Does heel pain make you dread getting out of bed in the morning? You’re not alone. Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care from a podiatrist—and it’s easy to understand why. Stabbing pain in your heel makes even simple activities like walking the dog or playing with your grandkids feel impossible. You’ve tried over-the-counter insoles, stretching exercises, and “waiting it out,” but nothing seems to provide lasting relief. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for help.
At the Foot, Ankle & Leg Center, our experienced Scottsdale podiatrist, Dr. David L. Richer, knows just how difficult living with heel pain can be—especially when it keeps you from enjoying your favorite Arizona activities. Whether you’re missing out on sunrise hikes at Pinnacle Peak or limiting your time on the golf course, our skilled podiatrist and staff are here to help you find effective solutions, not just temporary fixes.
Understanding the Importance of Early Treatment
Heel pain often starts gradually, which can make it easy to dismiss early warning signs. However delaying treatment can lead to wide-ranging consequences, such as:
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Chronic pain. Without proper professional intervention, you may begin walking differently. This can cause your body to develop compensation patterns that create additional ankle, knee, and back problems.
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Reduced activity levels. Many patients struggling with heel pain gradually give up the activities they love, from morning walks to tennis matches, leading to decreased fitness and quality of life.
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More intensive treatments. Early intervention typically allows for more conservative treatment options, while delayed care may require more aggressive approaches.
Common Sources of Heel Pain Among Active Adults
Numerous factors can contribute to heel pain, especially in communities as active as Scottsdale. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:
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Plantar fasciitis. This condition results in sharp morning pain that often improves with movement. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes.
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Achilles tendinitis. Frequently diagnosed among tennis players and hiking enthusiasts, this condition causes pain and stiffness along the back of the heel.
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Stress fractures. These tiny cracks on the surface of the heel bone typically develop due to repetitive impact and are particularly common among runners and golfers.
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Heel spurs. These are bony outgrowths on the bottom or back of the heel bone (calcaneus) that can cause the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon to degenerate and cause chronic pain.
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Plantar fascial tear. There might be small tears (microtears) in the plantar fascia from repetitive stress, or a partial tear of the plantar fascia, both of which can cause chronic pain.
Exploring Our Advanced Treatment Options for Lasting Relief for Heel Pain
At the Foot, Leg & Ankle Center, our Scottsdale podiatrist doesn’t force you to undergo the full range of conservative treatments before offering state-of-the-art treatments designed to address the root cause of your heel pain. Our treatment options include:
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Custom 3D-printed orthotics. Using state-of-the-art scanning technology, these precision-fitted devices realign the foot and ankle, provide optimal support and cushioning, and help prevent future injuries.
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MLS laser therapy. This innovative treatment harnesses the healing power of light energy to reduce inflammation and accelerate your body’s natural recovery process without medication or surgery. The FDA-cleared treatment is also fast, convenient, and painless.
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Zimmer radial pulse wave therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses mechanical energy to increase blood flow to the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon, triggering the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Taking the Path to Pain-Free Movement
At the Foot, Ankle & Leg Center, our treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the exact cause of your heel pain. When creating your personalized treatment plan, we consider your lifestyle, activity goals, and overall health, ensuring that your care plan is as effective as possible. Many patients experience significant improvement within just a few weeks of starting treatment.
Helping You Banish Heel Pain and Get Back to Your Active Lifestyle
Don’t let persistent heel pain keep you from experiencing all the activities Scottsdale has to offer. Whether you want to return to hiking Camelback Mountain, playing pickleball with friends, or simply walking comfortably through your neighborhood, we can help.
Don't let foot or ankle pain keep you from enjoying Arizona's active lifestyle. Conveniently schedule an appointment online, complete the contact form, or call (480) 629-5903 to schedule your visit with Dr. Richer.