Heel Spur & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Glendale, AZ
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a podiatrist — and for good reason. Whether caused by plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or a combination of both, persistent heel pain can make everyday activities like walking to the kitchen in the morning feel genuinely difficult. At Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists, our board-certified podiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of heel conditions, helping patients throughout Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria, and Sun City, AZ get back on their feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting more than 2 million Americans each year. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of the toes. When this tissue is subjected to excessive or repetitive stress, it develops microtears and becomes inflamed — a condition called plantar fasciitis.
The hallmark symptom is sharp, stabbing heel pain that is worst with the first few steps in the morning or after prolonged rest, and then often improves with continued movement. This “first step pain” occurs because the plantar fascia contracts during inactivity and is then suddenly stretched when you stand up. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis often becomes chronic and increasingly disabling.
What Are Heel Spurs?
A heel spur is a calcium deposit that forms a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. Heel spurs develop over months or years in response to prolonged strain on the plantar fascia and heel muscles. While commonly blamed for heel pain, heel spurs themselves are often painless — it is the surrounding inflamed tissue that causes discomfort. Up to 70% of people with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur, and many people with heel spurs have no pain at all. Accurate diagnosis helps determine the true source of your heel pain and the most effective treatment approach.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
- Sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest
- Heel pain that improves after a few minutes of walking but may return after prolonged activity
- Chronic aching or tenderness at the heel that worsens with barefoot walking
- Swelling or warmth near the heel
- Difficulty walking normally — limping to avoid putting pressure on the heel
- Pain that worsens after prolonged standing, particularly on hard surfaces
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis results from excessive mechanical stress on the plantar fascia. Risk factors and common causes include:
- Biomechanical factors: Flat feet or over-pronation and high arches both place abnormal tension on the plantar fascia
- Tight calf muscles: Reduced flexibility in the calf and Achilles tendon increases strain on the plantar fascia
- Sudden increase in activity: New exercise programs, sudden increases in mileage, or starting a new physically demanding job
- Prolonged standing: Occupations that require standing on hard surfaces for extended periods
- Inappropriate footwear: Worn-out shoes, flip flops, or shoes lacking arch support and heel cushioning
- Obesity: Excess body weight places greater mechanical load on the heel and plantar fascia
- Age: The plantar fascia loses flexibility and the heel’s fat pad thins with age, increasing risk
Heel Pain Treatment Options in Glendale, AZ
The great news is that plantar fasciitis responds well to conservative treatment in the vast majority of cases — with consistent care, over 90% of patients achieve full resolution without surgery. At Sole Foot & Ankle Specialists, our comprehensive treatment approach includes:
- Custom orthotics: Prescription orthotic inserts are among the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis — they support the arch, control pronation, cushion the heel, and reduce stress on the plantar fascia with every step
- Stretching and physical therapy: Targeted calf stretching, plantar fascia stretching, and intrinsic foot strengthening exercises to reduce tension and promote healing
- Night splints: Worn during sleep to keep the plantar fascia gently stretched overnight, dramatically reducing morning first-step pain
- Anti-inflammatory treatments: NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain during flare-ups
- Footwear modifications: Guidance on supportive footwear with adequate heel cushioning and arch support; temporary heel lifts may also provide relief
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: An advanced treatment using the patient’s own concentrated growth factors injected into the plantar fascia to stimulate tissue healing
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic wave energy to stimulate healing in chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to other treatments
- Surgical release: Reserved for severe, chronic cases unresponsive to all conservative treatments — see our Foot Surgery page
Frequently Asked Questions About Heel Spurs & Plantar Fasciitis
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
With proper treatment and consistent compliance, most patients with plantar fasciitis experience significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks. Full resolution typically takes 6 to 18 months. Patients who ignore or inadequately treat plantar fasciitis often develop chronic symptoms that take much longer to resolve. Starting treatment early, following your podiatrist’s recommendations consistently, and not returning to full activity too soon are the most important factors in a successful recovery.
Is my heel spur causing my pain, or is it the plantar fasciitis?
In most cases, the heel spur itself is not the primary source of pain — it’s the inflamed plantar fascia surrounding it. The treatment for both conditions is essentially the same, and addressing the plantar fasciitis inflammation typically resolves the pain associated with heel spurs as well. Our podiatrists use imaging and clinical examination to pinpoint the exact source of your heel pain and develop the most targeted treatment plan.
Can I continue to exercise with plantar fasciitis?
It depends on the activity and severity. High-impact activities like running on hard surfaces typically worsen plantar fasciitis and should be reduced or avoided during treatment. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking on softer surfaces are generally better tolerated. Our podiatrists will provide specific activity guidance based on your individual case, and custom orthotics can make many activities more comfortable during recovery.
What is the best first step I can take for heel pain?
The most impactful immediate steps are: switch to supportive footwear with good arch support and heel cushioning (avoid going barefoot or wearing flat shoes/flip flops), begin a calf and plantar fascia stretching routine, and schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional evaluation. The sooner you begin proper treatment, the faster and more completely plantar fasciitis typically resolves.
Do corticosteroid injections cure plantar fasciitis?
Corticosteroid injections provide significant temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation, but they do not address the underlying biomechanical causes of plantar fasciitis. They are typically used as part of a broader treatment plan alongside orthotics and physical therapy. Multiple injections into the plantar fascia are generally avoided as they can weaken the tissue and increase the risk of rupture over time.
Is plantar fasciitis the same as a plantar fascia tear?
No. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fascia from repetitive microstress, while a plantar fascia tear (or rupture) is a more acute, significant structural injury. Tears often cause sudden, severe heel pain following a specific incident. Both conditions require podiatric evaluation and treatment, but the management approaches differ significantly. Our podiatrists use physical examination and ultrasound imaging to distinguish between the two conditions.
What can I do at home to manage plantar fasciitis pain?
Effective home management includes: stretching the calf and plantar fascia morning and night (especially before taking the first steps after waking), rolling the foot over a frozen water bottle or lacrosse ball for gentle massage, applying ice to the heel after activity, wearing supportive footwear at all times (never barefoot), using a night splint to prevent fascial contraction overnight, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce mechanical load. These home strategies are most effective when combined with professional podiatric treatment.