NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates helps patients with heel pain stay active and on their feet. Come see us in the Bronx, NY, if you are in pain so our podiatrist can diagnose and treat your feet!
Heel pain
The plantar fascia is the thick band of muscle that runs along the base of the foot and supports the arch. Heel pain, or plantar fasciitis, happens when this muscle becomes inflamed. Heel pain is more common in runners and people who spend all day on their feet but can happen to anyone.
Many cases of heel pain are mild and can be helped with conservative, at-home measures. Your podiatrist can recommend daily stretches and exercises for the feet and legs to stretch and strengthen the foot. Icing the heel and sole of the foot for up to 20 minutes at a time helps with pain and swelling. Orthotic devices worn in the shoes can help relieve pain while walking. Your podiatrist may recommend wearing a brace or splint as well as avoiding high-impact exercises. These measures can help most plantar fasciitis cases, but leaving your pain untreated only leads to more problems so come see us in the Bronx, NY, as soon as you notice heel pain.
Leaving plantar fasciitis untreated
The pain associated with plantar fasciitis is usually worst when you first get up and start moving, or after a bout of strenuous activity. Besides causing you more pain with every step, plantar fasciitis can lead to many other problems. When you're in pain your body will try to overcompensate when you walk, and this can lead to more pain in your knees, hips, and even your back.
When you leave plantar fasciitis pain untreated, the small tears in the ligament causing you pain accumulate, and the pain will increase until it interferes with your ability to complete daily tasks. If you are in pain, don't let it get to that point! The skilled podiatrist of NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates is here to help with diagnosis and treatment. Contact us for an appointment in the Bronx, NY, at (718) 881-7990.