Persistent heel pain can disrupt your daily life, especially when myths about its cause or treatment delay the right care. Too often, patients are misled by outdated information, like believing heel spurs are the sole cause of pain or that surgery is the only solution.
At Paragon Podiatry, with locations in Manhattan, East Setauket, and the Bronx, our board-certified podiatrists provide expert, minimally invasive care for foot and ankle conditions, including plantar fasciitis. We focus on conservative, research-backed treatments such as shockwave therapy, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to relieve pain and restore mobility. If you’re experiencing heel pain or are unsure what’s causing your discomfort, schedule a consultation today to get a personalized treatment plan.
Below, we’ll tackle four of the most common plantar fasciitis myths—and share what truly works.
Myth #1: Heel Spurs Are the Sole Cause of Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most persistent misconceptions is that heel spurs are the primary source of heel pain. While these small bony projections on the heel bone may appear on imaging, they are rarely the actual cause of discomfort.
In reality, plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. This inflammation often results from repetitive stress or overuse, particularly in people with:
- Flat feet or high arches
- Prolonged standing or walking
- Poorly cushioned footwear
- A sudden increase in physical activity
Although heel spurs may coexist with plantar fasciitis, the pain usually stems from soft tissue irritation, not the bone itself.
Myth #2: Plantar Fasciitis Will Resolve on Its Own Without Treatment
Some believe plantar fasciitis is curable simply by resting the foot and waiting. While mild cases might improve temporarily, ignoring plantar fasciitis increases your risk of developing chronic pain and long-term complications, including:
- Altered walking patterns that strain other joints
- Stress fractures due to compensation
- Bunion formation or additional foot deformities
Delaying treatment often leads to longer recovery times and more complex care needs. Starting with conservative care early helps prevent prolonged discomfort and supports lasting relief.
Myth #3: Surgery is the Only Effective Treatment for Chronic Heel Pain
A common fear is that surgery is inevitable for persistent plantar fasciitis. In reality, most cases respond well to conservative treatments, especially when guided by a specialist.
At Paragon Podiatry, we offer a wide range of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatment options, including:
- Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSW): A quick, in-office procedure that stimulates healing using soundwave energy
- Custom Orthotics: Designed to support the arch and reduce tension on the plantar fascia
- Plantar Fasciitis Exercises: Guided stretching and strengthening to improve flexibility and reduce inflammation
- Footwear modifications and lifestyle adjustments
Only after all conservative treatments have been explored—and if symptoms persist—will surgery be considered. Our board-certified podiatrists use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, tailored to your individual diagnosis.
Myth #4: Only Athletes Develop Plantar Fasciitis
While athletes are indeed prone to developing plantar fasciitis due to repetitive strain and intensive training, this painful condition does not exclusively affect people with high levels of activity. In reality, anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, including:
- Individuals standing or walking for prolonged periods (teachers, retail workers, healthcare professionals).
- Older adults experience age-related wear and tear of the plantar fascia.
- Individuals with improper footwear or structural issues like flat feet.
Understanding these risk factors is crucial to preventing plantar fasciitis and ensuring ongoing foot health. Early diagnosis and proper care are essential, regardless of your activity level.
Effective, Evidence-Based Approaches to Managing Plantar Fasciitis
How to cure plantar fasciitis starts with understanding your unique foot mechanics and activity level. At Paragon Podiatry, we take a customized approach using conservative treatments tailored to your needs.
Here’s what we often recommend:
- Shockwave Therapy (RSW): Boosts healing and reduces inflammation without downtime
- Custom Orthotics: Relieves pressure and supports proper foot alignment
- Stretching Exercises: Improves strength and flexibility in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles
- Rest and Ice: Helps manage pain during early flare-ups
We’ll walk you through effective plantar fasciitis exercises, such as calf and toe stretches, to help reduce pain and promote healthy movement.
Heal Faster with Shockwave Therapy—No Surgery Needed
Looking for relief without the downtime? At Paragon Podiatry, we use Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSW) to treat plantar fasciitis quickly and non-invasively.
This in-office treatment delivers gentle energy pulses to the inflamed tissue, boosting blood flow, reducing pain, and speeding up healing—no incisions, no recovery time.
What to expect:
- A thorough evaluation to confirm RSW is right for you
- Quick, comfortable sessions using advanced technology
- No downtime—get back on your feet right away
- Follow-up care to keep you pain-free long term
If you’ve tried rest, stretching, and shoe changes with no success, RSW may be your next step toward lasting relief.
What Happens If You Leave Plantar Fasciitis Untreated?
Leaving plantar fasciitis untreated can lead to worsening symptoms and increased risk of secondary injuries. Chronic heel pain may alter your gait, leading to issues in the knees, hips, or lower back. Over time, limited mobility can affect overall health and quality of life.
Getting help early with expert care and proper treatment options is key to avoiding complications.
Don’t Wait to Treat Persistent Heel Pain—Call Paragon Podiatry Today
Believing common myths about plantar fasciitis can delay recovery and worsen foot pain. At Paragon Podiatry, our experts provide accurate diagnosis and care that works.
Schedule your consultation at one of our convenient locations in Manhattan, East Setauket, or the Bronx. We’ll help you explore non-invasive plantar fasciitis treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
