treatment plan backed by evidence, built specifically for your body and your lifestyle.
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What Is Causing Your Heel Pain?
| Condition | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|
| Plantar Fasciitis | Sharp stabbing pain under heel — first morning steps |
| Heel Spurs | Bony growth alongside plantar fasciitis |
| Achilles Tendinitis | Pain at back of heel — worse after sport |
| Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome | Burning, tingling radiating into heel |
| Stress Fractures | Deep aching that worsens with activity |
| Bursitis | Swelling and tenderness at the back of the heel bone |
Dr. Vohra's Approach to Heel Pain Treatment
Custom Digital/foam Scan Orthotics
Corrects the biomechanical root cause of plantar fascia strain — built from a digital/foam scan foot scan of your exact foot structure
Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injection
Delivers anti-inflammatory medication precisely to the inflamed tissue — Dr. Vohra uses real-time ultrasound for accuracy
Physical Therapy Protocols
Targeted stretching and strengthening to reduce recurrence
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Non-invasive treatment that stimulates tissue healing in chronic plantar fasciitis
Night Splints
Holds the plantar fascia in a stretched position overnight — reduces morning pain significantly
Ultrasound-Guided Plantar Fascia Release
Minimally invasive surgical procedure through a 0.5-cm incision — Dr. Vohra is a published author on this technique
★★★★★ “I had heel pain so bad I couldn’t walk to my car in the morning. After two visits with Dr. Vohra, I understood what was actually wrong — within 6 weeks I was back on the pickleball court.” — Susan M., Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper treatment, most patients see significant improvement within 6–8 weeks. Chronic cases may take 3–6 months. Untreated plantar fasciitis rarely resolves on its own and often worsens over time.
The vast majority of patients — over 90% — do not require surgery. Dr. Vohra exhausts all conservative options first. Surgery is only discussed when non-surgical care has not provided adequate relief after an appropriate trial period.
Often yes — with the right modifications. Dr. Vohra will give you specific guidance on activity level as part of your return-to-sport plan.
The fastest approach combines custom orthotics, stretching protocols, and if needed, an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection. Dr. Vohra determines the right combination at your first visit.
You Don’t Have to Live With Heel Pain
Dr. Vohra has treated thousands of patients with heel pain — from weekend walkers to world-class athletes.