Decisions, decisions, decisions. If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, there are some right steps to take – and there are some wrong ones, too. The condition is a common form of heel pain, and many people complain of the discomfort. One of the symptoms is sharp pain after a period of rest or sitting down for a while. Either way, heel pain can make you want to go back home and kick up your feet. We want to keep you on the go this summer.

Dr. Anant Joshi at Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC has three ways to treat your heel pain. Of course, he hopes it includes visiting the office or finding a podiatrist in your neighborhood. Plantar fasciitis is a pain that you won’t want to ignore.

Ice and more ice

Have you tried applying ice to your heel? IT is one cold way to find relief from your inflamed fascia. Talk with your podiatrist to see if this treatment may work best. As always, never leave anything warm or cold on your skin for too long. Take breaks in between applying ice.

Stretch it out

Would you believe that a nice, big stretch could help to relieve your pain? Tight muscles are often the cause of plantar fasciitis, so take some time for stretching. Moving forward, always stretch before and after exercising for at least 15 minutes. Make sure that your body has time to warm up; don’t move with stiff or tightened muscles.

Rest up

Rest. Yes, it may seem obvious, but an inflamed plantar fascia means it’s time for a break. Stop walking barefoot. Put a pause on practice. Grab your calendar and reschedule your games. Take the time you need now to rest up. The extra downtime will help with recovery. Resist the urge to get back up and running when you think your heel pain has subsided.

Do you wonder if that heel pain is plantar fasciitis? We can help you find an answer and find relief. Get a proper diagnosis so you can start treatment. Rest, recover, and return to normal activities when a doctor says it’s time.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi treats a range of conditions, including Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, athlete’s foot, complications from diabetes, fractures, fungal toenails, and more. He also performs foot and ankle surgery. He is a board-certified podiatrist in Woodland Park, NJ. Contact the office at 973-256-0002.