Get Relief for Plantar Fasciitis

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know that our Manhattan patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis would love to find ways to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. From the sharp pains in the heel when you first step out of bed in the morning, to the ongoing burning, aching, and numbness that increases with activity, plantar fasciitis can become quite debilitating. If you are experiencing heel pain, contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 for an appointment. Heel pain can be caused by a biomechanical defect, trauma, repetitive stress, or improper footwear. Depending on the source of your plantar fasciitis our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, or Dr. Kristina Ruff may recommend one of several conservative treatments, including:

  • Footwear modifications—the plantar fascia ligament supports the arch of your foot. Shoes that are completely flat or styles that lack appropriate arch support can cause inflammation that results in pain. Choosing better shoes and possibly adding a custom orthotic can reduce the symptoms.

  • Massage—being on your feet for long periods causes muscles and ligaments to tighten. A massage loosens those tight areas and can bring an almost instant decrease in discomfort. At-home foot massagers mean you can make this a regular end-of-the day ritual. For reviews of massagers that can help with plantar fasciitis, check out this Buzzfeed article.

  • Physical therapy and exercise—depending on the source of your plantar fasciitis, certain exercises may help correct or lessen the problem.

  • Night splint—because the plantar fascia contracts while your sleep a night, a splint may be employed to keep the ligament stretched. This may reduce the initial pain in the morning that many patients experience with this condition experience.

  • Medication—the podiatrist may recommend an anti-inflammatory medication or cortisone injections to relieve pain and inflammation.

We always start with conservative, non-invasive measures to treat podiatric disorders when possible. In some cases, when plantar fasciitis doesn’t seem to improve with these treatment methods, the podiatrist may recommend a surgical procedure to bring relief.

To learn more about how to treat plantar fasciitis, contact us today.