Heel Pain Treatment

Relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and chronic heel pain

Board-certified podiatrists
Same-day appointments
Most insurance accepted

Book Appointment Call (321) 723-3500

About Heel Pain Treatment

Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems we treat. The most frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it causes a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning.

Common Symptoms

Sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel

Pain that is worse in the morning or after sitting

Pain that increases over time

Swelling around the heel

Tenderness when touching the bottom of the heel

Pain after (not during) exercise

Common Causes

Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia)
Heel spurs (calcium deposits on the heel bone)
Achilles tendinitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon)
Stress fractures from overuse
Flat feet or high arches
Obesity or sudden weight gain
Standing for long periods on hard surfaces

Treatment Options

1Conservative Treatment

Rest and Ice: Reduce activities and apply ice to decrease inflammation
Stretching Exercises: Specific stretches for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
Custom Orthotics: Shoe inserts that provide arch support and cushioning
Night Splints: Devices worn while sleeping to stretch the plantar fascia
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen foot muscles
Anti-inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs to reduce pain and swelling
Cortisone Injections: For persistent pain that doesn't respond to other treatments

2Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief, surgical correction may be recommended. Modern surgical techniques are minimally invasive with faster recovery times.

Plantar Fascia Release: Partially cutting the plantar fascia to relieve tension
Heel Spur Removal: Removing the calcium deposit if it's causing pain
Gastrocnemius Recession: Lengthening the calf muscles to reduce stress on the plantar fascia

When to See a Podiatrist

See a podiatrist if you have heel pain that persists for more than a few weeks, severe heel pain, numbness or tingling in your heel, heel pain accompanied by fever, or if you cannot walk normally because of heel pain.