Plantar Fasciitis: The Most Common Cause of Heel Pain ![Heel pain treatment in the Maricopa County, AZ: Chandler(Dobson Ranch, Kiwanis Park, Tempe, Ocotillo, Sun Lakes, Goodyear Village, Guadalupe, Ahwatukee, Mountain Park Ranch) and Gilbert (The Islands, Val Vista Lakes, Superstition Springs, Reed Park, Power Ranch, Mesa, Queen Creek, Eastmark, Kleinman Park Neighborhood, Lower Santan Village) areas]()
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes—becomes inflamed. This condition typically causes intense pain with the first steps of the day or after periods of rest. The pain often improves with activity but returns after prolonged standing or exercise.
Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include having high arches or flat feet, being overweight, wearing unsupportive footwear, and participating in activities that repeatedly stress your heels. The condition is particularly common among runners and other athletes.
Treatment options we provide include:
- Custom orthotics
- Stretching exercises
- Night splints
- Advanced therapies such as Radial Pulse Wave Therapy and MLS Laser Therapy.
Our podiatrists create personalized treatment plans based on the severity of your symptoms and lifestyle needs.
Achilles Tendonitis and Its Impact on Heel Pain
Achilles tendonitis develops when the large tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel becomes inflamed. This condition often results from overuse, particularly in athletes who have suddenly increased their training intensity.
The pain typically starts as a mild ache above the heel after running or other sports activities. Without proper treatment, the pain can become severe enough to affect daily activities.
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our foot care specialists offer various treatment approaches including:
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Regenerative medicine options to accelerate healing and prevent recurrence
Heel Spurs: When Calcium Deposits Cause Pain
Heel spurs develop when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone, often in response to strain on foot muscles and ligaments. While not all heel spurs cause pain, most make walking and standing uncomfortable. The pain typically feels like a pin sticking into the bottom of your foot, especially when walking on hard surfaces.
Many patients with heel spurs also have plantar fasciitis, though the conditions can occur independently. Our foot specialists diagnose heel spurs through physical examination and imaging studies. Treatment options include:
- Custom orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Minimally invasive procedures when conservative approaches aren't providing adequate relief
Schedule Your Consultation With an East Valley Podiatrist
Don't let heel pain keep you from enjoying the active lifestyle you deserve. We offer same-day appointments for acute pain relief, and personalized attention and care that puts you back on the road to recovery in no time.