Heel pain takes many forms; it can be very subtle, or it can be debilitating. It can affect the quality of your life and limit the activities that you are able to perform. When you suffer from heel pain in New York, NY, and the home remedies that you have tried have not provided the relief you seek, it is time to visit Dr. Jennifer Fung-Schwartz.

Home Treatment

The first thing to do when you have heel pain in New York, NY, is to get off of your feet and rest. Some conditions that cause heel pain will respond well to just resting. You can add ice to the therapy and this can help bring down any inflammation that is occurring. Using over-the-counter pain medication can take the edge off the pain and may allow you to walk on your sore feet. You can buy gel heel pads, which also help make walking possible. 

When Home Treatments Don't Work

If you have tried all the home remedies, it is time to make an appointment with your podiatrist. After an exam and some tests, your podiatrist will be able to diagnose your condition and also to recommend the type of treatment that will work best for you. 

Cortisone is a steroid that can bring relief when inflammation is involved in your heel pain. It can be injected right where the pain is located. The pain relief that is provided can last anywhere from six weeks to four months. It will likely need to be repeated until the problem has been resolved.

Physical therapy is an important component of recovery from heel pain. Exercises will either be given to you by your podiatrist. They may also recommend that you go to see a physical therapist to make sure your muscles get stretched and strengthened so that they can better support the foot and the arch. 

Orthotics are specially designed by your podiatrist to align your foot and to help to make sure your heel gets the support it needs. 

Surgery is a last resort and not very common for heel pain, but in some cases, it may be necessary. 

Contact Dr. Fung-Schwartz when you need the help of a podiatrist with heel pain in New York, NY. Give our office a call at (212) 678-2333.