Foot Envy Blog by Dr. Craig Udall

Morning Heel Pain in Goodyear, AZ | Foot Envy

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:00:08 GMT

Morning Heel Pain: Why Does My Heel Hurt When I Get Out of Bed?

Pain in the bottom of the heel and arch is usually caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament that supports the arch on the bottom of the foot. It is usually caused by overuse injuries, and also is related to your foot shape, ie, people with flat arches and high arches can be more susceptible. There are other things that can cause heel pain, however, so getting the proper diagnosis by an expert is important in order to get the right treatment.

Often it hurts most with the first few steps out of bed and eases once you get moving, that is the classic pattern of plantar fasciitis. There are a variety of different presentations though, so it’s best to have it evaluated by a professional, including getting xrays to rule out other types of problems.

Why isn’t the pain improving?

Injuries to the foot tend to take longer to heal than other body parts, partly because it is difficult to stay off your feet. Injuries need rest, and time to heal, and when we continue to walk and bear weight on an injured foot, that doesn’t help the situation. So we don’t want to keep adding insult to injury by continuing to stress and strain an injured ligament. In addition to resting, it’s important to get proper shoes and arch supports. People who are wearing shoes that are flat, or soft, without much structure and support, aren’t helping themselves either. You need proper shoes to offload all that weight bearing pressure.

Arch supports are another vital part of the recovery and healing process. Arch supports literally hold the arch up, which takes the load off the plantar fascia ligament, so if you aren’t using proper arch supports you’re basically asking the injured ligament to do all the work of holding the arch up by itself.

What a Visit Actually Looks Like

At Foot envy, we will do a full exam, get digital xrays in the office, confirm your diagnosis, and make sure you understand everything that’s going on. I like to inform everybody about their diagnosis so it is clear. Then we will discuss treatment options that actually work, so you can get back to being pain free as soon as possible, and then prevent this from being a problem down the road. For some patients, a cortisone injection can provide some significant pain relief. We are never in a rush at the clinic - you will have plenty of time to ask all your questions and discuss your concerns with Dr Udall, and he will patiently listen to you and help you get back to pain free.

Why do orthotics help so much?

Orthotics support your feet and relieve pain, and they are a main treatment for plantar fasciitis, along with proper shoes. By supporting your arch with the orthotics, the plantar fascia ligament gets to take a break and rest, which facilitates proper healing as soon as possible. While some over the counter arch supports can be helpful, custom orthotics are recommended because they are made just for your feet, kinda like how your prescription glasses are made just for your eyes. We use digital scanning to create a three-dimensional cast of your foot, and then they’re made by a professional orthotics lab. Not only will the custom orthotics help in the short term, but they will also give you arch support going forward, preventing future episodes or flare ups. Dr Udall will help you evaluate shoes, and determine what arch support is best for you. Don’t trust the health of your feet to any ole shoe store, who is willing to sell you an overpriced piece of plastic, but in reality they don’t know anything about your feet. Trust a foot expert to help you get exactly what you need.

Come see the doctor about your heel pain!

Call Foot Envy at 623-248-4734. We are at 14539 W Indian School Rd, Suite 880 in Goodyear, southeast corner of Indian School and Bullard, seeing patients from Pebble Creek, Avondale, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Verrado, Estrella, Pebble Creek, Sun City, Sun City West and the Luke AFB community. Same-week appointments are usually available. We accept Medicare and most major insurance. We also have great self pay rates. Se habla espanol.

You can read more about plantar fasciitis and heel pain treatment in Goodyear , or learn about the practice at Foot Envy .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does plantar fasciitis last?

It depends on how soon you start treating it and how consistent you are. Patients who catch it early often see relief sooner. Patients who have been dealing with it for longer may need to be more patient with their recovery time.

Is my heel pain a heel spur?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the ligament along the bottom of the foot. A heel spur is a small bony growth on the heel bone. A bone spur may show up on X-rays, but the spur is not the source of the pain. Treating the fasciitis is what fixes the pain in almost every case.

Will I need surgery for heel pain?

The vast majority of cases resolve with stretching, supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and other conservative options like cortisone injections. Surgery is really reserved for recurrent or severe cases that do not improve with conservative care only.

This article is general information and is not medical advice. Heel pain has more than one possible cause, and you should be evaluated in person rather than assuming what is going on with your foot.

Visit Foot Envy in Goodyear, AZ

Foot Envy
14539 W Indian School Rd, Suite 880
Goodyear, AZ 85395
Phone: 623-248-4734

⁠

Stay connected with Foot Envy for foot care tips, clinic updates, and helpful information from Dr. Craig Udall.

