Thousand Oaks Heel & Arch Disorders

Treatment for Heel Spurs, Plantar Fasciitis & More in Newbury Park

Are you experiencing pain in your heel or arches? The experienced podiatrists at Performance Foot and Ankle can help. We provide comprehensive care and treatment for heel and arch disorders. The most common causes of pain in these areas are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, but it can also be caused by arthritis, tendinitis, infections, and other conditions. We have state-of-the-art x-ray and ultrasound equipment that can provide us with more insight on what’s causing your pain so that we plan appropriate treatment.

Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a buildup of calcium that creates a bony protrusion on the heel. Heel spurs are not always painful, but even mild ones can be a contributing factor in the development of plantar fasciitis. When heel spurs are painful, they usually cause the most discomfort when walking, jogging, or running.

A heel spur looks like a small fang growing on the bottom of your heel. It can feel like a pin is sticking in the bottom of your foot when you stand on it. Pain may fade the longer you stand on it but will reoccur when you stand after a prolonged period of sitting.

If you experience heel pain that lasts for longer than a month, you should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. There are many noninvasive treatments for heel spurs, including stretching exercises, physical therapy, and orthotic devices. In very rare cases, a patient may require surgery to remove the spur.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation that occurs along the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a long, bow-shaped ligament that runs along the length of the foot from heel to toe. Pain from plantar fasciitis typically occurs at the bottom of the heel.

Plantar fasciitis can often be treated with orthotics, physical therapy, and other noninvasive treatments. More thorough treatments, such as injections and surgery, may be necessary if the more conservative treatments fail to produce results.