Heel Spurs Treatment in Miami

Heel pain? We can help. Our podiatric professionals provide comprehensive heel pain treatment and prevention services. Dr. Tuvel, Miami, FL’s leading heel pain doctor, has successfully treated hundreds of cases of plantar fasciitis in patients of all ages. Learn more about heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and our treatment procedures below, and give our office a call at (305) 279-2499 to schedule a consultation today!

Plantar Fasciitis: The Most Common Cause of Heel Pain

If you are feeling persistent and prolonged heel pain, chances are it’s due to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Many patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur on the front and bottom of their heel, but heel spurs themselves typically do not cause pain. The common name for heel pain is “heel spur” because it’s easier to pronounce than “plantar fasciitis” and doctors are able to point to the spur on an x-ray, but generally it’s not the spur that creates the pain. Causes of plantar fasciitis and subsequent heel pain include inadequate flexibility in the calf muscles, lack of arch support, being overweight, suddenly increasing activity, and spending too much time on the feet.

Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

To properly diagnose plantar fasciitis, our podiatric specialists will first take a survey of a patient’s medical history. We will then proceed to learn more about your specific pain. Most often the heel pain is worse in the morning upon rising, then easies up as the day goes on. At our office, Dr. Tuvel will perform a detailed examination, take an x-ray, and perform an ultrasound, if needed. Once a proper diagnosis has been reached, he will consider a variety of treatment options for heel pain treatment.

Heel Pain Treatment

Here at the office of Dr. Barry Tuvel, we offer several heel pain treatment options designed to alleviate heel pain and treat its source. Read on to learn more about our heel pain treatment options.

Ultrasound Guided Injection: Identifying the exact location of a patient’s heel pain is essential to successful treatment of plantar fasciitis. With musculoskeletal ultrasound, we can locate the precise location where the injectable medication needs to be administered. Often, just 1 or 2 injections usually will plantar fascial pain. Prior to the heel injection, a nerve block with local anesthesia is administered to relieve any discomfort during the procedure.

Orthotic Therapy: Relieving the biomechanical cause of plantar fasciitis is important for long term relief. Often, orthotics are needed to facilitate proper foot biomechanics. An impression of the foot is taken and specific measurement and instructions are given to the orthotic laboratory for fabrication. The orthotics usually take 2-3 weeks to be ready for a fitting.

Night Splints: Night splints are devices are worn at night in the attempt to stretch the plantar fascia. Once the plantar fascia is stretched, heel pressure is relieved, which in turn reduces heel pain.

Anti-Inflammatory: In the acute period of heel pain, the plantar fascia and heel bone (calcaneus) are inflamed. Anti-inflammatory medication such as Naproxen or one of new the combination medications such as Vimovo are utilized as an adjunct treatment for immediate pain relief, but once the medication is stopped, the pain often returns. We commonly use anti-inflammatory treatment in tandem with one of our other heel pain treatment options.

Surgery: Surgery is the last step in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. In our practice, only 1 in 100 patients will need surgical intervention for heel pain. Surgery may be performed through an endoscope or a traditional open procedure, depending on the surgeon’s preference.

Generally, plantar fasciitis is a highly treatable condition with conservative care. As the region’s premier heel pain doctor, Dr, Tuvel will give you a specialized treatment and prevention plan designed to cure your plantar fasciitis and heel pain and give the resources to stay pain-free going forward. To learn and schedule a consultation, contact our office at (305) 279-2499 today!