We Provide Effective Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Other Common Causes of Heel Pain in North Seattle

If you've recently developed heel pain, you're probably wondering what's causing it—and what you can do about it. You're not alone; heel pain is one of the most frequent problems we treat at Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City in North Seattle. It's also one of the top reasons our active patients give for why they've stopped doing the things they love.

Fortunately, you don't have to let stubborn heel pain disrupt your lifestyle. Our expert podiatrist, Dr. Rion Berg, has 40 years of experience successfully helping patients of all ages resolve their heel pain using a holistic approach and a wide range of treatment options. Here's what you need to know.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot, is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The tissue, called the plantar fascia, starts at your heel, travels across your arches, and inserts into the base of your toes. If you have pain in your feet when they first hit the floor in the morning, plantar fasciitis is a likely cause. This condition is also characterized by pain that decreases as the foot warms up, but returns after standing or sitting for long periods of time.

Why Does Your Heel Hurt?

Factors that increase your risk for developing plantar fasciitis include:

Age, as this condition is most common in patients ages 40-60
Activities, like running, that subject the feet to high levels of impact
Poor foot mechanics, like flat feet and other factors that affect how weight is distributed
Equinus, a condition that limits the upward bending motion of the ankle joint, often due to tightness of the Achilles tendon or calf muscles
Excess weight and obesity, which puts extra stress on the plantar fascia, causing it to flatten painfully
Unsupportive shoes that easily bend in half or twist when you try to wring them out
Women are more at risk for this condition than men

At Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City, we'll work to help reduce your pain and inflammation; resolve calf tightness; address mechanical problems with over-the-counter inserts or custom orthotics; and teach you how to choose the right shoe for your feet. We can also refer you for physical therapy, if necessary.

Heel Pain Treatments in North Seattle

Treatment for heel pain varies depending on the particular condition. Here are some of the most common treatment options we use to resolve painful heel problems:

Modalities to Reduce Pain and Inflammation in Plantar Fasciitis

The first thing our office will do when you come in with heel pain is tackle your pain and inflammation. We use a variety of modalities including:

cortisone injections,
MLS laser therapy
low dye taping
self-taping
air heel

Learn more here!

Stretching to Relieve Tight Calf Muscles

Many patients with plantar fasciitis and heel pain also have tight calf muscles. Your calf muscle, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia are all connected. When the calf muscle and Achilles are too tight you'll pull too much on the plantar fascia when you walk or run, causing microtears and inflammation (plantar fasciitis). To relieve the tightness stretching is imperative.

Learn how to relieve your tight calf muscles here.

Custom Orthotics for Heel Pain

Abnormal foot mechanics is one of the biggest reasons people develop plantar fasciitis and heel pain. The best way to balance and support a foot that has an arch that is too flat or too high is through custom orthotics. Now we also have custom 3D printed orthotics. Learn more here about how custom orthotics are made and the conditions they treat.

MLS Laser Therapy

We now offer regenerative medicine to help reduce the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. MLS laser therapy is a cold laser that helps to speed your recovery by stimulating the bodies own healing process.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma is a form of regenerative medicine. It harnesses the body's ability to heal itself.

Buying Proper Footwear to Resolve Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most important things that you can do on your own to resolve your plantar fasciits is to purchase proper footwear. Sometimes a change in footwear is the only thing that needs to change in order to get rid of plantar fasciitis. To learn how to shop for shoes with plantar fasciitis, download my book, "How to Buy Shoes to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis."

Immobilization (use of a walking boot or similar)

Sometimes we need to completely prevent your feet from moving in order to put a stop to your inflammation. That's when we prescribe a walking boot.

Referrals to Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Some patients need additional help to reduce their inflammation and regain their strength. We refer to physical therapy for modalities like massage, additional stretching, and strength training.

Surgery

If conservative treatments prove insufficient, we can also discuss a variety of surgical options.

Heel Pain Information for Runners and Hikers in Seattle

Stopping Heel Pain in Runners

Because heel pain is common in runners, I wrote an eBook called "The Complete Guide to Stopping Heel Pain In Runners". It contains a whole host of information specific to runners.

Stopping Heel Pain in Hikers

If you're a hiker and prone to heel pain, you know how bad things can get when out on the trail. In addition to the remedies listed above, read the blog I wrote specifically for hikers on how to stop heel pain, called "The Definitive Guide for Stopping Heel Pain in Hikers".