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If one step causes a shooting pain to go through your heel, especially when you wake up in the morning to get out of bed, you may have plantar fasciitis. Occurring also when you stand after sitting for an extended period of time, heel pain is not something to be ignored. Heel pain can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel and can also be a way to alert us to seek medical attention. With the many complaints that contribute to heel pain, it is important to take all precautions necessary in avoiding heel pain or seeking treatment upon the initial onset of your pain.
Conservative Treatment To properly treat heel pain, you must absorb shock, provide cushioning and elevate your heel in order to transfer the pressure off of your heel. Treatment may include various non-surgical techniques such as: • Stretching exercises
• Avoid going barefoot
• Ice
• Limit activities
• Shoe modifications
• Medications Dr. Perlstein may recommend an orthotic designed with materials that will absorb shock and shear forces. An orthotic with medial posting and good arch support can help control the pronation and prevent inflammation. Footwear selection is a very important aspect to consider when treating heel pain. Shoes with a firm heel counter, good arch support, and appropriate heel height are the ideal choice for protection of your feet. Heel pain needs treatment to prevent it from becoming worse, or from becoming a persistent pain. If untreated, heel pain can keep you from getting much-needed exercise and it can also lead to back, knee and hip problems, and other foot conditions, affecting the way you walk.
In-Office Shockwave Therapy Shockwave Therapy is used to treat chronic heel pain, otherwise known as plantar fasciitis. The brief, non-invasive, procedure lasts about 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia, and/or "twilight" anesthesia. Strong sound waves are directed at and penetrate the heel area to stimulate a healing response by the body. The sound waves break up the tissue, creating small tunnels through which new blood vessels can grow, and the increased blood supply allows the tissue to heal. The result is a reduction in inflammation and pain from the affected ligament. Shockwave therapy is performed on an outpatient basis and, although there are no bandages, someone will need to drive you home. Shockwave Therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a short recovery time. Clinical studies show that there is a 70 percent success rate for treatment or plantar fasciitis using Shockwave Therapy. When Conservative Measures don't work: Cryosurgery Generally, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or orthotics can effectively treat heel pain, but when these conservative treatments are not enough, chronic heel pain may require surgical treatment. Dr Perlstein can treat irritating heel pain and get you back on your feet with a fast-acting procedure known as Cryosurgery.
Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed comfortably by Dr Perlstein in just one visit to alleviate pain and nerve problems of the foot. Using localized freezing temperatures to deaden the irritated nerve, the treatment involves inserting a probe into the tissue of the foot. The freezing temperatures produce an anesthetic effect, which reduces inflammation to the site and causes a mild numbing effect for as long as it is applied. The freezing effect inactivates the nerve, and relieves the painful nerve irritation. When early treatments fail, or your heel pain worsens over time, a consultation with Dr Perlstein will be needed. Depending on the amount of pain experienced, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. It is important to not ignore foot pain, as it can worsen over time, so protect your feet and seek treatment immediately.
Dr. Perlstein is a Brooklyn podiatrist open on Sundays, treating more than 25,000 patients since 1986. This experienced podiatrist offers a wide range of foot and ankle care including emergency care, treatment for bunions and laser toenail fungus in Brooklyn. His office is also open on Sundays.
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