We see a wide range of foot and ankle problems at Syracuse Podiatry in our office. One of the most common reasons our patients see us is for heel pain. Often, they’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, a condition where the tissue in the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed from excessive stress and pressure. Because of how uncomfortable heel pain can be, seeking treatment from your podiatrist when you start experiencing discomfort is important.

Here is some important information about plantar fasciitis, to help you keep your feet healthy, this summer and every season:

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

1. Poorly fitting footwear and insufficient arch support can cause overstretching of the plantar fascia.
2. Carrying more body weight puts more pressure on the feet and ankles, making the arch of the foot more likely to sustain an injury.
3. Those who wear high heel shoes can develop shorter and tighter calf muscle that increases stress on the heel and arch.
4. Dancers, professional athletes, and people on their feet all day for work are more likely to develop injuries to the plantar fascia and other foot and ankle problems.

Best Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

• I.C.E. therapy – rest, ice, compression, elevation
• Physical therapy to stretch, relieve tension, and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
• Custom orthotics can help provide extra support and address poor foot mechanics.
• Shockwave therapy, which uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow and healing in the affected area.
• Surgery if the above treatments don’t work.

Do you need help with your heel pain? Call our office today. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Anne-Louise Smith, Dr. Justin Muser, and the rest of the staff at Syracuse Podiatry in East Syracuse, New York, can help treat and care for your feet. Call us at 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online to get help today.