Do you experience sharp, stabbing heel pain that makes getting out of bed agonizing? Does simply standing up cause discomfort in your feet? If so, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis – one of the most common causes of heel pain.
At Essex Union Podiatry, we specialize in providing customized treatment plans to relieve plantar fasciitis and get you back on your feet. With advanced technologies, caring and compassionate doctors, and tailored therapies, we can help you find relief from foot pain and enjoy an active lifestyle again.
Meet Our Plantar Fasciitis Specialists
Our team of highly-skilled podiatrists have decades of combined experience successfully treating plantar fasciitis. They each bring specialized expertise and a passion for providing exceptional podiatric care.
Dr. Sarah Haller
Dr. Sarah Haller is a board certified foot and ankle surgeon who focuses on using advanced 3D scanning and printing technology to create custom orthotics that optimize biomechanics. She founded the New Jersey Foot and Ankle Foundation and is certified in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery techniques.
Dr. Jason Galante
Dr. Jason Galante is double board certified in foot surgery and podiatric medicine. He trained with the team doctors for the NY Jets and Giants, giving him unique sports medicine expertise. Dr. Galante performs advanced surgical procedures like endoscopic plantar fasciotomy for chronic cases.
Dr. Kaitlyn Testa
Dr. Kaitlyn Testa takes a caring, patient-focused approach while providing cutting-edge minimally invasive treatments like bunion corrections and traumatic injury reconstruction. Her specialized training allows her to develop tailored preventative care plans.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. This tissue acts like a shock absorber for the foot, but when it becomes irritated and inflamed, it causes stabbing pain and discomfort.
Common causes of plantar fasciitis
- Overuse injuries and strain on the plantar fascia from activities like running, jumping, or standing for long periods
- Tightness or weakness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon placing excess stress on the plantar fascia
- Flat feet or high arches which cause improper foot mechanics
- Obesity putting increased pressure on the feet
- Sudden weight gain placing too much strain on the tissue
Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot, especially first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest. Symptoms may include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel that is worse with the first steps in the morning
- Pain that decreases once the foot is stretched or warmed up, but returns after long periods of standing or walking
- Stiffness and soreness in the bottom of the foot
- Tightness or tension felt along the arch or heel area
While some cases resolve on their own with rest and stretching, chronic plantar fasciitis requires professional treatment to relieve symptoms.
Our podiatrists will perform a thorough examination and assess your gait to accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis. We can also use advanced imaging like ultrasound or MRI as needed to develop the optimal treatment plan.
Our Treatment Approach
During your initial consultation at Essex Union Podiatry, our doctor will:
- Take a full medical history and discuss your symptoms
- Perform a physical exam of your foot to pinpoint areas of pain
- Evaluate your foot arches, mechanics, and gait patterns
- Order diagnostic imaging if needed to confirm plantar fasciitis
- Explain your condition and outline the best treatment options for your case
We take the time to understand your unique situation and goals to create a personalized therapy plan. We’ll monitor your response to treatment and adjust the plan over time as needed.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Plantar fasciitis can often be treated successfully without surgery through conservative therapies focused on reducing pain and inflammation while promoting healing. These include:
Custom Orthotics
Custom-made inserts that support the foot arch and heel to improve alignment and biomechanics. They help distribute pressure evenly across the foot, providing targeted cushioning and support. Orthotics are crafted after a thorough evaluation to address the individual’s specific needs.
Night Splints
Foot braces worn during sleep to maintain a gentle, consistent stretch on the plantar fascia. Keeping the foot slightly flexed overnight prevents tightening and shortening of the tissue. Regular use allows improved mobility and decreased morning pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Oral NSAID medications like ibuprofen are used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. When taken as directed, they can help relieve symptoms and promote healing, especially when combined with other treatments.
While we focus on non-surgical approaches as the first line of treatment, surgery may be considered if symptoms persist after 6-12 months of conservative therapies.
In rare, recalcitrant cases unresponsive to other options, surgical procedures could be recommended to release tightness in the plantar fascia. More advanced options like TOPAZ radiofrequency and extracorporeal shockwave therapy may also be considered.
