Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Treatment in Goodyear, AZ
That stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first step out of bed, or stand up to walk after sitting for a while. The kind of foot pain that gets in the way of everything else you want to do. We treat it. Dr Udall will help you understand what is making your foot hurt so much. And since Dr. Craig Udall is the West Valley's
specialist in custom orthotics and lower-extremity biomechanics, you know you’re getting correct information and a real solution. Same-week visits typically available.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. The plantar fascia first becomes injured and irritated and inflamed, resulting in heel pain.
Conservative Treatment for Heel Pain
Dr Udall will help you understand why good sturdy shoes and arch supports are so crucial to treatment, and show you how to stretch your foot to relieve pain. Like all injuries, some level of rest is necessary, so that the body can heal the injured tissue.
Good sturdy shoes and arch supports are a crucial part of treating plantar fasciitis, and one of the first questions patients ask is whether a prescription device is really better than something off the shelf. Dr. Udall answers that honestly, including when a store insert is enough, in his post on whether custom orthotics are worth it.
Additional Treatment Options
Sometimes people need a bit more relief from pain in the moment, so cortisone injections may be helpful, but not always necessary.
Get the Right Diagnosis
Come visit Dr Udall to help diagnose your condition properly and get
scanned for custom orthotics, discuss proper shoes, and get back on the road to pain free life!
Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
How long does plantar fasciitis last?
It depends on how long you’ve had the problem, how soon you start treating it and how consistent you are. The main goal is to get the right information and proper tools right away.
What does plantar fasciitis feel like?
A sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain often eases with movement but returns later in the day after time on your feet.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery for plantar fasciitis is not common. The vast majority of cases resolve with stretching, supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and other conservative steps.
Can I run or work out with plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury, so continuing to aggravate your feet by running is not going to help you heal. There is a component of rest and healing required in order to relieve the pain and inflammation. Then a gradual return to running once the pain has settled down and you have the right footwear and orthotics in place.
Are night splints worth it?
Most people who can consistently do their achilles tendon stretching during the day do not need a night splint. But there are cases where a night splint can help to stretch the achilles tendon.
What is the difference between plantar fasciitis and a heel spur?
Plantar fasciitis is the cause of heel pain. A spur is just a small bony growth that you can see on an xray. You may have been told you have a heel spur by your doctor, or the urgent care or ER, but the spur is usually not the source of the pain. Treating the fasciitis is what relieves the pain.
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Book Your Plantar Fasciitis Evaluation
The first step with plantar fasciitis is a real evaluation. Dr. Udall will examine your feet, watch you walk, and tell you whether plantar fasciitis is likely your specific problem.
