Heel Spur & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Sacramento, CA
Heel pain can make the first steps of the morning feel unbearable. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are among the most common causes of heel pain, and both respond well to proper treatment. At Dennis Grandy, DPM, we create personalized care plans to relieve your heel pain and keep it from coming back. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule your evaluation.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes and supporting your arch. When this tissue becomes strained and inflamed, it causes plantar fasciitis, a stabbing pain near the heel that is often worst with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of sitting.
What Are Heel Spurs?
A heel spur is a bony growth that begins on the front of the heel bone and points toward the arch of the foot. Heel spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. In the past, treatment for heel spurs often included surgery to remove the growth. Today, surgery is rarely needed, and most patients improve with conservative care focused on reducing inflammation and supporting the foot.
Risk Factors
- Flat feet or high arches
- Running, long-distance walking, or standing for long periods
- Tight calf muscles or a tight Achilles tendon
- Unsupportive or worn-out shoes
- Excess body weight
Treatment for Heel Pain
Treatment plans may include rest, ice, stretching exercises, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, supportive footwear, and night splints. custom orthotics are one of the most effective tools for supporting the arch and reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Athletes with heel pain can also benefit from our sports medicine care to return to training safely.
Heel Pain FAQs
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, often due to overuse, poor foot mechanics, tight calf muscles, or unsupportive footwear.
Why does my heel hurt most in the morning?
The plantar fascia tightens overnight, so the first steps in the morning stretch the inflamed tissue and cause sharp pain.
Do heel spurs cause pain?
Heel spurs themselves are often painless. Pain usually comes from the inflammation of plantar fasciitis that frequently occurs alongside them.
Do I need surgery for a heel spur?
Surgery is rarely needed. Most patients improve with stretching, orthotics, medication, physical therapy, and supportive shoes.
Can custom orthotics help plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Custom orthotics support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Many patients improve within a few months of consistent treatment, though chronic cases may take longer.
When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?
See a podiatrist if heel pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens, or limits your daily activities.
Stop Living With Heel Pain
Relief from plantar fasciitis and heel spurs starts with an expert diagnosis. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule an appointment with Dennis Grandy, DPM.