Are you having difficulty walking? Do your feet hurt because you need to stand for long extensive periods? Well, you may have heel spur syndrome, which is when the plantar fasciitis is inflamed or irritated. To be sure of the diagnosis though, you need to visit your podiatrists, Drs. Marc Ginsburg and Steven Lam, of Capital Region Foot Care at their Albany, NY, office.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. When the fascia becomes irritated and then inflamed, this results in heel pain.
What else causes heel pain?
Because there are several potential causes, you need to visit your Albany podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.
Other reasons include:
- stress fracture
- tendonitis
- arthritis
- nerve irritation
- faulty foot structure like flat feet or high-arched feet
- wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces
What do symptoms include?
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain on the bottom of the heel and pain that increases over time. Some people experience the worst pain when they get up in the morning or after sitting for too long. Walking decreases pain because it stretches the fascia but that doesn't apply for everyone.
How does your podiatrist diagnose heel pain?
Your doctor first asks for your medical history and needs to examine your foot using to zero in on the exact cause of heel pain. Treatment options include:
- Stretching your feet, avoid walking barefoot and ice feet
- Limit strenuous activities, use a removable walking cast, and wear a night splint
- Anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy
- Shoes with proper padding and strapping
- Use orthotic devices
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment or ESWT
Do you need a consultation?
If you would like to learn more about plantar fasciitis treatment from Capital Region Foot Care? Then call Drs. Marc Ginsburg and Steven Lam of Albany, NY, at (518) 465-3515 to learn more.