HEEL PAIN & PLANTARFASCIITIS 

 What are the typical causes of heel pain?

There are several common causes of chronic heel pain.  They are: inflammation of the plantar fascia (plantarfasciitis), stress fracture of the heel bone, Achilles tendonitis, nerve compression,  and inflammation of the small muscles of the foot. Often there are combinations of these areas involved.  The exact cause for each person needs to be evaluated by a specialist.  The specific cause of heel in each case determines the type of treatment regimen and the prognosis.

What can be done about chronic heel pain?

The initial treatment of chronic heel pain by Dr. Lee may include a combination of stretching exercises, oral anti-inflammatories, arch taping, custom arch supports (orthotics), night splints, and injections. 

If after a consistent attempt at these treatments a new "no incision" procedure called E.S.W.T. can be performed.  E.S.W.T. is the alternative to incisional surgery based on the technology used in non-invasive kidney stone removal.  This 15 minute procedure allows patients to return to work almost immediately, has no incision to heal, and allows walking in regular shoes immediately.  E.S.W.T. replaces most of the necessity for "Endoscopic Plantarfasciotomy" (EPF) or Bone Spur Surgery.  For more information on this new and exciting treatment for heel pain click on the the link to Dr. Lee's HEEL PAIN PAGE

I had a friend who had a shot for his heel pain. He said it was extremely painful. Is that true and why? 

It is true that most people experience exceptional discomfort while receiving an injection in the heel.  The main cause of this is due to pushing in the medicine too quickly (pressure).  If the injection is done slowly to allow the pressure in the heel area to dissipate while injecting the amount of pain caused by the shot is decreased by almost 95% .  If the doctor is giving you the injection very slowing (over 3-5 minutes) then he is doing a great job because you won't have much discomfort! 

Some clinicians contend that the cause of pain is due to the acidity of the medication, however, in my experience I have found the contribution of acidity to pain to be virtually none.  

 I have sore feet and arches.  Do those arch supports or inserts on TV or in the stores really work?

Sometimes. The Over-the-counter pre-made arch supports are designed as a "one size fits fits all" type device so that they can mass produce them for the public.  In minor conditions where the problem is only mild these devices can be effective.  However, if they do not solve the pain or problem within a few weeks they probably won't work.  

The design of these products vary from company to company and sometimes offered with certain gimmicks or "magic" designs. Don't fall for these as a reason to get a better product.  One may spend anywhere from $25 to $300 for these pre-made devices. 

My advice:

- Do not to pay more than $50 for them.  They aren't worth much more than that.  

- If they don't work the first time, don't go out and try a different one potentially wasting your hard earned money. Rather, see a Podiatrist and have a professional opinion rendered.  Often times a custom support (orthotic) needs to be made and most insurances cover them. If you don't have insurance the cost of custom orthotics are between $350 and $500.

I have several pairs of those custom orthotics and they've never worked. Why not?

The effectiveness of an orthotic device depends on three issues: 1. How were they measured and casted for the initial molding.   2. The design of the device including special adjustments and materials.  3. Patient education on the use of the device during the first 2 months.

I heard from my friend that shots in the foot are painful. Is that true?

Unfortunately most doctors cause severe pain with injections to the foot. This just doesn't have to be. Dr. Lee has perfected a technique that is virtually painless. REALLY!  Combined with a gentle touch and a cold spray that numbs the skin thousands of patients have testified that his injections are remarkably painless.

Return to top of page