Tel: 239-430-3668How to Beat Heel Pain for Good
May 18 2025
Struggling with heel pain? Dr. Ravnik Singh in Port Charlotte, FL is here to help you take confident, pain-free steps again with personalized care, advanced treatments, and a commitment to getting you back on your feet! #HeelPain #PodiatryCare #FootHealth #PortCharlotte #FFLC
Ravnik Singh
Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints I see in my office. As a practicing podiatrist in Port Charlotte, FL, I’m Dr. Ravnik Singh, and I can assure you – if heel pain is interfering with your life, you’re not alone. Whether it starts as a mild discomfort in the morning or a persistent ache that makes walking unbearable, heel pain can seriously limit your mobility and quality of life. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases can be effectively treated once the root cause is properly identified.
Understanding Heel Pain
The heel is the largest bone in the foot and plays a critical role in absorbing shock and bearing your body weight with every step. When pain develops in the heel, it’s usually a result of inflammation or overuse. The most common condition I diagnose in patients with heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or inflamed. Other potential causes include Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, bursitis, or even nerve entrapment conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Sometimes, systemic issues such as arthritis can contribute to heel pain as well. That’s why it’s so important not to self-diagnose – effective treatment begins with an accurate understanding of what’s causing the discomfort.
A Personalized Approach
At my Port Charlotte practice, I take a personalized approach to treating heel pain. I begin with a detailed patient history and clinical exam, and when necessary, imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound. This helps confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
For example, if a patient is experiencing sharp, stabbing pain in the heel that’s worst with the first steps in the morning, plantar fasciitis is likely. But if the pain is located more toward the back of the heel and worsens with activity, I might be dealing with Achilles tendinitis. Identifying these differences is crucial to choosing the most effective treatment.
Conservative Treatments First
Most heel pain cases respond very well to conservative, non-surgical treatments. I typically begin with a combination of:
- Rest and activity modification: Reducing high-impact activities like running or prolonged standing gives the inflamed tissues a chance to recover.
- Icing and anti-inflammatory medications: Applying ice and using NSAIDs can reduce pain and swelling.
- Stretching and physical therapy: Targeted stretches for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon help alleviate strain on the heel. In-office therapy or a referral to a local physical therapist in Port Charlotte may be recommended.
- Custom orthotics or insoles: I often fit patients with custom orthotics to correct abnormal foot mechanics and provide better arch support. These inserts are tailored to each patient’s foot structure and can significantly reduce pressure on the heel.
- Supportive footwear guidance: One of the most overlooked causes of heel pain is poor shoe choice. I always take time to review a patient’s footwear and make suggestions that better support their foot structure and daily activities.
Advanced and Minimally Invasive Options
If symptoms persist beyond several weeks of conservative care, I may consider more advanced treatments. At our Port Charlotte clinic, we offer options such as:
Corticosteroid injections: For stubborn cases of plantar fasciitis or bursitis, an injection may rapidly reduce inflammation.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy
MLS Laser Therapy: This cutting-edge laser therapy is used to reduce pain and inflammation while accelerating tissue repair.
Tenex procedure: In select chronic cases, I may recommend this minimally invasive procedure that removes damaged tissue from the heel using ultrasound guidance.
Surgery: A Last Resort
Surgery is rarely necessary, but in cases where heel pain has not responded to six months or more of conservative treatment, we may discuss surgical intervention. Surgical options vary depending on the underlying condition and may include releasing the plantar fascia or addressing a large heel spur. As with all my treatment plans, surgery is always tailored to the individual’s needs, and recovery protocols are clearly communicated to ensure the best outcomes.
Don’t Ignore Heel Pain
Too many people ignore heel pain, hoping it will go away on its own. While mild cases may resolve, persistent pain should never be shrugged off. Left untreated, heel pain can alter the way you walk, leading to additional problems in your knees, hips, and back.
If you’re experiencing heel pain that’s interfering with your daily life, I encourage you to schedule an appointment. Early treatment is key to a faster and more complete recovery. At our clinic in Port Charlotte, we’re committed to helping our patients walk comfortably again – because healthy feet are the foundation of an active, pain-free lifestyle.
If you are experiencing heel pain don’t hesitate contacting Dr. Singh’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to schedule an appointment.
Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling.
