Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Houston

Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Houston, TX

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a podiatrist, and plantar fasciitis is its leading cause. If you feel a sharp, stabbing pain under your heel when you step out of bed in the morning, you’re not alone. Dr. Ken Dennis has treated heel pain for Houston patients for more than 40 years, and the vast majority of his patients find relief without surgery.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes. It supports your arch and absorbs shock with every step. When this tissue is overloaded, it becomes irritated and painful, most often where it attaches to the heel bone.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia starts under the heel, about the width of your index finger where it connects to the heel bone, then fans out across the bottom of the foot and splits into five slips that attach to each toe. That attachment at the heel is the weak link. Anything that increases pressure through the arch causes the fascia to pull on its attachment, creating micro-tears, inflammation, and swelling. Over time, the body may try to reinforce the area by laying down bone, which forms the heel spur often seen on X-ray.

Common risk factors include:

• Flat feet, high arches, or overpronation
• Running, walking, or standing for long periods on hard surfaces
• Unsupportive or worn-out shoes
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
• Weight gain or a sudden increase in activity

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting
• Arch pain and tenderness
• Swelling and inflammation along the bottom of the foot
• Pain that eases with movement but returns after long periods on your feet
• Reduced mobility
• Heel spurs visible on X-ray

Diagnosing Heel Pain

Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Dr. Dennis will examine your foot, evaluate your gait, and take in-office X-rays to rule out stress fractures, nerve entrapment, Achilles tendon problems, and other causes. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward a full recovery.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

Treatment starts with the most conservative options, which are used for a period of time to assess their effectiveness:

• Targeted stretching of the plantar fascia and calf
• Arch support and custom foot orthotics
• Massage and icing
• Footwear recommendations
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Immobilization with a walking boot or night splint

When conventional treatment does not resolve heel pain, two different minimally invasive surgical options can be considered. Dr. Dennis performs these procedures at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital and Cy-Fair Surgery Center.

Get Relief from Heel Pain in Houston

Heel pain that’s ignored often becomes chronic and harder to treat. Runners can learn more about running injuries and sports injuries such as ankle sprains, and you can explore other foot and ankle conditions we treat or our full list of podiatry services. Call Kenrick J. Dennis, DPM at (713) 465-8833 to schedule an evaluation.

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