Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints we see at New Orleans Podiatry Associates. It can be frustrating, disruptive, and sometimes downright debilitating. Whether it's plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or overuse injuries, heel pain requires a targeted and stepwise treatment approach—starting with conservative care and moving to more advanced options only if necessary.
Before we consider any advanced or invasive treatments, we focus on conservative therapies to relieve pain and promote healing:
Custom Orthotics: These specially made shoe inserts provide structural support, relieve pressure points, and improve alignment of the foot and ankle—especially helpful for patients with flat feet or high arches contributing to heel pain.
Functional Movement & Stretching: A proper stretching routine focusing on the plantar fascia, calf muscles, and Achilles tendon can make a significant difference. Incorporating functional movement exercises helps correct faulty biomechanics that often contribute to chronic pain.
Footwear Modification: Shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and a slight heel lift can drastically reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Avoid flip-flops, and worn-out sneakers.
Anti-inflammatory Diet: Limit sugar and carbohydrate intake to 100 grams per day while avoiding processed foods, seed oils, grains and legumes. Focus instead on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, and berries. The paleo diet is a great place to begin.
Step 2: Evidence-Based Therapies
If heel pain persists after several weeks or months of conservative care, we may consider advanced treatments that are well supported by clinical evidence but may not be covered by insurance:
Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT): This non-invasive treatment uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the plantar fascia. Studies have shown significant pain reduction and long-term improvement in function with RSWT in patients who have failed traditional therapies.
For patients who continue to experience pain despite conservative and advanced non-invasive treatments, we may recommend:
Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injections: These precisely delivered injections help reduce inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia. Ultrasound guidance ensures the medication is administered directly to the problem area, improving accuracy and outcomes while minimizing side effects.
When all else fails, Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that may be considered. EPF involves releasing a portion of the plantar fascia to relieve tension and allow healing. Compared to traditional open surgery, EPF has shorter recovery times and less postoperative discomfort, allowing patients to return to normal activities faster.
At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, our goal is to relieve your heel pain through a personalized care plan tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and medical needs. Dr. Lang brings decades of experience and a patient-first philosophy to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Call: 504-897-3627📱 Text: 504-897-3627🌐 Learn more: www.nolapodiatry.com/plantar-fasciitis
Let us help you walk comfortably again—step by step.
Meet Dr. Edward LangDr. Edward M. Lang is a native of New Orleans and a graduate of Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He has over 30 years of experience treating foot and ankle disorders and is known for his integrative approach. His philosophy blends evidence-based medicine with a focus on long-term foot health.
2626 Jena Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70115
Text: (504) 897-3627 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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Call Us: (504) 897-3627
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