Secret of Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome what you need to know now

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. The classic symptom is intense heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest, which often eases as you walk and then returns after sitting.

What About “Heel Spurs”?

Many patients are told they have a “heel spur.” A heel spur is a small calcium deposit where the fascia attaches to the heel bone, but it is usually the result of chronic fascia tension — not the source of the pain. That is why simply removing a spur rarely fixes heel pain; treating the inflamed fascia does.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis

Several factors contribute, including overuse or repetitive strain, improper footwear, high arches or flat feet, being on your feet all day, excess weight, and tight calf muscles. Runners, athletes, nurses, teachers, and anyone who stands for a living are especially susceptible.

How We Treat Heel Pain

The good news is that the large majority of heel pain resolves without surgery. We tailor a plan that may include:

• Stretching of the calf and plantar fascia, plus activity modification
• Supportive shoes and custom orthotics to offload the fascia
• Night splints to ease that first-step morning pain
• Anti-inflammatory measures and cortisone injections for stubborn cases
• Shockwave therapy and MLS laser therapy to stimulate healing of chronic fasciitis
• Surgery only in the small percentage of cases that fail months of conservative care

Don’t Let Heel Pain Linger

Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can worsen and change the way you walk, leading to knee, hip, or back pain. If your heel pain has lasted more than a week or two, an accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan get you back on your feet faster.

For more information or to schedule a heel-pain evaluation with a board-certified foot and ankle specialist, call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or book online at NaplesPodiatrist.com.

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Serving Southwest Florida since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties — Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota. We provide pediatric to geriatric foot and ankle care: ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions, foot & ankle arthritis, plantar fasciitis, foot & ankle surgery, custom orthotics, and diabetic wound care — with in-office X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and minor surgical suites. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery. Same-day appointments and easy online scheduling.