Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Treatment in Goodyear, AZ
That stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first step out of bed. The ache that comes back every time you stand up after sitting. The kind of foot pain that gets in the way of everything else you want to do. We treat it.
Dr. Craig Udall, DPM is the West Valley's specialist in custom orthotics and lower-extremity biomechanics, and most patients walk out of his office with a real plan to fix it, not a prescription and a quick handshake. Same-week visits. Se habla español.
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.
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 soon you start treating it and how consistent you are. Patients who catch it early often see major relief in 4 to 8 weeks. Patients who have been dealing with it for a year or more typically need 3 to 6 months for full resolution.
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?
Almost certainly not. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is rare. The vast majority of cases resolve with stretching, supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and other conservative steps.
Can I run with plantar fasciitis?
Usually not while it is at its worst. We recommend cross-training, such as swimming, cycling, or light strength work, during the acute phase. 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?
Yes, for most patients. They keep the fascia in a slight stretch overnight, which is why so many patients with night splints do not wake up to that morning shock of pain.
Does insurance cover plantar fasciitis treatment?
Yes. Most major insurance plans cover the exam, imaging, and most treatments. Custom orthotic coverage varies by plan, which is why we verify benefits before any work starts. We accept Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans.
What is the difference between plantar fasciitis and a heel spur?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. A heel spur is a small bony growth on the heel bone. They often show up together on X-rays, but the spur is usually not the source of the pain. Treating the fasciitis is what fixes the pain in almost every case.
¿Habla español?
Sí. Dr. Udall y nuestro equipo hablan español con fluidez. Llame al 623-248-4734 para programar una cita.
Get Expert Foot Care From Dr. Craig Udall
What Our Patients Say
Other Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Custom Orthotics
Orthotics support your feet and relieve pain, and are the main treatment for conditions like flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
Hammer Toes
In-Office Treatment
Hammer Toes can rub on the shoe, or cause pressure on the tip of the toes, causing pain. Not to mention they can look a little funny when they're curled. Dr Udall is an expert at diagnosing, and treating hammer toes. He has mastered a simple procedure that fixes most hammer toes.
Neuropathy
If you have neuropathy, or think you might have neuropathy, make an appointment to visit Dr. Udall to talk about it. Dr Udall is not like other doctors out there when it comes to neuropathy. He is interested in helping you understand what is going on, helping you get a proper diagnosis, and doing what is best for you. There is no one size fits all treatment for neuropathy.
Flat Feet
Flat feet are feet with a collapsed arch, which can cause pain and difficulty walking. Dr Udall performs a thorough physical exam, including weight bearing x-rays to fully evaluate the arches and look at the bones and joints. Even if you aren't having lots of pain, a thorough evaluation is important to potentially prevent future problems. Custom orthotics and proper shoes are essential for supporting your feet and reducing pain.
Drop Foot
Dr Udall is the Valley's drop foot doctor expert for balance problems! As a podiatrist focusing on biomechanics of the lower extremity, Dr Udall can help you determine what is causing your balance issues, and work on helping you feel more functional again.
Foot & Ankle Pain
There are many things that cause foot pain. Feet are complicated, so you need an expert to help you sort it all out and get a proper diagnosis. Whether you have foot or ankle pain, arthritis, or an old injury, Dr Udall will take the time to get the right diagnosis, and then you'll work together on a solution that works best for you.
Diabetic Foot Care
Living with diabetes means taking extra care of your feet. Dr Udall provides gentle diabetic foot exams, nail care, callus treatment, and routine foot care to help prevent complications and keep you safely on your feet.
Elderly Foot Care
As we age, caring for our feet becomes more difficult. Dr Udall provides gentle nail care, callus treatment, and routine foot care to help seniors stay comfortable, mobile, and independent.
Ingrown Toenails
Ready to have your toe stop hurting? When you have an ingrown toenail, you know how painful it really is. If your toe hasn't gotten better within a few days, it's not going to get better on its own.
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.
