Heel Pain / Plantar Fasciitis
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, 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.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain can come from several different conditions. The most common include:
Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the ligament along the bottom of the foot
Heel spurs – bony growths that can develop over time
Achilles tendonitis – pain at the back of the heel
Fat pad atrophy – thinning of the natural cushioning under the heel
Nerve irritation – including Baxter’s nerve entrapment
A proper diagnosis is important, as treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Plantar Fasciitis (Most Common Cause)
Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain. It typically causes:
Sharp pain with the first steps in the morning
Pain after long periods of standing or walking
Tightness in the arch or heel
Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become chronic and more difficult to resolve.
Heel Pain Treatment Options
At Salt Lake City Podiatry, we focus on conservative treatment first, while offering advanced options when needed.
Conservative Treatment
Stretching and home exercise programs
Anti-inflammatory medications
Supportive footwear recommendations
Activity modification
Heel cups and padding
Advanced Treatment Options
Corticosteroid injections
Custom orthotics
Shockwave therapy (if applicable)
Immobilization (walking boot when needed)
Surgical Options (if necessary)
Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered for chronic cases that do not improve with conservative care.
Custom & Non-Custom Orthotics for Heel Pain
Support plays a major role in relieving heel pain.
Custom orthotics are prescription devices designed specifically for your foot structure to improve alignment and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
Non-custom (over-the-counter) orthotics can provide effective support and relief for many patients and are often a great first step.
We will help determine which option is best for your condition and lifestyle.
Why Choose Salt Lake City Podiatry
Same-day and same-week appointments available
Located in the St. Mark’s Medical Building in Salt Lake City
Conservative and surgical treatment options
Experienced in treating chronic and complex heel pain
Accepting Medicare and most commercial insurance plans
When to See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain
You should seek evaluation if:
Pain lasts more than a few weeks
Pain is worsening instead of improving
You have difficulty walking or standing
You have diabetes and develop heel pain
Early treatment can prevent long-term problems and speed up recovery.
Heel Pain and Diabetes
If you have diabetes and develop heel pain, it is important to have your foot evaluated promptly. Certain conditions can be more complex in diabetic patients, and early treatment helps prevent complications.
Learn more about our diabetic foot care services.
Achilles Tendonitis (Back of Heel Pain)
Pain in the back of the heel is often caused by Achilles tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel bone.
Common symptoms include:
Pain at the back of the heel
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Pain with activity or after exercise
Swelling along the tendon
Treatment may include:
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Activity modification
Supportive footwear and orthotics
Anti-inflammatory treatment
Immobilization in more severe cases
Early treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and long-term damage.
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. We offer convenient scheduling and personalized treatment plans to get you back to normal activity.
Book your appointment today or call (801) 269-9939
Same-day and same-week appointments available.