Heel Pain &
Plantar Fasciitis
Expert diagnosis and personalized treatment in Salt Lake City. Most patients see relief without surgery.
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Salt Lake City
Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems we treat at Salt Lake City Podiatry. Whether your pain started gradually or suddenly, it can make walking, working, exercising, and staying active difficult. Our goal is to identify the cause of your heel pain and provide effective treatment to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.
While plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, not every painful heel is the same. Pain can also come from the Achilles tendon, heel spurs, nerve irritation, fat pad thinning, stress injury, or other foot and ankle conditions. A proper diagnosis helps us match the treatment plan to the actual source of pain.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain can come from several conditions. A proper diagnosis is important because treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- Plantar fasciitis — inflammation or irritation of the ligament along the bottom of the foot.
- Heel spurs — bony growths that can develop on the heel bone over time.
- Achilles tendonitis — pain and inflammation at the back of the heel.
- Fat pad atrophy — thinning of the natural cushioning beneath the heel.
- Nerve irritation — including Baxter’s nerve entrapment or other nerve-related pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of pain on the bottom of the heel. Left untreated, it can become chronic and more difficult to resolve.
Sharp pain with the first steps in the morning is one of the most common signs of plantar fasciitis.
Pain after standing or walking can worsen throughout the day, especially on hard surfaces.
Tightness in the arch or heel may ease once the foot warms up but often returns later.
How We Diagnose Heel Pain
At Salt Lake City Podiatry, we begin with a careful history and physical examination. We look at where the pain is located, when it occurs, what activities make it worse, and whether symptoms suggest plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, nerve irritation, stress injury, or another condition.
In-office digital X-rays may be recommended to evaluate the heel bone, check for heel spurs, assess alignment, or rule out other bone-related causes of pain. Getting the diagnosis right matters because treatment that works for one type of heel pain may not work for another.
Heel Pain Treatment Options
We focus on conservative treatment first, while offering advanced options when needed. Surgery is rarely necessary.
🌿 Conservative Care
- Stretching and home exercise programs
- Anti-inflammatory medications when appropriate
- Supportive footwear recommendations
- Activity modification
- Heel cups, padding, or offloading
- Night splints when indicated
⚕️ Advanced Options
- Corticosteroid injections
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy referral when appropriate
- Immobilization in a walking boot
- Further imaging for persistent symptoms
🔬 Surgical Care
- Considered only for chronic cases
- Used when conservative care has not resolved symptoms
- Discussed carefully before any decision is made
Custom & Non-Custom Orthotics
Support plays a major role in relieving heel pain. We will help determine which option is right for your foot type, activity level, and symptoms.
Custom Orthotics
Prescription devices designed specifically for your foot structure to improve alignment and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
Recommended for complex or recurring casesOver-the-Counter Orthotics
Non-custom devices can provide effective support and relief for many patients and are often a great and affordable first step.
Good starting pointAchilles Tendonitis
Pain at the back of the heel is often caused by Achilles tendonitis, which involves inflammation or irritation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Symptoms may include pain at the back of the heel, stiffness in the morning, swelling along the tendon, and discomfort with walking, stairs, or exercise.
Treatment may include stretching, strengthening, supportive footwear, orthotics, activity modification, anti-inflammatory treatment, or immobilization in more severe cases. Early treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and long-term tendon problems.
Heel Pain and Diabetes
If you have diabetes and develop heel pain, it is important to have your foot evaluated promptly. Diabetes can increase the risk of nerve problems, skin breakdown, wounds, and infection. Even mild pain or pressure can become more serious if sensation is reduced.
How to Prevent Heel Pain
While not every case can be prevented, many patients can reduce their risk of heel pain by wearing supportive shoes, avoiding prolonged barefoot walking on hard surfaces, maintaining flexibility in the calf muscles, and replacing worn-out athletic shoes regularly.
Patients with flat feet, high arches, jobs that require prolonged standing, or a history of recurrent plantar fasciitis may benefit from better arch support or orthotics. If heel pain returns repeatedly, a podiatry evaluation can help identify the mechanical factors contributing to the problem.
When to See a Podiatrist
Early treatment can prevent long-term problems and speed up recovery. Seek evaluation if:
- ✓Pain has lasted more than a few weeks without improvement.
- ✓Pain is worsening instead of getting better.
- ✓You have difficulty walking or standing through the day.
- ✓You have diabetes and have developed heel pain.
- ✓Home remedies have not provided lasting relief.
Why Choose Salt Lake City Podiatry
Personalized care from a specialist who listens.
Same-Day Appointments
Same-day and same-week appointments available for many conditions.
Convenient Location
Located inside the Central Medical Building at St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
In-Office Digital X-Ray
Imaging can often be performed and reviewed in the office.
Conservative-First Approach
We focus on non-surgical treatment whenever appropriate.
Insurance Accepted
Accepting Medicare and most commercial insurance plans.
Bilingual Care
Care available in English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule an Appointment for Heel Pain
If you are dealing with heel pain or plantar fasciitis in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City Podiatry is here to help.