How a Podiatrist Can Help You Find Foot Pain Relief

Are you suffering from heel pain? Is it becoming unbearable and hindering everyday activities? If that's the case, you need to speak to a podiatrist for specialized foot care. Dr. Humaira Syed is probably who you want to speak with at Reds Ankle & Foot Associates in Fort Lee and Wayne, NJ.

Heel pain

Heel pain is probably because of a band of tissue in the foot, plantar fascia, being inflamed. The tissue extends from the heel to the toes, and when irritated causes heel pain.

Because there are so many causes of heel pain, you need to speak with Dr. Syed at her Fort Lee or Wayne office. She has more than a decade's worth of experience and can properly diagnose the source of your problem, and if there or underlying health conditions leading to your heel pain.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

A faulty foot structure is the most common cause, like overly flat feet or high-arched feet. Poor footwear that doesn't support feet on hard or flat surfaces causes undue strain on the plantar fasciitis, especially if your job requires long hours on your feet or you suffer from obesity.

Other causes of heel pain include a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or a cyst.

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Stretch out the calf muscles to ease pain and assist recovery
• Avoid walking around barefoot to avoid unnecessary strain on your plantar fascia
• Ice the area for 20 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation
• Cut down on extended physical activities to assist recovery
• Wearing proper footwear that supports foot arch and reduces stress on the plantar fascia, like padding, or orthotic devices
• Use medications to reduce pain and inflammation
• Talk to your podiatrist about injection therapy to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Wear a removable walking cast for a few weeks and/or a night splint to keep the plantar fascia stretched while sleeping
• Ask your doctor about physical therapy and for a good referral.

When is surgery needed?

It's always best to start with the non-surgical treatments suggested above but you may require surgery. If several months of non-surgical treatments don't work and you continue having heel pain, you may need to speak with your podiatrist in Fort Lee, NJ.

Whom should you contact for more information?

Do you have plantar fasciitis? Call Dr. Humaira Syed of Reds Ankle & Foot Associates in Fort Lee and Wayne, NJ, at 973 692-1111 to learn more!