Heel Pain Specialist in Scottsdale, AZ

Our experienced podiatrists understand that persistent heel discomfort can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. Here are some common causes and conditions we frequently diagnose and treat at our practice:

• Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is among the most frequent heel pain conditions we see at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick, fibrous tissue running along the bottom of your foot. Patients typically experience sharp pain, especially noticeable with their first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.

• Achilles Tendinitis
Many Arizona residents lead active lifestyles, and Achilles tendinitis is commonly seen in patients who engage in repetitive physical activities or wear improper footwear. This condition involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, causing discomfort and stiffness along the tendon and lower leg.

• Heel Spurs
Heel spurs—small bony growths on the underside of the heel bone—are another common concern among our patients. Although heel spurs themselves may not always cause pain, they frequently accompany plantar fasciitis, making the pain worse.

• Stress Fractures
We frequently treat patients experiencing stress fractures—small cracks in the heel bone caused by repetitive stress or excessive physical activity. Symptoms typically include gradually increasing pain worsened by weight-bearing activities. Early intervention by our podiatrists, including immobilization and activity modification, can help prevent further injury and promote rapid healing.

• Arthritis and Bursitis
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and bursitis—an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints and tendons—can also result in heel pain due to inflammation around the joints and soft tissues.

• Lifestyle Factors
Additionally, our physicians emphasize the importance of properly fitted footwear, weight management, and regular foot care routines to minimize heel pain. Factors such as obesity, prolonged standing, or insufficient foot support can significantly contribute to discomfort. Our podiatrists offer personalized guidance and preventive strategies to help you maintain optimal foot and ankle health.

Heel pain is one of the most common conditions we treat at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, and fortunately, most cases respond very well to conservative, non-surgical treatments. Our experienced foot and ankle specialists will thoroughly evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

One of the initial approaches we recommend involves rest and limiting activities that worsen your heel pain. Reducing prolonged standing, walking, or running can significantly help decrease inflammation and discomfort, allowing your feet time to heal.

Applying ice packs or cold compresses to your heel for 15 to 20 minutes several times per day can help relieve pain and swelling. Additionally, our specialists may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to further reduce inflammation and discomfort.

We understand the importance of proper footwear in managing heel pain. Wearing supportive shoes with appropriate arch support and cushioning can significantly reduce stress on your feet, helping alleviate symptoms. Our physicians can also provide custom orthotic devices, specialty insoles, or heel pads tailored specifically to your foot structure, offering additional comfort and relief.

Our practice also emphasizes physical therapy exercises and stretches to treat heel pain effectively. We will guide you through targeted stretching routines for your calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia, which can help loosen tight tissues and enhance flexibility. In addition, strengthening exercises to improve foot and ankle stability may be included as a part of your personalized rehabilitation program.

If excess weight is contributing to your heel pain, our providers will counsel you on weight management strategies. Losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly decrease stress on your feet, reducing inflammation and pain.

Heel pain is one of the most common conditions we see at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians. Patients frequently come to us experiencing discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, or overuse injuries. Many of our patients wonder whether it’s safe to continue exercising or maintain their regular physical activity routines while dealing with heel pain.

We understand how important an active lifestyle is to our patients. Generally speaking, it’s essential to approach exercise cautiously if you’re experiencing heel pain. Continuing your usual activities without proper precautions or adjustments can increase symptoms, prolong recovery time, or even lead to additional complications. However, complete inactivity typically isn’t necessary and can sometimes slow down the healing process. Our specialists recommend a balanced approach that allows you to remain active while protecting your feet and ankles.

We encourage our patients to modify their exercise routines by reducing intensity or duration and choosing low-impact activities that put less stress on the heel. Exercises such as swimming, cycling, or gentle stretching can allow you to maintain fitness without aggravating your symptoms. We also emphasize the importance of proper, supportive footwear that provides cushioning, arch support, and heel stability. Additionally, incorporating regular stretching exercises—especially focusing on the calf muscles and plantar fascia—can significantly reduce tension, improve flexibility, and ease heel pain over time.

Heel pain is a common issue treated, and while it can often be managed initially at home with rest and conservative treatments, certain situations require professional evaluation from a foot and ankle specialist.

If your heel pain continues despite rest and at-home care for more than two to three weeks, we recommend scheduling a consultation at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians. Additionally, if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or interfering with your daily activities, our physicians can provide expert diagnosis and customized care to help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

It is especially important to seek prompt evaluation from our foot and ankle specialists if you notice swelling, redness, warmth, numbness, or tingling sensations accompanying your heel pain. These signs could indicate inflammation, infection, or nerve involvement, conditions that require professional assessment and targeted treatment strategies.

Furthermore, if you find it difficult to walk, stand, or bear weight on your affected foot, or if the pain occurs suddenly following an injury or trauma, immediate medical attention at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians is essential. Early diagnosis and intervention by our experienced podiatrists can prevent complications and support effective healing.

Individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, or autoimmune disorders should be particularly vigilant. Our dedicated team understands how these conditions can complicate foot health, and we encourage patients with these conditions to seek prompt medical advice when experiencing heel pain.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, our goal is to accurately diagnose the root cause of your heel pain and offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to your specific condition and ultimately help you achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11390 E. Via Linda, Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. We serve patients from Scottsdale AZ, Fountain Hills AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Carefree AZ, Rio Verde AZ, and surrounding areas.