The #1 Foot Problem We See Every January — and Why Most People Ignore It Gotham Footcare

January is one of the busiest times of year at Gotham Footcare. While many people associate foot pain with warm-weather activities, the most common condition we diagnose in January is plantar fasciitis. This painful heel condition often develops gradually and is frequently ignored until it starts interfering with daily life.

Understanding why plantar fasciitis is so common after the holidays can help you recognize symptoms early and seek treatment before the condition becomes chronic.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. This inflammation causes heel pain and arch discomfort, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Why Plantar Fasciitis Peaks in January

Several factors contribute to the increase in plantar fasciitis cases at the start of the year.

Holiday travel and shopping often involve extended walking and standing, sometimes in unsupportive footwear. Dress shoes, boots, and shoes without proper arch support can strain the plantar fascia. Seasonal weight gain can add additional pressure to the heels, and cold-weather footwear can subtly change gait and foot mechanics.

By January, many patients notice persistent heel pain that no longer improves with rest.

Why Most People Ignore Heel Pain

Despite ongoing discomfort, many people delay seeing a podiatrist.

Some assume heel pain will resolve on its own. Others rely on stretching, ice, or over-the-counter inserts, which may temporarily relieve symptoms but do not correct the underlying problem. Many patients also underestimate how serious heel pain can become if left untreated.

Without proper care, plantar fasciitis often worsens and can become a chronic condition.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to long-term heel pain, altered walking patterns, and strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Early diagnosis and treatment often result in faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.

At Gotham Footcare, our experienced NYC podiatrists focus on identifying the root cause of your pain and creating a personalized treatment plan.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatments at Gotham Footcare

Treatment plans may include custom orthotics to support proper foot alignment, guided stretching and physical therapy, anti-inflammatory therapies, and advanced non-surgical treatments. In cases where conservative care is not effective, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended.

Our goal is to relieve pain while preventing recurrence.

Conservative Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated without surgery, especially when addressed early. At Gotham Footcare, we begin with conservative, evidence-based treatments designed to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore proper foot mechanics.

Treatment often starts with custom orthotics, which provide targeted arch support and help redistribute pressure away from the heel. Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are designed specifically for your foot structure and walking pattern, making them far more effective for long-term relief.

We may also recommend activity modification, footwear guidance, and anti-inflammatory therapies to reduce strain on the plantar fascia while healing occurs. These conservative measures are often enough to significantly improve symptoms within weeks.

Physical Therapy and Guided Stretching

Physical therapy plays a critical role in treating plantar fasciitis and preventing recurrence. Tight calf muscles, limited ankle mobility, and poor foot mechanics can all contribute to excessive stress on the plantar fascia.

Our podiatrists often recommend guided physical therapy, which focuses on stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, strengthening the muscles that support the foot, and improving overall gait mechanics. Manual therapy techniques and targeted exercises can help restore flexibility and reduce tension in the heel.

When done consistently, physical therapy not only relieves pain but also addresses the underlying causes of plantar fasciitis.

Home Exercises to Support Healing

In addition to in-office care, home exercises are an important part of recovery. Patients are often instructed on simple, effective stretches that can be done daily to maintain flexibility and reduce morning heel pain.

Common exercises may include plantar fascia stretches, calf stretches, and strengthening movements for the intrinsic foot muscles. These exercises help support healing between visits and improve long-term outcomes when combined with professional treatment.

While home exercises alone may not resolve moderate or severe plantar fasciitis, they are a valuable complement to a comprehensive treatment plan.

Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Heel Pain

For patients whose plantar fasciitis does not improve with traditional conservative care, shockwave therapy may be recommended. This non-surgical treatment uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate blood flow, promote tissue healing, and break up chronic inflammation in the plantar fascia.

Shockwave therapy is performed in-office and requires little to no downtime. Many patients experience gradual improvement over several sessions, making it an excellent option for chronic or stubborn heel pain that has not responded to rest, stretching, or orthotics.

Minimally Invasive Tenex Procedure

When plantar fasciitis becomes chronic and resistant to non-surgical treatments, a minimally invasive Tenex procedure may be considered. This advanced treatment targets damaged tissue within the plantar fascia using ultrasound-guided technology.

The Tenex procedure removes unhealthy tissue while preserving surrounding structures, allowing the plantar fascia to heal more effectively. It is performed through a small incision, typically requires minimal recovery time, and avoids the need for traditional open surgery.

For patients who have struggled with long-term heel pain, Tenex can provide lasting relief and a faster return to normal activity.

A Personalized Approach to Plantar Fasciitis Care

No two cases of plantar fasciitis are exactly alike. That’s why Gotham Footcare takes a personalized approach, carefully evaluating foot structure, gait, activity level, and lifestyle factors before recommending treatment.

By combining conservative care, physical therapy, advanced technologies, and minimally invasive procedures when necessary, our NYC podiatrists focus on resolving pain at its source — not just masking symptoms.

When to See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain

You should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience:

• Heel pain that is worst in the morning
• Pain that persists for more than a week
• Difficulty standing or walking during daily activities
• Pain that returns after periods of rest

Heel pain is not always plantar fasciitis. It can also be related to other foot and ankle conditions we treat, including tendon injuries, nerve issues, and structural problems.

Start the Year Without Foot Pain

If heel pain is slowing you down, January is the perfect time to address it. Early care can prevent months of discomfort and help you return to normal activity sooner.

Schedule an appointment with Gotham Footcare today and take the first step toward pain-free feet.