Plantar Fasciitis
About
Heel pain is typically caused by plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue between your heel and your toes. When a spur is present, it is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome. You may also be at an increased risk of Plantar Fasciitis if you have an unusual walk, flat feet or high arches, tight Achilles tendons or heel cords, or often wear high heels or shoes with thin or worn-out soles. Kesler Podiatry offers quality treatment of heel pain and plantar fasciitis to patients in Hawthorne.
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, but it may also be due to other conditions such as a stress fracture, Tendinitis or arthritis, nerve irritation, or a cyst. Because there are several potential causes of heel pain, it is important to have it properly diagnosed. We may use diagnostic ultrasound studies, x-rays, or other imaging modalities to distinguish the different types of heel pain. Once a diagnosis is made, we will recommend the appropriate treatment.
Often, plantar fasciitis will go away on its own after a few months. Conservative treatment options for plantar fasciitis include rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medication, stretching, exercises, splinting at night, orthotics, or even athletic tape. It can also be helpful to choose supportive footwear to absorb the shock of walking, maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting more pressure on the plantar fascia, replace high-impact aerobics or running with low-impact exercises, and even untucking bed sheets to avoid forcing your feet into a pointed position. If the pain does not go away after a few months, we may recommend steroid shots, physical therapy, or surgery. Kesler Podiatry offers a range of treatment options to clients all over northern NJ.