Pain in the heel area of the foot is one of the most common foot problems. Many people attribute this pain to a 'heel spur', or 'bone spur' in the foot. The truth is that in most cases, the pain is actually from inflammation around the heel bone, called the calcaneus. The actual inflammation occurs in a strong ligament that helps support the arch of the foot. This ligament is called the 'fascia' and when it is inflamed, we call the condition, 'fasciitis'.

Plantar fasciitis, or an inflammation of the ligament along the bottom of the foot, can occur suddenly and cause debilitating pain. Patient's usually descirbe having exquisitie pain or tenderness in the heel of their foot when they first get up out of bed or stand up after sitting. The pain usually subsides as one walks around, only to recur the next time one stands up after sitting or sleeping.

The causes of this condition are many. Some of the common causes include being significantly overweight, or, putting more stress on the foot from an increase in exercise, or from walking alot in unsupportive shoes.

If not treated promptly, this condition can rapidly deteriorate and cause daily limping on the painful heel.

Our treatment includes a thorough examination, x-rays when needed, and frequently application of an athletic taping to help support the inflamed ligament. In addition, we usually recommend an arch support to use in all of your shoes. We dispense an excellent and economical pre-fabricated arch support to you and ensure it fits properly. In some cases we reccommend a night splint as an aid to stretching, may refer the patient for physical therapy and in some case, a custom made foot orthotic, or arch support. 

Most patients experience a decrease in symptoms after our in-office treatment together with following the instructions we provide for exercises to be done by you at home.

Cortisone injections are used sparingly for this condition and in many cases patients do not require an injection to feel better. The doctor does not recommend surgery or other invasive treatment for this condition.

Shockwave therapy is used in cases which do not improve. This is a non-invasive treatment which uses sound waves to help heal the area of inflammation. The procedure is performed in our office with only local anesthesia in the foot. Patients can resume regular activities immediately after the treatment. A study published in 2010 documented significant pain relief in the majority of patients within six weeks. To see a short video of the procedure, click here.

Email or call Dr. Friedman with your heel pain question at no cost. 

(Please allow 1-2 days for a response. This is not intended as a substitute for medical care.)