Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Waxahachie, TX

Heel Pain Care from Our Waxahachie Podiatrists

Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems we treat at Family Foot & Ankle Centers in Waxahachie, Texas. Plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause of heel pain and often causes sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Our Waxahachie podiatrists evaluate heel pain to determine the underlying cause and develop an individualized treatment plan. Family Foot & Ankle Centers offers both conservative and advanced treatment options for plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain at our Waxahachie office.

Our Waxahachie podiatry team includes Dr. Jeffrey Petty, Dr. Fernando Cruz, Dr. Amanda Pajouh and Dr. Kent Olsen. Our podiatrists evaluate the cause of heel pain and recommend treatment based on each patient’s individual condition.

Why Does My Heel Hurt?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes and helping support the arch. Repetitive stress on the plantar fascia can cause irritation and pain where the tissue attaches near the heel.

A common sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp pain near the bottom of the heel with the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting for an extended period. The pain may improve after walking for a few minutes but can return after prolonged standing, walking or other activity.

Because heel pain can have several possible causes, an accurate diagnosis is important before beginning treatment. At Family Foot & Ankle Centers, our Waxahachie podiatrists evaluate your symptoms, medical history and examination findings to determine the likely source of your heel pain. When appropriate, diagnostic imaging may also be used to evaluate the plantar fascia and help rule out other causes of heel pain, such as a stress fracture or other foot and ankle conditions.

How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?

Treatment for plantar fasciitis depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms as well as the factors contributing to your heel pain. Our Waxahachie podiatrists may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Anti-inflammatory measures – When appropriate, anti-inflammatory medications and other measures may be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Custom orthotics or arch supports – Supporting the arch can help improve foot mechanics and reduce excessive stress on the plantar fascia.
• Supportive footwear – Avoiding barefoot walking and wearing properly supportive shoes can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
• Stretching exercises – Stretching the plantar fascia, calf muscles and Achilles tendon can improve flexibility and reduce tension on the heel.
• Plantar fasciitis night splints – A night splint holds the foot in a gentle stretched position while sleeping and may help reduce heel pain with the first steps in the morning.
• Ice – Applying ice to the painful area may help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Activity modification – Temporarily reducing activities that aggravate heel pain, such as running or prolonged walking, can allow irritated tissue time to recover. Lower-impact exercise may be recommended while symptoms improve.
• Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) – For persistent plantar fasciitis, EPAT may be considered when appropriate. This noninvasive treatment uses pressure waves to stimulate a healing response in the affected tissue.

Most cases of plantar fasciitis are initially treated without surgery. If heel pain continues despite appropriate conservative treatment, our Waxahachie podiatrists can discuss additional treatment options based on your individual condition. Surgery may be considered for persistent cases that have not responded adequately to nonsurgical treatment.

Heel Pain Care at Our Other Locations

Family Foot & Ankle Centers also provides heel pain and plantar fasciitis care at our Corsicana and Ennis offices. Learn more about heel pain treatment in Corsicana or heel pain treatment in Ennis, or visit our main heel pain and plantar fasciitis page for additional information about causes, diagnosis and treatment options.

Schedule a Heel Pain Appointment in Waxahachie, TX

If heel pain is interfering with your daily activities, schedule an appointment with our Waxahachie podiatry team. Call 972-597-4132 or click here to use our convenient online form. Our podiatrists can evaluate the cause of your heel pain and recommend a treatment plan based on your individual condition.