Lasting Relief for Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints we see at Valley Podiatry and Wound Care Center, serving patients in Mission, Rio Grande City, Weslaco, and throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Whether it's sharp pain with your first steps in the morning or a dull ache that builds throughout the day, persistent heel pain is rarely something that resolves on its own without proper treatment.
Dr. Samuel Enyew evaluates the underlying cause of your heel pain and builds a treatment plan aimed at long-term relief, not just temporary symptom management.
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How Heel Pain is Diagnosed
Your evaluation begins with a discussion of when your pain started, what makes it better or worse, and your daily activity or footwear habits. Dr. Enyew then examines the foot for tenderness, swelling, and flexibility, checking specifically along the bottom of the heel and arch where plantar fasciitis pain typically presents. A digital X-ray may be ordered to check for a heel spur or rule out other causes of pain, such as a stress fracture or arthritis in the heel joint.
This thorough evaluation helps determine whether your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, a heel spur, or another underlying condition like nerve entrapment or tendon strain, so treatment can be targeted to the actual source of your discomfort rather than a generic approach.
Our Approach to Heel Pain Relief
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes becomes inflamed, often from overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical issues. Treatment typically starts conservatively and progresses based on response.
- Stretching and physical therapy guidance
- Custom orthotics to correct alignment and reduce strain
- Night splints to maintain stretch overnight
- Corticosteroid injections for persistent inflammation
- Regenerative PRP therapy for chronic cases
Heel Spur Syndrome
A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone, often alongside plantar fasciitis. While not every heel spur causes pain, when it does, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and pressure on the area.
- Offloading and custom orthotic support
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Cortisone injections when conservative care isn't enough
- Surgical removal in rare, severe cases that don't respond to other treatment
When to See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain
A little soreness after activity is normal, but certain signs mean it's time for an evaluation. Early evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of your heel pain and prevent the condition from becoming more difficult to treat.
- Heel pain that's worst with your first steps in the morning
- Pain that persists for more than a few weeks
- Swelling or tenderness along the bottom of the heel
- Pain that worsens with standing or walking over time
- Heel pain that limits your daily activities
Schedule Your Heel Pain Evaluation
Heel pain doesn't have to be something you just live with. If you're dealing with persistent discomfort, schedule an appointment at one of our Mission, Rio Grande City, or Weslaco offices today. Prompt treatment can help relieve pain, restore mobility, and get you back to your daily routine with greater comfort.
Schedule a Heel Pain Evaluation