Plantar fasciitis is the most common reason for heel pain. It occurs when the long, fibrous plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot develops tissue tears that cause pain and inflammation. Treatment for the condition that afflicts some 2 million Americans every year is available through Westside Podiatry Group, the leading foot care facility in Rochester, NY.

If you’re experiencing heel pain, seek treatment immediately rather than allowing the condition to worsen and interfere with daily tasks. Take a look at what the Rochester podiatrists recommend in regards to home treatment for plantar fasciitis as well as more in-depth options:

Home Treatment

Relieve yourself of stabbing, aching, and burning heel pain sensations with the following care tips:

• Rest: Limit or stop activities aggravating plantar fasciitis and rest your feet as much as possible. Refrain from running or walking on concrete and other hard surfaces.
• Ice: Ice your heels to reduce inflammation and numb pain. You may also try a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), though it’s a good idea to ask your Rochester podiatrist for recommendations.
• The Right Shoes: Wear shoes with proper arch support and quality shock absorption. Use shoe inserts or heel cups as needed, and put shoes on as soon as you arise in the morning to prevent bare feet-related heel pain.
• Exercise: Perform easy exercises such as towel stretches, toe stretches, and calf stretches numerous times a day, especially when you wake up. These exercises help keep ligaments flexible and muscles strong.

Podiatrist Treatments

• Custom Orthotics: Discuss custom orthotics with the podiatrists at your Rochester facility if plantar fasciitis worsens. Custom shoes that decrease the impact on calcaneus, in addition to night splints that keep ankles in neutral positions while asleep, may provide the right solution.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Receive corticosteroid injections if you’re dealing with severe heel pain. Shots relieve pain in the short-term; however, they come with their own set of risks, including plantar fasciitis rupture.
• Surgery: Consider plantar fasciitis release surgery if no other treatments are working. Surgery is reserved for those whose symptoms have not improved over a six to 12-month period.

Schedule an appointment with the foot doctors at Westside Podiatry Group and tackle plantar fasciitis pain early. For more on plantar fasciitis and other foot pain treatments available through Westside Podiatry Group, please call (585) 225-2290 or visit the website today.