Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue between your heel and your toes. It is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Plantar Fasciitis is an increased risk if you have an unusual walk, flat feet or high arches, tight Achilles tendons or heel cords, often wear high heels, or wear shoes with thin or worn-out soles. Kesler Podiatry offers quality treatment of heel pain and plantar fasciitis to patients in Wayne as well as Pompton Lakes, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, NJ, Wyckoff, Fair Lawn, Midland Park, North Haledon, West Caldwell, and Paterson. Call us today. While the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, it may also be due to other causes such as a stress fracture, Tendinitis or arthritis, nerve irritation, or a cyst. Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. Diagnostic ultrasound studies, x-rays or other imaging modalities may be used to distinguish the different types of heel pain. Once a diagnosis is made the appropriate treatment can be initiated. Often plantar fasciitis will go away on its own after a few months. Conservative treatment options for plantar fasciitis include rest, ice, taking over the counter pain medication, stretching, exercises, splinting at night, orthotics, or even athletic tape. It can also be helpful to maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting more pressure on the plantar fascia, choose supportive footwear to absorb the shock of walking, do low-impact exercises instead of high-impact aerobics or running, and even untuck your bed sheets to avoid forcing your feet into a pointed position. If, after a few months, the pain does not go away, we may recommend steroid shots, physical therapy, or surgery. Kesler Podiatry offers a range of treatment options to clients.