If you feel you’ve been on your feet too much and you have the heel pain to show for it, you’re not alone. One in ten Americans reports the same condition and the diagnosis is usually plantar fasciitis brought on by overuse. Because you depend on your feet, heel pain can bring daily living to a fast halt.
While plantar fasciitis often responds well to home treatment, it’s not always possible to cut out the parts of your life that cause heel pain in the first place. When you can’t get on top of your foot problems, contact Errol Gindi, DPM. As a plantar fasciitis specialist, Dr. Gindi can determine the best treatment for your heel pain, no matter what the cause or severity of your condition.
How to recognize plantar fasciitis
When the stabbing pain at the bottom of your heel hits, it's pretty obvious something is wrong. For most people with plantar fasciitis, the pain is at its worst in the first few steps in the morning. But you may also feel it through the day when you get up from a seated position, or if you’ve been standing for an extended time.
You probably won’t feel heel pain from plantar fasciitis while you exercise, but it usually gets worse after your workout.
The cause of heel pain
The arch of your foot works like an archery bow, with the tough tissue of the plantar fascia representing the “string” running between the heel and the ball of your foot.
Overuse causes micro-tears in the fascia tissue, leading to irritation and inflammation, the sources of plantar fasciitis pain. Sometimes, though, the root cause of the pain remains uncertain.
There are several risk factors that could contribute to your heel pain, including:
- Extra weight: when you’re overweight, the additional load on your feet could cause pain
- Age: wear and tear from daily living accumulates over time
- Activities: aerobic dance, ballet, long-distance running, and similar activities stress the heel and fascia
- Long hours of standing: teachers, servers, and factory workers often suffer plantar fasciitis
The best treatment for plantar fasciitis
There are many ways to approach plantar fasciitis heel pain. The good news is, most people recover in months with home care or with conservative treatments with Dr. Gindi.
At the first signs of plantar fasciitis, a combination of rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications often brings pain under control. Combined with icing the heel, this may be all the treatment you need. Next-level treatment may include orthotics, shoe inserts that cushion your heel and support your arch. Supportive footwear can also make a difference.
Dr. Gindi may also recommend physical therapy at this point, to strengthen muscles that help take the strain off your heel and ankle. Ultrasound and corticosteroid injections are other possible treatments. Surgical solutions are the last resort measure. Dr. Gindi specializes in minimally invasive, in-office procedures that often provide near-instant relief.
Contact Dr. Gindi’s Valley Stream office by phone or use the convenient online tool to arrange your consultation. Don’t let the pain of plantar fasciitis dominate your days. Book your appointment today.
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FAQs
What do podiatrist recommend for plantar fasciitis? ›
Other methods a podiatrist may use to reduce pain and treat plantar fasciitis include physical therapy, night splints that gently stretch the plantar fascia, orthotics that correct can help distribute weight more evenly, steroids to reduce inflammation and pain, and shock wave therapy that initiates the body's healing ...
Is a podiatrist good for plantar fasciitis? ›Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
You may be able to manage your symptoms yourself (for more information, see our section on self-help). But if it's hard to manage your pain or your symptoms aren't getting better after a few weeks, see a podiatrist (chiropodist), physiotherapist or your GP.
- Take time to rest. ...
- Ice your heels and arches. ...
- Use oral anti-inflammatory medications wisely. ...
- Invest in quality, supportive shoes. ...
- Give your heels and arches extra support all day and all night long. ...
- Start doing plantar fasciitis stretches and exercises. ...
- Massage your feet.
If you have a foot condition, such as plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, or a sprained ankle, a podiatrist can treat it. Corns, calluses, heel spurs, fallen arches, biomechanical issues, and diabetic foot care are some other examples of conditions podiatrists treat.
What is the best anti-inflammatory for plantar fasciitis? ›A 10- to 14-day course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory inhibitors such as naproxen or ibuprofen can also help to reduce inflammation and pain. Reducing the amount of time you spend on your feet may also help the plantar fascia recover.
How I cured my plantar fasciitis? ›Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, such as icing the painful area, stretching, and modifying or avoiding activities that cause pain.
What aggravates plantar fasciitis? ›Carrying a heavy object or gaining weight. Increasing your running or walking volumes too suddenly. If the muscles in your feet or legs are weak. If the muscles along the back of your legs are excessively tight (glutes, hamstrings, calves)
What celebrities have plantar fasciitis? ›A-list celebrities who have suffered from plantar fasciitis include Paris Hilton, Angelina Jolie, Albert Pujols, Pau Gasol, Peyton Manning, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O'Neal. Who would have thought that celebrities have foot health issues too?
How I fixed my foot pain and plantar fasciitis naturally? ›- Apply lavender essential oil. ...
- Wear supportive shoes. ...
- Use orthotics. ...
- Wear a night splint. ...
- Replace old athletic shoes. ...
- Stretch. ...
- Massage. ...
- Apply ice.
Plantar fasciitis pain tends to be most severe first thing in the morning. Self-massage before you get out of bed and put weight on your feet can help relieve pain.
What is the last resort treatment for plantar fasciitis? ›
In some plantar release surgeries, the plantar fascia is detached from the heel bone to relieve pressure; bone surface may be removed or smoothed to reduce tension; a heel spur or trapped nerve might be dealt with; and damaged tissue could be extracted. Most plantar release surgeries are done on an outpatient basis.
Are Crocs good for plantar fasciitis? ›Many doctors recommend them to their patients who suffer from plantar foot pain because they are comfortable and supportive. Clogs and Crocs can make long hours on your feet more tolerable if you have plantar fasciitis–as long as they have the right custom arch/heel support and cushioning that fits the condition.
Should I limit walking with plantar fasciitis? ›In fact, walking may actually inflame the plantar fascia more, leading to an extension of your treatment. While it's not walking alone that could further inflame the ligament, if you're not wearing the right shoes or are exerting yourself too much, the plantar fasciitis can flare up.
What is the drug of choice for plantar fasciitis? ›Medications. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can ease the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis.
What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? ›Avoid shoes with no or a low heel as this requires your heel to be able to become closer to the floor when standing. This requires good calf muscle flexibility which most people with plantar fasciitis are lacking.
Will a cortisone shot help plantar fasciitis? ›Cortisone shots, in most cases, can be remarkably effective in helping treat pain for a wide variety of issues, and some studies suggest they may be worthwhile for plantar fasciitis.