Follow Foot Envy Online:
⁠ Facebook | ⁠ X | ⁠ Instagram | ⁠ TikTok

Had a great experience with Foot Envy? Leave us a review on Google Maps ⁠

What Does a Diabetic Foot Exam Include? | Foot Envy

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:28:34 GMT

What Does a Diabetic Foot Exam Include, and How Often Do You Need One?

A diabetic foot exam includes a conversation about how diabetes can affect feet, or cause problems in your feet. We discuss common complications that may result, and things to do to prevent or minimize your risk of problems. We will discuss your blood sugar control, and the things your doctor is doing to work with you to get the blood glucose to a lower level.

An exam is also performed, including checking your circulation, the sensation, your skin and nails, and look for any foot deformities. Most people with diabetes should have a comprehensive exam at least once a year, more often if you already have neuropathy, poor circulation or a history of a foot wound. We will also give you some information on things you can do on your own at home to prevent foot problems.

Why Diabetes causes problems in Feet

Diabetes can lead to reduced blood flow to the feet, which can cause problems with healing. Those with diabetes can also develop neuropathy, which reduces your sensation, and makes you a higher risk for developing calluses and ulcers. Poor blood flow and neuropathy put you at a higher risk for problems like infections and ulcers, and ultimately are the main reason why people have amputations of their toes or feet.

That is the whole reason a diabetic foot exam exists. We are looking for small problems before they turn into a bigger problem. We also want to educate you on things to do to prevent problems, and reduce your risk of complications.

What else is done during a Diabetic Foot Exam

Some people will need an ABI test, which is a simple, non-invasive way to check if there might be a problem with the blood flow in your arteries. We also check to see if you might benefit from getting diabetic shoes and custom inserts. We also will emphasize the importance of controlling blood sugars, as high sugars can also cause infections.

Can diabetics come get their nails trimmed, or their calluses pared down?

For diabetic patients on medicare, doing nail care or callus trimming is called routine or preventative foot care, and is usually a covered insurance benefit. Think of this as a way to help your feet feel better in the moment, and at the same time prevent future problems.

Most of the time Medicare covers podiatry services like nail care and callus paring for diabetic patients, every 9 weeks. Our office will help verify your coverage. We can also help you get diabetic shoes and inserts, through medicare. Not all patients qualify, but we will help you know if you do.

For the difference between a custom orthotics and a store-bought insert, see my post on whether custom orthotics are really necessary .

What should you do to help your feet at home?

Everyone should look at their own feet every day. Even look between the toes, for any cuts, blisters, red spots or drainage. If you can’t see your feet, have someone do it for you. Even a small sore can become a serious problem if it is left alone. The rule is, that if you see anything that doesn’t seem right, it’s better to come in and have Dr Udall check it out for you. Also, you want to minimize walking around barefoot, especially outside, but also in the house there can be things you may step on that would cause a problem. Wearing shoes, even in the home, is a simple thing to prevent problems in your feet.

Schedule Your Diabetic Foot Exam in Goodyear

If you have diabetes and have not had a diabetic foot exam in the last year, or you are not sure whether you qualify for routine foot care, call our office and we will help you figure it out based on your insurance and your needs. Foot Envy is on Indian School Road at Bullard in Goodyear, and we see patients in Pebble Creek, Litchfield Park, Verrado, Estrella, Sun City, Sun City West, Tolleson, Avondale, Buckeye and the Luke AFB community. We accept Medicare and most major insurance, including TRICARE. Same-week appointments are usually available. Se habla español. Call 623-248-4734.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Every foot is different, and the right care depends on an in-person evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Foot Exams

How often should a diabetic see a podiatrist?

At least once a year for a comprehensive diabetic foot exam. If you have neuropathy, poor circulation, a foot deformity or a past ulcer, your podiatrist may recommend visits more frequently. If you want the doctor to help you with your nails and calluses, that can be done every 9 weeks at least.

Can a podiatrist safely trim my toenails if I have diabetes?

Yes. If you have diabetes, thick toenails, poor circulation or neuropathy, having a podiatrist trim your nails reduces the risk of cutting your skin, which can prevent infection.

Contact Foot Envy

Foot Envy

14539 W Indian School Rd, Suite 880

Goodyear, AZ 85395

Phone: 623-248-4734 ⁠

Stay connected with Foot Envy for foot care tips, clinic updates, and helpful information from Dr. Craig Udall.

Follow Foot Envy Online:

⁠ Facebook | ⁠ X | ⁠ Instagram | ⁠ TikTok

Visited Foot Envy?

Leave us a review on Google Maps⁠

How Do You Permanently Fix an Ingrown Toenail?

