At Finesse Footcare, Dr. Danielle L. Shaper layers conservative treatments to address heel pain

By Patricia Nugent

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than two million people each year seek treatment for sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot. And more than half—54 percent of Americans—say this pain interferes with normal work activities.

Podiatrist Dr. Danielle L. Shaper, who opened Finesse Footcare in Lyndhurst last fall, reports a significant portion of her new practice involves treating heel pain, and that with advanced diagnostics and layering conservative treatment protocols, patients are at last finding relief.

“There are many causes of heel pain, from plantar fasciitis and heel spurs to Achilles tendonitis and bursitis, and oftentimes they go hand-in-hand,” she says.

“First, I diagnose the issue with digital X-rays, which give me a clear picture of the foot’s structures. Then I begin with a conservative scenario of treatments, such as stretching and wearing a sleeve during the day and splint at night, physical therapy and custom orthotics. I do my best to avoid surgical intervention until absolutely necessary. Another viable option is to consider amniotic injections as a means to regenerate the inflamed or injured tissues.”

Prevention plays a role in heel pain, too. She recommends that everyone stretches before and after exercise.

In addition to heel pain, Dr. Shaper treats most foot and ankle issues, ranging from ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, corns, warts, calluses and sprained ankles, to diabetic footcare, sports medicine and surgery.

She recently introduced MicroDrilling to treat nail fungus. A tiny wand painlessly drills very tiny holes into the nail plate so topical medication can reach the area and patients no longer need to take oral medications.

Finesse Footcare is located at 5035 Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst. Same-day appointments are usually available. The practice accepts a wide variety of insurance plans. Dr. Shaper is a board-certified podiatric physician with the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Call 216-382-8070 or visit FinesseFootcare.com for more information.