If heel pain slowed you down in 2025, don’t go into 2026 without addressing it. The new year is the perfect time to take action. Whether your discomfort is from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon strain, or chronic inflammation, living with constant pain can affect everything from your morning walks to your workouts to simply getting through the day.
This month, our team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, New York City, explains why this happens and, more importantly, what you can do to stay comfortable all season long.
Heel pain is extremely common, especially if you’re on your feet all day, have high or flat arches, or experience tight calf muscles. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. If it becomes inflamed, it can cause sharp, stabbing heel pain — often most noticeable with your first steps in the morning.
Plantar fasciitis is the number one cause of heel pain, with about one million people seeking medical care for the condition each year. It also accounts for 10% of all running injuries.
Your Achilles tendon is your largest (and strongest) tendon. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
Even though it’s your strongest tendon, it’s not immune to overuse injuries. If you overuse or strain this tendon, you might see swelling, stiffness, and aching. It’s another common injury among athletes, accounting for 9% of injuries among recreational athletes.
Even without a specific injury, daily wear and tear can irritate your heel and surrounding tissues. If these issues don’t improve with rest, stretching, or supportive footwear, it’s time to explore more advanced solutions.
MLS (multiwave locked system) laser therapy is a scientifically advanced, FDA-cleared treatment that uses dual synchronized light wavelengths to:
MLS technology is unique because it combines anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in one session. This allows deeper penetration and faster healing than traditional low-level lasers.
The treatment is painless, noninvasive, and requires no downtime, which makes it ideal for people who want results without injections, medications, or surgery.
MLS laser therapy works at the cellular level to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. During treatment:
Most people notice improvement within a few sessions, with full treatment protocols typically lasting 4-6 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition.
MLS laser therapy gives you a drug-free option to manage your heel pain. Because it improves your mobility and helps jumpstart tendon healing, walking becomes easier. This means you can get back to your normal routine faster.
Heel pain shouldn’t control your daily life or your New Year’s goals. If you’re ready to walk, work, and move comfortably again, MLS laser therapy can help you finally break the cycle of chronic pain.
Our team at Manhattan Podiatry Associates is here to guide you through a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet with confidence. Schedule your MLS laser therapy consultation and step into 2026 without heel pain. Call our location closest to you or book an appointment online today.
