Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Relief

What You Need to Know

Understanding heel pain, its causes, and how we can help you find lasting relief.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

Heel pain may occur on the bottom of the heel, or on its front or back, and may have many causes. In general, heel pain results from walking gait abnormalities that put too much pressure on the heel bone and the surrounding area. This stress may also come from an injury, from damage during activity, being overweight, or wearing poorly-constructed shoes.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes, helping form the foot’s arch. With overuse such as running or standing on hard surfaces, tiny tears can develop in the fascia, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes a heel spur.

With plantar fasciitis, the bottom of your foot may hurt when you stand, especially first thing in the morning. Pain usually occurs on the inside of the foot, near the spot where your heel and arch meet. Pain may lessen after a few steps but returns after rest or prolonged movement. Many patients describe it as sharp, burning, or throbbing.

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor foot mechanics. If your foot flattens too much, the fascia may overstretch and swell. If it flattens too little, the fascia may ache from being pulled too tight. If pain persists despite resting and icing, contact a doctor of podiatric medicine so we can examine the area, watch you walk, and take X-rays to rule out a heel spur or stress fracture before building a treatment plan.

Treatment Options and Prevention

Reducing symptoms is your podiatrist’s first goal. Then we work to correct the cause. Initial non-invasive treatments include resting and icing the area, along with anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation. Taping or strapping will support the foot and help muscles and tendons rest. A steroid injection can also relieve inflammation and pain when needed.

Custom-fitted orthotics or shoe inserts help relieve painful pressure. Built from casts of your feet, these inserts control pronation, correct biomechanical imbalance, and support the ligaments and tendons to relieve heel pain without the need for surgery. Wearing a night splint to keep the plantar fascia stretched while you sleep can also be very effective.

Physical therapy, in conjunction with the above treatments, is very effective for heel pain. Strengthening and stretching exercises, ultrasound, and massage will restore the plantar fascia’s flexibility. We also offer shockwave therapy treatment for patients whose pain has not responded to conservative care. In very few cases, surgery is needed to release the plantar fascia or remove a bone spur or bursa.

Lifestyle changes can help prevent a return of plantar fasciitis. Wear the right shoes for each activity, choose well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles, and avoid worn-out shoes and high heels. Stretch your calves regularly, stick with low-impact exercises like biking or swimming, and maintain a healthy weight. With consistent care and follow-up, most patients see meaningful improvement and return to the activities they enjoy.