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:08:38 GMT

Ingrown toenail generally describes any toenail that is causing pain, discomfort, or even infection. Some people develop toenail pain from an injury, or from wearing tight shoes while playing sports or hiking, or just jamming your toes into the ends of the shoes. Other times the nails become problematic because they are thick, with fungus, or curled or pinching the skin at the corners.

Whatever is causing your specific toenail pain, come see Dr Udall to evaluate and give you your treatment options. Dr Udall is always going to take the conservative approach to fixing your painful toe.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Dr Udall will evaluate your specific problem, based on his years of experience seeing many different types of toenails. If the nail can just be trimmed, he’ll do that right there in the office. If the nail is bad enough that it needs more than a trim, a relatively simple in office

procedure can be done to take out the ingrown toenail.

What does the ingrown removal look like?

Dr Udall is not here to torture anyone. He’s gentle and patiently takes as much time as needed to make sure the procedure is done with minimal pain. The main thing is making sure the toe is numb first. That requires local anesthetic in the form of 2 injections on either side of the toe. Before giving you the injections, cold spray is applied to numb the skin a bit before the injection. This cold spray helps out a lot. Once the toe is fully numb you do not feel pain during the procedure.

In most cases, only the side of the nail that’s problematic is removed. In some cases, the whole nail needs to be removed. The rest of your nail isn’t affected, and after healing most patients cannot tell anything was removed. If you’ve had repeat ingrown toenails, we can make the edge of the nail not grow back permanently by applying a chemical called phenol at the nail root. This cauterizes the nail matrix so you typically don’t have to worry about if again.

The procedure usually runs 15 to 30 minutes long, but can take longer if we are working on more than one nail.

But I want to emphasize again our goal is to make this as easy and comfortable and pain free as possible.

Should I wait to see if the nail will get better?

If your nail hasn’t improved in a few days, or if it seems like it’s getting worse, there’s really no reason to wait. If the nail is that bad, it almost always needs the procedure to remove the ingrown portion of the nail. And there’s just no reason to wait. After the procedure it will very quickly start feeling better. It’s not necessary to be put on antibiotics first, before doing the procedure. The procedure always

solves the problem, so don’t wait. Call or text to make an appointment right away and just get the problem fixed and done right.

Book Your Same-Week Visit in Goodyear

If an ingrown toenail is making it hurt to wear a shoe, you do not have to keep living with it. Call our Goodyear office and we will get you in quickly. You will be happy that you just get in and get it taken care of instead of waiting.

Call Foot Env y at 623-248-4734 , or read more about ingrown toenail treatment . We are at 14539 W Indian School Rd, Suite 880 in Goodyear, and we see patients from across the West Valley. Se habla español.

This article is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a diagnosis. Every foot is different, and you should be evaluated in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my whole toenail?

The whole nail is only removed if the entire nail is the problem, or if the nail is infected enough that it is affecting the whole thing. Even if both sides of the nail are ingrown, each edge can usually be removed while keeping the rest of the nail.

How long until I can wear normal shoes again?

Most patients are back in normal shoes within a few days. We usually recommend an open-toe or extra-roomy shoe for the first few days. It’s really based on your pain tolerance and how much drainage and bleeding you see on the nail bed after the procedure.

Does it hurt?

The numbing injection at the base of the toe takes a few seconds and is the only uncomfortable part. After that the toe is numb and you will not feel the procedure. Most patients describe mild soreness for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If you have soreness after the procedure, it’s understandable because the nail bed is raw and tender.

Visit Foot Envy in Goodyear, AZ

Foot Envy
14539 W Indian School Rd, Suite 880
Goodyear, AZ 85395
Phone: 623-248-4734 ⁠

Stay connected with Foot Envy for foot care tips, clinic updates, and helpful information from Dr. Craig Udall.

Follow Foot Envy Online:
⁠ Facebook | ⁠ X | ⁠ Instagram | ⁠ TikTok

Had a great experience with Foot Envy?

Leave us a review on Google Maps ⁠

Are Custom Orthotics really necessary? Dr. Udall, a Goodyear Podiatrist explains.

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:44:04 GMT

Custom orthotics are the best way to truly support your feet when combined with a good shoe. When done right, orthotics are helpful for anyone. They can both treat current conditions, and also prevent future problems, so they can keep you active and on your feet. And because they are custom, they are made just for your feet. Arch supports balance the pressures and stresses in the foot bones and joints, which reduces aches and pains.They are made of durable materials that last a long time, unlike the cheap drug store inserts you can buy. Some people can do just fine with a good pair of prefabricated inserts, but it can be hard to know. Let Dr Udall evaluate your feet and help you determine what’s best for you.

What is a Custom Orthotic?

