If you take your first steps in the morning and feel a stabbing pain in your heel, you may have plantar fasciitis — the most common cause of heel pain in the United States. At Family Foot & Leg Center, Southwest Florida’s leading podiatric practice, our fellowship-trained surgeons have helped thousands of patients from Naples to Sarasota eliminate plantar fasciitis pain and return to the active lives they love. We offer every proven treatment, from conservative stretching programs to award-winning shockwave therapy to minimally invasive surgical release — all under one roof, with 9 convenient locations across Southwest Florida.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes and supporting the arch with every step. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed, typically at the point where it attaches to the heel bone. The result is intense, localized heel pain that is worst in the morning or after periods of rest.
Our podiatrists design a treatment plan tailored to your condition, activity level, and recovery goals. We always start with the most conservative, effective options before considering any surgical intervention.
When conservative treatments do not provide relief after 6 months, our board-certified surgeons offer minimally invasive plantar fascia release through a procedure that requires only a tiny incision, preserves surrounding tissue, and allows patients to walk the same day. Dr. Kevin Lam has performed this procedure on Olympic athletes, college athletes, and patients who had previously been told they needed traditional open surgery.
Most patients improve significantly within 6 to 8 weeks of conservative treatment. Patients who require shockwave therapy typically experience 90% pain relief within 5 months. Because every case is different, Dr. Lam will give you a personalized timeline at your first visit.
No. A heel spur is a bony growth that shows up on X-rays. Most heel spurs are not painful on their own. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the soft tissue at the heel. Many patients have both, but treating the plantar fascia — not removing the spur — is what relieves the pain.
Mild cases may improve with rest and stretching over many months. However, untreated plantar fasciitis often becomes chronic and can alter your gait, causing secondary problems in the knees, hips, and lower back. Early treatment at Family Foot & Leg Center is always the fastest path to full recovery.
Conservative treatments including orthotics, cortisone injections, and physical therapy are typically covered by Medicare and most private insurers. Shockwave therapy is not covered by insurance but is available at competitive package pricing. Call (239) 430-3668 and our insurance team will verify your benefits before your first visit.
Cortisone injections reduce inflammation short-term but do not stimulate healing of the damaged tissue. Shockwave therapy triggers your body's own repair mechanisms, promoting new blood vessel growth and tissue regeneration. The results from shockwave therapy tend to be more durable and do not weaken the plantar fascia the way repeated cortisone can.
Family Foot and Leg Center, PA — Podiatrist Naples FL | Foot Surgery | Heel Pain | Bunion Treatment | Diabetic Foot Care | Sports Podiatry | Serving Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte & Sarasota.
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