Do you suffer from heel pain? Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of this discomfort, but there are other potential causes such as a calcaneal (heel bone) stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or even a cyst. To determine the underlying source of your heel pain, it's crucial to have your condition properly diagnosed by Dr. Joseph E. Mechanik.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes, known as the plantar fascia. This condition is often related to faulty and misaligned foot structure, such as flat or high-arched feet, or wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces. Obesity may also contribute to plantar fasciitis. Symptoms include pain on the bottom of the heel that is usually worse upon arising and increases over a period of months. However, the most common cause of plantar fasciitis is biomechanical misaligned feet.

First-line treatment strategies for plantar fasciitis include stretching exercises, avoiding walking barefoot, applying ice, limiting activities, wearing supportive shoes, and taking oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If these approaches don't alleviate your pain, Dr. Mechanik may recommend additional treatments like padding and strapping, injection therapy, a removable fracture walker, physical therapy, and MLS laser therapy. Once your heel pain resolves, Dr. Mechanik may prescribe prescription, fabricated, and calibrated orthotics to keep your feet properly aligned, which stops abnormal and excessive pressure in your feet and heels.

If your heel pain does not respond to conservative treatments or remains persistent, Dr. Mechanik may order advanced imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to assess your condition. Blood work may also be ordered to rule out possible systemic disease causes of heel pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis. These imaging studies are then read and interpreted by a board-certified musculoskeletal radiologist. Dr. Mechanik will personally review your imaging studies and discuss the findings and treatment options with you. The majority of heel pain issues resolve with conservative treatments, but surgery may be considered for the small percentage of patients that don't respond to conservative treatment modalities.

We understand how debilitating heel pain can be, and we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph E. Mechanik and take the first step towards a pain-free life.