Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain Treatment in NYC and Forest Hills, NY

Heel pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if you do not know what the underlying cause is. If you ignore your heel pain, the pain can magnify and potentially develop into a chronic condition. Depending on the location of your heel pain, you have developed a specific condition.

One condition is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain from this condition is initially mild but can intensify as more steps are taken when you wake up in the morning. To treat this condition, medication will likely be necessary. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with heel spurs; both require rest and special stretching exercises.

Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar regions of the foot, namely the heel, arch, and midfoot. When too much stress is put on the plantar fascia, or the connective tissue that stretches from the heel to the ball of your foot, inflammation, overtightening, and tearing may arise. This can cause foot pain. Because of plantar fasciitis, you may experience tearing with the first steps you take in the morning each day.

A certain trigger that may cause stress to the plantar fascia includes poor arch support, which is brought upon by frequently walking barefoot or wearing shoes with improper arch support. Other causes include obesity or a sudden increase in weight, increased physical activity, weak foot and ankle muscles, tight calf muscles, and arthritis.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

If you’re feeling pain after sitting, walking, or standing for a long period of time, as well as when you first step out of bed or climb stairs, you may be showing signs of plantar fasciitis. To know for sure what’s causing you pain, it’s best that you get an x-ray taken of your foot.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of the specific case of the condition. Ice massage applications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy is often used to treat plantar fasciitis, and this may include stretching exercises. Another treatment option is anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.

Because plantar fasciitis is known to worsen over time, it’s recommended that you meet with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.

There are various options your podiatrist may suggest for heel pain. Treatment options for heel pain typically include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which may reduce swelling and pain. Other options are physical therapy, athletic taping, and orthotics. In severe cases of heel pain, surgery may be required.

Heel Pain Prevention

Preventing heel pain is possible. If you are looking to prevent heel pain from developing in the future, be sure to wear shoes that fit you properly and do not have worn down heels or soles. Be sure to warm up properly before participating in strenuous activities or sports that place a lot of a stress on the heels. If you are experiencing any form of heel pain, speak with your podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and receive the treatment you need.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is a cutting edge technology proven to increase the rate of healing for soft tissue tendinopathy. It is an advanced, non-invasive and highly effective treatment method that enhances blood circulation and accelerates the healing process causing damaged tissue to gradually regenerate.

What conditions can be treated with ESWT?

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Morton’s Neuromas
• Diabetic Neuropathy and more!

How does ESWT work?

When you experience chronic pain, your body no longer recognizes that there is an injury to that area. As a result, it shuts down the healing process and you feel no relief. The ballistic sound waves of the EnPuls penetrate deep through your soft tissue, causing a microtrauma or new inflammatory condition to the treated area. Once this occurs, it then triggers your body's natural healing response once again. The energy emitted also causes the cells in the soft tissue to release certain bio-chemicals that intensify the body's natural healing process. These bio-chemicals allow for the building of an array of new microscopic blood vessels in the soft tissue.

What do studies show?

There have been extensive studies done on Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy over the past 23 years. These studies show an average 85% success rate.

How is ESWT performed?

The system is a machine with an applicator that looks like an ultrasound. It is administered once a week for a series of 5 treatments. Each treatment takes approximately 5 minutes depending on the size and number of areas treated.

All treatments are performed by experienced Doctors or staff. The Doctor applies the applicator to the area and administers the ballistic waves by moving over the affected area in a very slow, circular motion. During the treatment, there may be some minor discomfort. Painful spots are helpful in isolating the injured areas.

Why consider Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?

ESWT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods, including surgery, without the risks, complications, and lengthy recovery periods. There are no incisions and no risk of infection, or scar tissue, like with surgery.

There is no need for anesthesia to be administered during the treatment, as opposed to high-energy shockwave therapy. Patients treated with ESWT may be active immediately and resume their normal routine the same day. Many patients find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain. Some patients will feel results gradually after each treatment.

