Help! I Need Relief From Heel Pain
August 28, 2025
Why does my heel hurt and what should I do?
Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain that makes it difficult to walk or enjoy daily activities. Rest can alleviate occasional soreness, but persistent heel pain often requires professional care — that’s where a podiatrist comes in.
What Causes Heel Pain?
Family Foot Care treats these common causes of heel pain:
- Plantar Fasciitis – Inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) running across the bottom of the foot. You’ll often feel a sharp pain from your first few steps in the morning.
- Achilles Tendinitis – Irritation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, often from overuse or tight calf muscles.
- Heel Spurs – Bony growths that develop on the heel bone, sometimes linked with plantar fasciitis.
- Bursitis – Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the heel.
- Nerve Entrapment or Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of foot nerves that can cause heel pain, burning, or tingling.
When should I see a foot doctor for my heel pain?
If heel pain persists, worsens over time, or interferes with walking, it’s best to seek help from a foot doctor aka a podiatrist.
Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists who can accurately diagnose the problem and create a tailored treatment plan.
At Family Foot Care, our podiatrists, Richard Adams, DPM, Payal Patel, DPM, and Heath O. Jackson, DPM specialize in treating a full range of foot and ankle conditions including heel pain.
How does a podiatrist diagnose heel pain?
A podiatrist begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination of the foot. They may assess:
- Tenderness and swelling
- Gait (the way you walk)
- Footwear and arch support
- Flexibility and strength of surrounding muscles
If needed, imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI) may be ordered to rule out fractures, tears, or structural abnormalities.
How is heel pain treated?
At Family Foot Care, our podiatrists prescribe both conservative and advanced treatments to address heel pain, depending on cause and severity. These may include:
- Rest and Activity Modification – Reducing strain on the heel to allow healing.
- Custom Orthotics – Specially designed shoe inserts to support the arch and redistribute pressure.
- Stretching and Physical Therapy – Exercises to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and correct gait mechanics.
- Anti-inflammatory Measures – Ice therapy, medication, or topical treatments to reduce swelling and pain.
- Night Splints – Devices worn during sleep to keep the foot in a stretched position. This can be especially helpful for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
- Foot Injection –Injection containing a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) and a local anesthetic.
- Minor Procedures or Surgery – This approach is reserved for severe or non-responsive cases, such as removing heel spurs. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a surgical procedure to treat chronic plantar fasciitis by releasing the tight tissue on the bottom of the foot.
Can I Prevent Heel Pain Before It Happens?
Yes! Heel Pain is preventable - here's how:
- Wear supportive shoes suited to your activity.
- Avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity.
- Stretch your calves and feet regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet.
Heel pain can disrupt daily life, but with proper care, most people find lasting relief. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing chronic discomfort and getting back on your feet — literally.
If you’re experiencing heel pain and it isn’t improving, request your podiatry appointment at Family Foot Care. We're here to help you get back on your feet.
Request an appointment online or by calling our office at (817) 573-7178.
Family Foot Care & Dr. Adams Voted Best of Hood County 2024!
Foot Pain? It's Time To Visit A Podiatrist A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a physician and surgeon who treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Family Foot Care's 3 podiatrists maintain the highest levels of accreditation in podiatric medicine. Podiatry Services Bunions, Foot Surgery, & Everything Between For over 30 years Family Foot Care has treated patients experiencing toe, foot, and ankle pain. Many times when a patient looks for a local podiatrist, they need relief from chronic heel pain, need bunion relief, or are seeking a foot and ankle specialist. Other times, they are in need of a foot surgeon or a pediatric podiatrist. Our services are not one-size-fits-all. Meet our Granbury Podiatrists Richard Adams DPM , Payal Patel DPM, and Heath O. Jackson DPM are all family foot and ankle specialists based in Hood County, Texas. If you’re thinking to yourself, “I need a foot doctor”, or “I need help with my plantar fasciitis" then we are here to help. " Thank you [Dr Patel] for taking such great care of my wife, Tammy's feet! With her being diabetic , you do an awesome job. See you in a few weeks." -J "Took my daughter here to have an ingrown nail removed . The staff was amazing and took their time explaining everything. Dr. Jackson was very gentle and kind to her. Measha was also outstanding. Highly recommend visiting this office." - Cristin " Dr. Adams is a fantastic healthcare provider, tops in his field! His staff is wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone - and have." -George Award-Winning Foot Care Voted “ Best Podiatrist in Hood County ”. Dr. Richard Adams founded Family Foot Care in January, 1992 and has spent the last 30 years providing quality foot care to patients in North Texas - Specifically Fort Worth, Granbury, and Hood County. The practice has continued to grow over the last few years with the additions of Dr. Patel and Dr. Jackson both of whom have earned the trust of our patients. Sometimes it’s obvious that you need to seek help, but at other times it’s less clear. In reality, many symptoms — even those you can tolerate — may require professional attention to keep the underlying condition from worsening. If you're looking for the best foot care in Granbury, request an appointment with us today .