Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery
Christopher Chow DPM FACFAS | Susan Zhao DPM | Jack Yuan DPM
Effective treatment of Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Flushing, NY
Heel Spur Treatments in NYC
If you're dealing with persistent heel pain, it can be challenging to get through your day without discomfort. Heel spurs are a common issue that can cause sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, especially when you first get out of bed or after sitting for a while. This pain can interfere with everyday activities, making it difficult to enjoy a walk in the park, participate in sports, or even stand for extended periods.
Fortunately, effective heel spur treatments are available right here in NYC. From non-surgical options to advanced surgical techniques, there are solutions that can help alleviate your pain and get you back on your feet.
What Are
Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They are often the result of long-term strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, leading to calcium deposits building up over time. While heel spurs themselves aren’t always painful, they can cause significant discomfort when they press against surrounding soft tissues.
Heel spurs are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition where the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes becomes inflamed. This combination can make walking, running, or even standing for long periods quite painful. If you’ve noticed sharp pain in your heel, particularly in the morning or after sitting for extended periods, you may be dealing with a heel spur.
Understanding what heel spurs are and what causes them is the first step towards effective treatment and lasting relief.
Heel
Spurs?
What Causes
Heel spurs develop over time due to repetitive stress and strain on the foot. Several factors can contribute to their formation:
1. Overuse and Repetitive Activity
High-impact activities such as running, dancing, or jumping can put a lot of stress on your heel and arch. The continuous strain can lead to inflammation and the development of heel spurs.
2. Improper Footwear
Wearing shoes that lack proper support, particularly those with thin soles or inadequate arch support, can increase the risk of heel spurs. Unsupportive footwear forces your foot to bear more weight and pressure, contributing to the formation of these painful bony growths.
3. Obesity
Excess body weight can place additional pressure on your feet, especially the heel area. This extra strain can lead to the development of heel spurs and other foot conditions over time.
4. Abnormal Walking Gait
If you have an irregular walking pattern or posture, certain parts of your foot may be subjected to more stress than others. This uneven distribution of pressure can contribute to the formation of heel spurs.
5. Foot Structure and Biomechanics
Conditions like flat feet (pes planus) or high arches (pes cavus) can alter the way pressure is distributed across your feet, increasing the likelihood of developing heel spurs.
Symptoms Commonly Associated With Heel Spurs
Heel spurs can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to intense, stabbing pain. While some people may not experience any symptoms at all, others can find that heel spurs significantly impact their daily activities. Here are some common signs to look out for:
1. Sharp Pain in The Heel
The most common symptom is a sharp, knife-like pain in the heel, especially when you first get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long period. This pain is often caused by inflammation of the surrounding tissues where the heel spur presses against them.
2. Chronic Heel Pain
A persistent, dull ache throughout the day is another indicator of heel spurs. This type of pain can be exacerbated by prolonged standing, walking, or engaging in high-impact activities.
3. Swelling and Inflammation
Heel spurs can lead to noticeable swelling and inflammation in the heel area. This swelling is usually accompanied by warmth and redness, making the heel feel tender to the touch.
4. Tenderness at the Bottom of the Heel
If you press on the bottom of your heel and feel tenderness or pain, it could be a sign of a heel spur. The area where the spur is located may also feel sensitive and sore.
5. Difficulty Walking or Standing
Severe heel pain can make it difficult to walk, run, or even stand for extended periods. You may find yourself limping or adjusting your gait to avoid putting pressure on the affected area.
6. Pain After Rest or Activity
Heel spur pain often flares up after periods of rest or intense activity. You may notice that your heel feels particularly sore when you stand up after sitting for a while or after finishing a workout.
There are several effective treatment options for heel spurs, ranging from non-surgical methods to more advanced surgical procedures. The best approach depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they impact your daily life. Here’s an overview of the most common treatment options available:
This non-invasive treatment uses high-energy shockwaves to stimulate healing in the affected area. It can be particularly effective for reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair around the heel spur.
2. Orthotic Inserts
Custom orthotic inserts provide additional support and cushioning for the heel and arch, helping to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and alleviate heel pain. These inserts can be worn in everyday shoes to provide continuous support.
3. Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide quick relief from heel pain by reducing inflammation around the heel spur. While not a long-term solution, they can be helpful in managing acute pain.
4. Surgical Intervention
If non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be recommended.
Treatment Options For
Heel
Spurs in NY
Book Your Consultation For
Heel Spur Treatment in NYC
Don’t let heel spurs keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. Our team of experienced podiatrists in NYC is here to help you find the relief you need. Whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or severe pain, we offer a range of effective treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
Contact Us for Heel Spur Treatment in NYC Today!
Ready to take the first step towards pain-free living? Schedule a consultation with our specialists today and discover how we can help you get back on your feet.
Our clinic has 3 conveniently location in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Flushing, New York. We’re committed to providing personalized care to help you say goodbye to heel pain for good.
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Does Swift therapy really work for plantar warts?Yes, Swift therapy is highly effective for treating plantar warts. Unlike traditional treatments that only address the surface of the wart, Swift targets the underlying HPV virus by stimulating your body’s immune response. This approach significantly improves the chances of completely eliminating the wart.
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Is Swift Plantar Wart Therapy covered by insurance?Coverage for Swift Plantar Wart Therapy can vary depending on your insurance plan. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if this treatment is covered under your policy. Our office can also assist you with any insurance-related questions during your consultation.
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What is the success rate of Swift Plantar Wart Therapy in New York?Swift therapy has a high success rate compared to other treatment options because it targets the root cause of the wart—the HPV virus—by leveraging your immune system’s natural defenses. While individual results can vary, many patients experience significant improvement after completing the recommended treatment sessions.
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How do I know if my Swift treatment is working?You’ll likely notice a reduction in pain and discomfort as the treatment progresses, which is a good sign that your body is responding to the therapy. Additionally, the wart should start to shrink or flatten out. Your podiatrist will monitor your progress at each session to ensure the treatment is effective.
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Is Swift therapy safe?Yes, Swift therapy is a safe, FDA-cleared treatment option for plantar warts. It uses low-dose microwave energy that specifically targets the wart without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.
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What should I expect after Swift treatment?After each Swift treatment session, you can expect minimal to no downtime. There’s no need for bandages or special care, and you can resume your daily routine right away. Some patients notice an immediate reduction in pain, and over time, the wart should gradually diminish as your immune system works to eliminate the virus.
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How much does Swift microwave therapy cost?Similar to Swift Plantar Wart Therapy, the cost of Swift microwave therapy depends on your individual case and the number of sessions required. A consultation with your podiatrist will give you a clearer idea of the costs involved based on your treatment plan.
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Does Swift therapy hurt?While pain levels can vary, most patients report only mild discomfort during the brief, 2-second application of microwave energy. The discomfort typically subsides immediately after the treatment, and many patients even find that their wart-related pain decreases following the session.
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How effective is Swift Plantar Wart Therapy compared to other treatments?Swift therapy is generally more effective than traditional treatments because it targets the root cause of the wart— the HPV virus—rather than just addressing the surface. By harnessing your immune system, Swift offers a higher chance of complete wart removal, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.