Why ESWT instead of Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is 2 to 3 times a week, for 6 weeks and you are at the facility for no less than an hour. More importantly, there is usually a co-pay required for every visit which could be $40 or more. Over a six week period or 15 visits, this can add up to $600 in out of pocket co-pays. The ESWT treatments are only once a week, for 5 minutes each. This is a highly effective modality which is faster and more effective than Physical therapy, and the cost of the ESWT treatments are usually LESS than the total of your PT co-pays. If you want fast results in less time, and would like to save money, the ESWT treatment is a better choice.

What are the possible side effects?

There have been very few side effects reported. In rare cases, skin bruising may occur. Patients may also feel soreness in the area for a day or two afterward, similar to a strenuous workout.

Will I be in pain afterward?

A day or two after the treatment you may feel a slight discomfort like a bruise, but that is normal and is a sign the treatment is working.

Is it covered by my Insurance?

No. ESWT is not covered by insurance plans but it is very affordable.

Available at William Street Podiatry, the Remy Laser is an innovative class IV laser used for treating chronic foot and ankle pain and toenail fungus. Treat your unique pain and/or be free of embarrassment from wearing open-toe shoes and sandals due to fungal nails.

Class IV laser therapy is one of the most safe and effective ways to treat various conditions that cause foot and ankle pain and toenail fungus (onychomycosis)! Laser therapy has a vast amount of benefits including:

• Accelerated cellular reproduction and growth – which is key in repairing the cells of cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, and muscle tissue.
• Reduced scar tissue that typically develops from specific injuries. When patients have less scar tissue, the likelihood of chronic pain is also reduced.
• Decreased inflammation and increased blood circulation
• Penetration of the nail bed to kill fungus living underneath the nail - without pain and without any harmful side effects.

Laser therapy is a quick and easy treatment allowing patients to relax during the procedure.

Laser Therapy for Pain Management

With 26 bones in the foot alone, as well as major ligaments, tendons, joints, and nerves - it’s not surprising that millions of Americans suffer various types of foot and ankle pain.

Class IV laser therapy is used for the relief of pain, to accelerate healing and decrease inflammation.

When the light source is placed against the skin, photons penetrate several centimeters down and are absorbed by the mitochondria (the energy producing part of a cell). This energy results in the restoration of normal cell function.

The main goal of laser therapy is to stimulate the cell to perform its natural functions, but at an enhanced rate.

Laser therapy is a quick and easy treatment allowing patients to relax during the procedure. In contrast to “cold lasers,” which provide no feeling or sensation, high power diode laser therapy provides a warm, soothing feeling.

Some of the most common source of foot pain include:

• Plantar fasciitis – which often creates moderate to severe heel pain
• Tendonitis including
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Posterior tendonitis (or PTTD)
  • Peroneal tendonitis (tendonitis affecting the midfoot and arch)
• Ankle sprains
• Neuroma (or a pinched nerve)
• Arthritis and inflammation
• Bunions
• Hallux limitus (or a stiff big toe joint)

Any one of these conditions can create chronic (long-term) pain or acute (short-term) pain.

What is Onychomycosis?

Fungal foot infections. They can create major discomfort and even embarrassment. They are also EXTREMELY COMMON; affecting millions of people each year.

Additionally, fungus is easily spread. Individuals with fungus may have contracted it through shared bathroom space, public locker rooms, showers, and pools, shared clothing or shoes, even carpeting.

For some, fungus is simply genetic. When this is the case, treatment can become even more difficult given the likelihood of reoccurrence.

One of the most prevalent types of fungal foot infections directly affects your toenails. This type of condition is known as onychomycosis.

You may have onychomycosis if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• yellow or other discoloration of your toenails
• thickened or brittle toenails
• an unpleasant odor coming from the nail area
• pain

It’s not uncommon to feel discomfort and embarrassment due to the unsightly appearance and these symptoms of onychomycosis.

Fungal nail affects nearly 10% of the US population.

While many find the condition to be, simply, an eye sore, fungal nail can also lead to a larger problems incuding:

• infection of other toenails
• infecting friends and family
• increased pain
• ingrown toenails

Individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible to fungal nail given their compromised immune systems.

Laser therapy offers an effective, safe option for treating fungal toenail without the side effects of many oral medications.

We are the exclusive providers of this technology in our area! Call us today for a consultation to discuss how laser therapy can alleviate your pain and keep you on your feet!