What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that originates at the heel bone (calcaneus) and extends to the base of the toes, providing essential arch support with every step. Plantar fasciitis — inflammation of this structure is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting millions of Americans each year.

The most telling sign of plantar fasciitis is intense heel pain during your first few steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Pain typically concentrates at the bottom of the heel where the fascia attaches to the bone. If addressed early with rest, targeted stretching, and conservative care, many patients recover fully. However, when symptoms persist, a stepped-care approach is recommended:

• Conservative treatment: Rest, stretching protocols, and supportive footwear

• Intermediate treatment: Corticosteroid injections and physical therapy coordination

• Advanced treatment: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or endoscopic plantar fasciotomy — a minimally invasive surgical option available at The Foot & Ankle Group

As we age, cumulative wear on the foot's supportive structures can accelerate arch collapse, making early intervention and biomechanical correction essential for long-term foot health.

Custom Orthotics for Heel Pain Relief

Just as corrective lenses compensate for vision imbalances, custom orthotics are designed to correct the abnormal foot mechanics that cause heel pain to develop and keep coming back. At The Foot & Ankle Group, we use a state-of-the-art 4D scanning system powered by Footscan® software, which captures dynamic gait analysis and volumetric foot data to engineer a precision orthotic device tailored to your specific condition.

Our 3D-printed custom orthotics are used to treat plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, flat feet, and a range of biomechanical imbalances affecting patients of all ages across Mount Laurel, Columbus, Bordentown, and Philadelphia. Orthotics are available in sports performance, diabetic accommodative, pediatric, and post-surgical supportive designs.

When Heel Pain Has a Nerve Cause

Not all heel pain originates from the plantar fascia. Nerve-related conditions are a frequently overlooked source of chronic heel and arch pain and require specialized expertise to diagnose and treat correctly.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, for example, occurs when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel on the inner side of the ankle, producing burning, radiating, or tingling pain that travels into the heel and arch. Similarly, Baxter's nerve entrapment — compression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve is a specific nerve condition that can mimic plantar fasciitis entirely.

Dr. Michael Miller, DPM, is the only fellowship-trained nerve surgeon in the Philadelphia and South Jersey region with membership in the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons (AENS). His expertise includes nerve decompression surgery, tarsal tunnel release, and complex regional pain syndrome management, making The Foot & Ankle Group a regional referral destination for patients whose heel pain has not responded to standard treatments elsewhere.

Other Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. A thorough podiatric evaluation is essential because other conditions, including the following can present with similar symptoms:

• Heel spurs — Bony calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone

• Calcaneal stress fractures — Hairline fractures from repetitive impact, common in athletes

• Plantar fascia rupture — A complete tear of the fascia requiring urgent care

• Calcaneal fractures — Traumatic heel bone fractures requiring immediate treatment

• Medial calcaneal neuritis — Nerve inflammation along the inner heel

• Benign tumors and skin lesions — Soft tissue growths that can create pressure-related pain

If you are experiencing heel pain whether sharp, burning, aching, or throbbing, do not wait for it to worsen. The podiatrists at The Foot & Ankle Group serve patients across Mount Laurel, Columbus, Bordentown NJ, and the Roosevelt Blvd Philadelphia corridor. Request an appointment today for a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heel Pain

What causes heel pain?

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. Other causes include heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Baxter's nerve entrapment, calcaneal stress fractures, and Achilles tendon problems.

When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?

You should see a podiatrist if your heel pain has lasted more than two weeks, is severe enough to affect your daily activity, causes pain with your first steps in the morning, or has not improved with rest and over-the-counter treatments.

What does a podiatrist do for heel pain?

A podiatrist will perform a physical examination, review your gait and foot mechanics, and may order imaging (X-ray or MRI) to determine the exact cause. Treatment options range from stretching programs and custom orthotics to injections, PRP therapy, and minimally invasive surgery if needed.

How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis or a heel spur?

Both conditions can feel very similar. Plantar fasciitis causes pain at the bottom of the heel due to fascia inflammation. A heel spur is a bony calcium growth on the heel bone — often found alongside plantar fasciitis. An X-ray from your podiatrist can confirm whether a heel spur is present.

Can heel pain go away on its own?

Mild heel pain sometimes resolves with rest. However, chronic or recurring heel pain rarely resolves without addressing the underlying biomechanical cause. Early treatment prevents progression to a more serious, harder-to-treat condition.

Does The Foot & Ankle Group accept Medicare for heel pain treatment?

Yes. The Foot & Ankle Group accepts Medicare and treats patients 65+ for routine and complex podiatric conditions, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, nerve-related heel pain, and diabetic foot concerns.