Why Choose Essex Union Podiatry
When you have plantar fasciitis, you want the most experienced and compassionate foot care specialists helping you find relief. That’s what you’ll get with Essex Union Podiatry.
Experienced Specialists
Our podiatrists have years of advanced fellowship training focused specifically on treating plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions. We offer both non-surgical therapies and minimally invasive procedures to provide customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Understanding the Underlying Causes
Our team takes the time to understand the underlying biomechanics causing your plantar fasciitis pain. We can address issues with gait, foot structure, and muscle imbalances that often contribute to this condition.
Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care
At Essex Union Podiatry, we are dedicated to delivering personalized, patient-centered care. We understand how debilitating plantar fasciitis can be, and are committed to helping our patients find real, lasting relief.
Convenient Access
With 5 office locations throughout New Jersey, we make specialized foot care easy to access. Our offices are located in Springfield, Rahway, and Caldwell providing foot care options close to home for many residents across New Jersey.
Our Specialized Podiatry Services
In addition to treating plantar fasciitis, our podiatrists offer a full range of podiatry services to meet all of your foot and ankle needs:
| Service | Description |
| Foot and Ankle Deformity Correction | Our surgeons can perform complex reconstructive procedures to realign and stabilize the foot and ankle. This includes correction of bunions, hammertoes, Charcot deformities, flat feet, and arthritis. |
| Sports Medicine | We provide complete sports medicine care to recreational and competitive athletes. This includes treatment of acute sports injuries, customized orthotics for sports performance, and minimally invasive procedures to get athletes back in the game. |
| General Podiatry | As your podiatry home base, we offer complete foot care including diabetic foot exams, ingrown toenail removal, wart treatment, healing of foot ulcers or infections, and management of foot and ankle arthritis. |
| Pediatric Podiatry | Our doctors can evaluate and treat foot conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. We provide early treatment of pediatric foot deformities to promote proper development. |
| Wound Care | We offer advanced wound care for non-healing ulcers and infections on the foot and ankle. This includes diabetic foot ulcers, post-surgical wounds, and trauma-related injuries. |
| Ingrown Toenail Removal | We can surgically remove part or all of an ingrown toenail to relieve pain and prevent infection. This in-office procedure can quickly get you back to normal activity. |
| Bunion Surgery | For painful, misaligned big toes, we offer minimally invasive bunion correction surgery. Our podiatrists are experts in Lapidus and Lapiplasty bunion procedures. |
Schedule an appointment to have your specific foot or ankle condition evaluated by our experienced specialists. We utilize the most advanced podiatry treatments to get you back on your feet comfortably.
Getting Started
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, or other foot and ankle conditions, we’re ready to help you find relief. Call (973) 376-8210 or book an appointment online to have your foot pain evaluated by our specialists. We accept most major insurance plans and will verify your coverage.
Don’t let plantar fasciitis keep you sidelined. With tailored treatment from Essex Union Podiatry, you can get back on your feet and enjoy your active lifestyle again!
FAQs About Plantar Fasciitis
How long does plantar fasciitis treatment take?
With conservative treatments like rest, ice, stretching, and orthotics, most patients experience relief within 6-12 weeks. Recovery after surgery takes around 6-8 weeks.
Does plantar fasciitis go away without treatment?
Plantar fasciitis can resolve on its own eventually, but that process usually takes 6-24 months. Seeking treatment like stretching, orthotics, injections can significantly speed recovery.
Can I prevent plantar fasciitis from coming back?
Regular calf and foot stretching, wearing supportive shoes, using custom orthotics, and avoiding re-injury can help prevent plantar fasciitis from recurring after recovery.
Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist for plantar fasciitis?
Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care and are experts in accurately diagnosing and providing effective treatments for plantar fasciitis.
Contact Us
To learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our plantar fasciitis specialists, contact Essex Union Podiatry today!
Rahway Office
1600 St. Georges Ave.
Rahway, NJ 07065
Phone: (732) 388-2375
Caldwell Office
376 Bloomfield Ave.
Caldwell, NJ 07006
Phone: (973) 226-2263
Springfield Office
500 Morris Ave., Suite 203
Springfield, NJ 07081
Phone: (973) 376-8210
