If you have ever hopped out of bed only to feel a sharp, stabbing sensation in your foot, you aren’t alone. Heel pain is very common, affecting about 10% to 11% of adults, according to the National Institutes of Health (2024). At Artisan Podiatry, our dedicated podiatrist, Shazia Amar, DPM, provides compassionate care across our Brooklyn, NY, locations to help you find lasting relief.
While some mild aches improve with a few days of rest, chronic discomfort requires professional attention. Ignoring the problem can lead to long-term damage and alter how you walk, causing secondary issues in your knees or back. Whether you visit one of our physical offices or connect with us through telehealth, we’re here to help you heal.
You should schedule a professional evaluation if your heel pain lasts longer than two to three weeks, or if you experience neurological symptoms like tingling or numbness. According to clinical guidelines from the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2023), pain that persists past this window warrants a formal medical exam.
This is especially true because chronic discomfort often stems from conditions like plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue supporting your arch. Another common culprit is heel fat pad syndrome, which the National Institutes of Health (2022) identifies as the second leading cause of heel pain, accounting for about 15% of chronic cases.
Red flag symptoms that require immediate medical care include severe pain at rest, pain that worsens with activity, or a burning sensation in your heel. Classic plantar fasciitis pain typically hurts the most with your first morning steps and improves as you move.
Conversely, pain that hurts while you’re resting or keeps you awake at night can point to a more serious issue, such as a stress fracture. If you feel tingling or numbness, you may have a pinched nerve rather than a simple muscle strain.
A professional podiatric evaluation is essential because different heel conditions require opposite treatments. For example, many people believe heel spurs—bony growths on the heel bone—are the primary cause of pain, but they are actually a byproduct of long-term tissue tension.
Attempting to treat your pain with complete rest can also backfire, as total inactivity actually weakens your tissues and makes future flare-ups more likely. At Artisan Podiatry, we diagnose the root cause of your foot pain and may recommend custom orthotics to support your unique stride.
You don’t have to live with daily discomfort or let foot issues keep you from enjoying life in Brooklyn. If you’re ready to find relief, schedule an appointment with Dr. Amar at Artisan Podiatry today.
