Heel Pain Stopping You? Let’s Talk About Plantar Fasciitis
If you’ve ever stepped out of bed and felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, you might already know the name of the culprit: Plantar Fasciitis. This common foot condition affects millions of people every year—and while it might sound like a minor annoyance, left untreated, it can seriously impact your mobility and quality of life.
At Podiatry Foot & Ankle Institute, our experienced podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis at our Hackensack, New Jersey, office. Whether you’re a weekend runner or a busy professional who stands all day, our goal is to get you walking pain-free again. Call us today at (201) 488-3668 or book an online appointment.
What Exactly Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick, rope-like ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes, acting like a built-in shock absorber for your arch. When this ligament is overused, overstretched, or strained, it becomes inflamed. That inflammation—and often microtears in the tissue—is what causes the hallmark pain of plantar fasciitis.
You’re most likely to feel discomfort during your first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. As the day progresses, the pain can either dull or return with a vengeance after prolonged standing or activity.
Who Gets It—and Why?
While plantar fasciitis is most common in adults between 40–60 years old, we also see it frequently in:
Athletes and runners
Teachers, nurses, and anyone on their feet all day
Individuals with high arches or flat feet
People who wear unsupportive shoes (we’re looking at you, flip-flops!)
Those with tight calf muscles
People carrying extra weight, which increases foot strain
Even the way your foot rolls when you walk—known as pronation—can contribute.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Sharp heel pain, especially in the morning
Pain that worsens after exercise (but not during)
Swelling in the heel area
Tightness in your arch or Achilles tendon
Burning or aching that spreads across the bottom of the foot
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Early treatment makes a huge difference, contact us.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
The good news? Plantar fasciitis is highly treatable with conservative care. At [Practice Name], we tailor treatment plans to your unique lifestyle, activity level, and foot structure. This may include:
Rest and activity modification
Icing the heel
Stretching exercises and physical therapy
Switching to supportive footwear
Night splints to stretch the fascia while you sleep
Cortisone injections, if needed for inflammation
Most patients start feeling relief within a few weeks, though full healing can take several months depending on the severity of the strain.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Heel Pain
Chronic heel pain doesn’t just affect your feet—it alters the way you walk, stand, and move. That can lead to knee, hip, and even back pain over time. Early podiatric care can prevent complications and keep you moving forward.
At Podiatry Foot & Ankle Institute , Dr. Edward Harris and Dr. Adam Rozenstrauch, are experts in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis and other heel pain conditions. We are conveniently located in Hackensack, New Jersey, and we’re just a call away at (201) 488-3668 or book an online appointment.
