Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spur Specialist in NYC
According To Dr. Nelya Lobkova
Plantar fasciitis or fasciosis, also known as policeman's heel, is the leading cause of doctor’s visits for heel pain and arch pain. The condition involves tearing and scarring at the insertion of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue at the bottom of the foot. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sharp or dull foot pain around the heel and or arch, usually more severe in the morning with your first steps. The problem lies in two main factors: Firstly, the plantar fascia absorbs a large amount of force on a daily basis. Secondly, people in modern times walk anywhere from two to five miles a day constantly exacerbating the condition. Book a visit with NYC's top Podiatrist and plantar fasciitis specialist, Dr. Nelya Lobkova at Step Up Footcare in our TriBeCa Downtown NYC location to have your Plantar Fasciitis expertly treated.
What about heel Spurs?
Though people with plantar fasciitis tend to have heel spurs, heel spurs are NOT the cause of plantar fasciitis pain. While 10% of the population has heel spurs only 5% of people with heel spurs have foot pain. Because the heel spur is not the cause of plantar fasciitis, the heel pain can typically be treated without removing the heel spur. However, when shown to be necessary, heel spurs can be resected via a Minimally Invasive Ultrasonic Procedure.
Will the plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Plantar fasciitis will not go away on its own. Treatments for plantar fasciitis, like the causes, are multifactorial. Successful treatment involves a strict protocol tailored to each person individually, based on activity levels and footwear. Positive outcomes stem from Laser Pain Therapy which provides a non-invasive treatment by targeting inflammation and damaged plantar fascia. In addition, care may involve a home stretching and Kinesio Taping protocol.
Will I always have HEEL pain WHEN walking, running OR DOING sports?
It is common to develop heel pain due to plantar fasciitis during high impact activities or sports, such as running, due to the tremendous amount of force placed on the feet and particularly the plantar fascia during these activities. 3D Gait Analysis and Custom Orthotics may identify and solve faulty biomechanics and inadequate support that is prevalent in these cases, eliminating pain and facilitating a quicker return to sports activities.
Will I never wear my favorite flats or walk barefoot again?
Never say never! Nonetheless, it is true that inadequate supported footwear or no footwear at all has been shown to contribute to plantar fasciitis. The 3D Gait Analysis performed at Step Up Footcare will be able to identify abnormal gait patterns and biomechanics. These are corrected in Custom Orthotics that could be made for a variety of shoes, including dress shoes and flats.
Can plantar fasciitis cause other problems OR complications?
As soon as heel pain or arch pain starts it is important to seek care from a specialist right away. Allowing the pain to linger will create a chronic condition that is much more difficult to treat. People with chronic plantar fasciitis that did not respond to conservative non-invasive treatments should consider minimally invasive procedures such as Injection Therapies and Ultrasonic Repair of the damaged plantar fascia. Don’t ignore your foot pain. Start the conversation at Step Up Footcare today.
WHAT ARE treatments FOR plantar fasciitis?
Step Up Footcare provides the services below for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. The services below maybe performed in isolation or in combination based an individual’s activity level, footwear and issue severity.
Custom Orthotics: Custom Orthotics made specially for your foot and your plantar fasciitis reduces the tension and thus the microtrauma to the fascia that occurs with every step.
Injections: One or more medicated cortisone injections act to reduce inflammation resulting in heel pain and or arch pain relief.
Advanced Laser Therapy: Laser Therapy stimulates the body’s own ability to restore function, reduce swelling, inflammation and pain in the foot and ankle.
Kinesio Taping: Kinesio tape (KT tape) is a special type of elastic tape that is applied on the skin to reduce pain and swelling, increase blood flow and mobility. KT tape application for plantar fasciitis has been shown to result in heel and arch pain relief.
Minimally Invasive Repair: A minimally invasive ultrasonic repair of the damaged plantar fascia has shown great outcomes.
Surgery: Only as a last possible resort a surgical plantar fascia release maybe recommended.
Learn more about each of the services by clicking on their respective tile.
