What Is Plantar Fasciitis and How Can I Treat It?

If you’ve ever stepped out of bed in the morning and felt a sharp pain in your heel, you’re not alone. Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems we treat in our Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Flushing offices — and the leading cause is plantar fasciitis.

But what exactly is plantar fasciitis, and what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. Its job is to support your arch and absorb the shock when you walk.

When this tissue becomes irritated or inflamed, it causes plantar fasciitis — a condition that can make every step painful, especially those first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.

Common symptoms include:

• Heel pain that’s worse in the morning

• Stabbing or burning sensation in the heel or arch

• Pain that improves slightly with movement but returns after rest

• Tenderness along the bottom of the foot

  
  

What Causes Plantar

Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your risk, such as:

• Walking long distances on hard surfaces (hello, NYC sidewalks!)

• Flat feet or high arches

• Wearing unsupportive shoes

• Sudden increases in activity or exercise

• Occupations that require standing all day

  
  

How Can I Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

The good news? Plantar fasciitis is treatable — and most patients improve with a combination of at-home care and professional treatment.

At-home remedies:

• Rest: Avoid activities that make your heel pain worse.

• Stretching: Gentle calf and arch stretches can reduce tension on the fascia.

• Ice: Applying ice to your heel for 15–20 minutes helps reduce inflammation.

• Supportive shoes or orthotics: Proper arch support makes a big difference.

  
  

Professional treatments we offer:

• Custom orthotics to support your foot mechanics.

• Corticosteroid injections for stubborn inflammation.

• Shockwave therapy – a cutting-edge option that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic cases.

• Surgery (rare) for severe, persistent plantar fasciitis that doesn’t respond to other treatments.

  
  

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

If heel pain is interfering with your daily life, lasting more than a couple of weeks, or keeps coming back, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Early treatment prevents the condition from becoming chronic and much harder to manage.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn & Flushing

Living with heel pain is frustrating, but you don’t have to. At Total Foot & Ankle Care, our experienced podiatrists use the latest technology, including custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and advanced treatment plans, to help patients find lasting relief.

Schedule an appointment today at our Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Flushing locations and take the first step toward pain-free walking.