Heel Pain Treatment in New Canaan, CT
What's Causing My Heel Pain?
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients come to New Canaan Podiatry, and the heel, the largest bone in your foot, takes the full weight of every step you take, so pain here can derail everyday life fast. Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause, but heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, stress fractures, and nerve or arthritic conditions can all be behind it too. Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, diagnoses the exact cause using in-office imaging and builds a treatment plan around it.
Call (203) 548-7688 or book online to get evaluated.
The Many Sources of Heel Pain
Heel pain isn’t one condition, it’s a symptom that can trace back to several different underlying causes, which is exactly why an accurate diagnosis matters more than guessing based on symptoms alone. The most common causes we see include:
- Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the ligament running along the bottom of the foot, and the single most common cause of heel pain
- Heel spurs, bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, often tied to plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis, inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel
- Bursitis, inflammation of the bursa at the back of the heel
- Stress fractures, tiny cracks in the heel bone from repetitive impact
- Peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage that produces burning, tingling, or stabbing pain
- Arthritis, including gout, which can cause sudden and severe heel pain
- Fibromyalgia and other systemic conditions
How We Diagnose and Treat It
Dr. Tauber examines the heel directly and may use digital X-rays or diagnostic ultrasound to pin down exactly what’s driving your pain. From there, treatment is matched to the diagnosis:
Rest and activity modification to reduce impact while things heal
Custom orthotics to correct biomechanical imbalances and take pressure off the heel
Stretching and physical therapy targeting the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
Night splints to maintain a gentle stretch overnight
Anti-inflammatory medication for pain and swelling
Corticosteroid injections for fast, targeted relief of severe inflammation
MLS Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing
EPAT Shockwave Therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis and heel spur pain that hasn't responded to more conservative options
Surgery, using minimally invasive techniques to release the plantar fascia or remove a heel spur when conservative care isn't enough
When It's Time to Stop Waiting It Out
A lot of people try to push through heel pain or manage it themselves with rest and ice. That’s a reasonable first step, but if it’s not working, it’s worth coming in. Schedule an evaluation if you’re dealing with:
- Heel pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Pain that's severe, or that shows up even when you're not standing
- Swelling, bruising, or a visible change around the heel
- Pain that keeps getting worse rather than better
- Heel pain paired with numbness or tingling
Your Questions, Answered
New Canaan Podiatry provides comprehensive heel pain diagnosis and treatment for patients in New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Wilton, and the surrounding Fairfield County communities.
Call (203) 548-7688 or request an appointment online.
Why does my heel hurt most first thing in the morning?
That’s the classic sign of plantar fasciitis. The fascia tightens overnight while you sleep, and your first steps in the morning force it to stretch suddenly, which is what causes that sharp pain. It usually eases up after a few minutes of walking once the tissue warms up.
What actually helps the fastest?
Start with rest, ice for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day, gentle calf and plantar fascia stretches, and supportive shoes worn consistently, even around the house. If pain sticks around, professional treatment, orthotics, injections, or laser therapy, tends to bring faster, more lasting relief than home care alone.
Will it just go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes do resolve with rest and basic home care. But if the underlying cause isn’t actually addressed, it tends to come back or get worse. Untreated plantar fasciitis in particular can turn into a chronic problem that drags on for months or years.
Are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis the same thing?
No, though they’re closely related. A heel spur is a bony growth that often forms as a response to the chronic tension of plantar fasciitis. Not every heel spur causes pain, and not every case of plantar fasciitis comes with a spur.
Should I stop exercising if my heel hurts?
High-impact activity like running or jumping is worth cutting back until you’ve been evaluated and treated. Lower-impact options like swimming or cycling are usually fine to keep up. Dr. Tauber will tell you what’s safe based on your specific diagnosis.
What shoes actually help?
Look for good arch support, cushioned heel padding, and a slight heel lift, all of which take stress off the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Skip flat, unsupportive shoes like flip-flops and ballet flats. Adding custom orthotics to supportive shoes gives you the most targeted relief.
Can I just get a cortisone shot for this?
Yes, and it can work well for rapid relief from severe plantar fasciitis pain. Dr. Tauber performs these in-office, sometimes with ultrasound guidance for extra precision, and typically pairs the injection with other treatments for the best overall result.
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Why Patients Choose New Canaan Podiatry
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to stay active and healthy, our team is here to help.