If you’re dealing with heel pain that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist, and while plantar fasciitis is often the cause, it’s far from the only possibility. At Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist, Dr. Dean Kim helps patients across Texas find lasting relief with advanced diagnostics and personalized care.
What Causes Heel Pain?
The most common source of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot becomes irritated or inflamed. This fascia supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis often include:
- Stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel
- Pain when getting out of bed in the morning
- Discomfort that improves with movement but returns after long periods of sitting or standing
But if your symptoms are different — or not improving — other conditions could be to blame.
Other Conditions That Cause Heel Pain
Not all heel pain originates from the plantar fascia. Other possibilities include:
Heel Spurs
Calcium deposits on the heel bone can form heel spurs, often felt as sharp or stabbing pain. These can exist alongside plantar fasciitis or occur independently.
Achilles Tendinitis
Pain at the back of the heel may indicate Achilles tendinitis, a common overuse injury especially among runners and athletes.
Bursitis
Inflamed bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) can cause aching pain in the heel. This condition is often triggered by repetitive motion or poorly fitting shoes.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
This involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve inside the ankle, causing burning, tingling, or shooting pain into the heel and foot.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your heel pain has lasted more than a week, or is interfering with walking, it’s time to see a foot and ankle specialist. At Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist, Dr. Dean Kim provides a thorough exam, gait analysis, and imaging as needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Effective Treatment Options for Heel Pain
At our podiatry clinic, we offer a wide range of treatment options — both traditional and advanced — to relieve heel pain and help you heal.
Supportive Footwear
Wearing the right shoes is essential in reducing stress on your heels. We recommend shoes with proper arch support and cushioning to provide comfort and prevent further injury.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts made using advanced 3D scanning technology. Tailored to your unique foot anatomy, these orthotics help correct imbalances that contribute to heel pain and improve overall foot function.
Physical Therapy & Stretching
Targeted exercises and stretching routines strengthen foot muscles, improve flexibility, and relieve tension on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Dr. Kim works with you to develop personalized programs that support long-term heel health.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
For pain and swelling, prescribed NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Cortisone Injections
In more severe or persistent cases, cortisone injections offer powerful, temporary relief by reducing inflammation directly at the source of pain.
Advanced Treatment Options
Class IV MLS Laser Therapy
This state-of-the-art, non-invasive laser therapy uses light energy to penetrate deep tissues, reducing inflammation and accelerating the healing process. Many patients experience significant improvement after just a few sessions.
Regenerative Injections
Dr. Dean Kim offers regenerative treatments like injectable tissue allografts, which harness your body’s natural ability to repair damaged tissues. These injections reduce inflammation, promote healing, and provide long-lasting relief from chronic heel pain.
Night Splints
Night splints gently stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon while you sleep, helping to reduce morning pain and improve healing over time.
Don’t Wait — Get Expert Heel Pain Treatment
If you’re experiencing persistent heel pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Dr. Dean Kim and his team at Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist are here to help you get back on your feet.
Call us today at (469) 384-2135 to schedule your appointment or request a consultation online. Relief from heel pain starts with the right diagnosis and treatment — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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