Custom orthotics are arch supports that are prescribed specifically for your feet. In our clinic we use digital scanning technology to create a 3-D model of your foot, and those scans go to a professional orthotics lab where the device is hand-crafted just for you. It’s more than just a piece of plastic a store sells you to put in your arch. You need an expert who understands what to order and prescribe to address your specific foot issues. Dr Udall tells the orthotics lab how to make them so they’re done just right. Getting proper custom orthotics is a process, not just a thing you buy at a shoe store.

Are Custom Orthotics Worth It?

We take thousands of steps every day. That repetitive impact leads to stress and pain, especially when there is already a known problem with the feet, and that stress can travel up into the ankle, knee, hip or even the low back. Orthotics are designed to promote proper foot alignment during motion, improve balance and stability, neutralize excessive forces, and minimize strain on the bones, joints, tendons and ligaments. In practice, that makes them a main treatment for conditions like flat feet and plantar fasciitis, and a useful tool for many other kinds of foot and ankle pain. If you have already tried over-the-counter inserts and they did not help, consider custom orthotics. Orthotics are always helpful, as long as they are done right.

When an over the counter insert isn’t Enough

Most store-bought inserts are cheap and not good enough to support your feet and arches. Being sold an overpriced piece of plastic to put in your shoes does not make it a custom orthotic, no matter what the store employees tell you. Try to avoid these stores that make it seem like they can solve all your foot problems by putting a piece of plastic in your shoe. It’s more complicated than that. They don’t know anything about feet or why you are having pain. A custom orthotic from a podiatrist is a medical device built for your specific condition by someone trained to diagnose and treat that condition. Trust an expert foot doctor who knows what the problem is in order to get the right treatment. Don’t trust the health of your feet to a shoe store employee that doesn't know feet.

What the Evaluation Looks Like at Foot Envy

The evaluation is based on your symptoms and pain, my thorough exam, and xray images, which are taken right here in the office the same day. Feet are complicated, so the goal is to understand what your true problem is first, and then work on a solution together. If custom orthotics are part of that solution, we scan your feet that day with a digital scanner. The orthotics are usually ready for fitting in about two to three weeks, and we also discuss proper shoes that will work best with your orthotics.

What to Expect Once You Have Them

Your feet may take a brief period of time to adjust to orthotics, especially if you’ve never worn them before. It’s important that you come to the office for your try on, to see how they feel. Most of the time it’s quick and easy, and there are no issues. If something doesn’t quite feel right, we make every effort to make any adjustments needed until the orthotics feel right. But our body is very good about noticing any problems right away, so if there isn’t any pain or discomfort at the initial try on, you’re likely to not need any adjustments. You may need to break them in by wearing them for short stretches at first. As mentioned before, the right shoe and the right arch support is a good combination. If you don’t have the proper shoes, it could be limiting how much relief you get because a good orthotic can’t compensate for an unsupportive shoe.

Book a Custom Orthotic Evaluation in Goodyear

Anyone can benefit from wearing arch supports. Whether you are an athlete, weekend warrior, golfer, someone who likes to walk a lot or travel, or you want to treat pain or prevent future foot problems, do something nice for your feet and give them proper support with custom orthotics. Thousands of steps every day takes a toll, so treat your feet! Foot Envy is on Indian School Road at Bullard in Goodyear, and we see patients from Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Verrado, Estrella, Sun City, Sun City West, Tolleson and the Luke AFB community. Same-week appointments are usually available. Se habla español. Call Foot Envy at 623-248-4734.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Every foot is different, and the right treatment depends on an in-person evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Orthotics

Does Insurance cover custom orthotics?

Tricare is one of the few insurances that cover custom orthotics, for the active duty service members. Unfortunately the family members don’t have coverage for orthotics, but we do offer a military discount for retirees or family members. We accept Medicare and most major insurance for the office visit and initial evaluation, but unfortunately most insurance plans don’t cover custom orthotics. Some exceptions exist, and we can help navigate that with you if needed.

How long does it take to get custom orthotics?

About two to three weeks from your scanning visit to when your orthotics are ready for fitting.

Can I wear custom orthotics in any shoe?

Typically you can in most good tennis shoes. We can make them fit any type of shoes however, and that can be part of the conversation. Some patients get more than one pair to fit in different shoes. There is a discount for any additional pairs.

Contact Foot Envy

Foot Envy

14539 W Indian School Rd, Suite 880

Goodyear, AZ 85395

Phone: 623-248-4734 ⁠

Stay connected with Foot Envy for foot care tips, clinic updates, and helpful information from Dr. Craig Udall.

Follow Foot Envy Online:

⁠ Facebook | ⁠ X | ⁠ Instagram | ⁠ TikTok

Visited Foot Envy?

Leave us a review on Google Maps⁠