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Heel Pain Treatment

Comprehensive care for heel pain in Montville & Succasunna, NJ. Our board-certified podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of heel pain, helping you return to pain-free walking.

Board-Certified Specialists

Convenient Locations

Two Locations

Convenient Access 

Same or Next Day Appointments

Online Scheduling

Expert Care

Dr. Erato Giokas, DPM, MS

Board Certified

Understanding Heel Pain

What Is Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a common condition affecting approximately 10% of the population. The pain typically centers at the bottom or back of the heel and can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that interferes with daily activities. While often associated with athletes, heel pain affects people of all ages and activity levels.

 

Most patients report that heel pain is most intense with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, a characteristic symptom that helps our podiatrists with diagnosis.

How Heel Pain Develops

Most cases of heel pain develop gradually over time as a result of repetitive stress on the heel and surrounding structures. Factors such as improper footwear, sudden increases in activity, structural foot abnormalities, and aging can all contribute to the development of heel pain.

Without proper treatment, heel pain often worsens over time and can lead to chronic pain and compensatory issues that affect your ankles, knees, hips, and back.

Early intervention is key to successful treatment. Our podiatrists in Montville and Succasunna specialize in diagnosing the specific cause of your heel pain and developing personalized treatment plans that address both symptoms and underlying causes.

Impact on Daily Life

Untreated heel pain can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting your ability to walk, exercise, work, and enjoy daily activities. Many patients report that heel pain affects their mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, approximately 80% of heel pain cases improve significantly within 6-8 weeks. Our experienced podiatrists have helped thousands of patients return to pain-free walking.

Professional Treatment Benefits

Professional treatment for heel pain offers several advantages over self-care alone. Our podiatrists use advanced diagnostic techniques to identify the exact cause of your pain, allowing for targeted treatment that addresses the underlying condition rather than just managing symptoms.

We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, from conservative approaches like custom orthotics and physical therapy to advanced therapies for persistent cases. Our goal is to not only relieve your pain but prevent its recurrence.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Achilles Tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles Tendon

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It's common in runners who have suddenly increased their running intensity or duration, and in middle-aged people who play sports occasionally.

Plantar Fasciitis

Most Common Cause of Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes, becomes inflamed or develops small tears. This condition is often caused by repetitive strain on the fascia.

Heel Spurs

Calcium Deposits on the Heel Bone

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that cause a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. They often develop as a result of long-term muscle and ligament strain, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone.

Stress Fractures

Small Cracks in the Heel Bone

Stress fractures in the heel can develop gradually over time due to repetitive force, often from overuse — such as jumping up and down or running long distances. They can also occur with normal use of a bone that's been weakened by a condition such as osteoporosis.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Most Common Cause of Heel Pain

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, which runs along the inside of the ankle and foot, becomes compressed or squeezed. This compression can occur due to injury, flat feet, or diseases such as diabetes or arthritis that cause swelling.

Fat Pad Atrophy

Thinning of the Protective Fat Pad

The fat pad on the bottom of the heel acts as a natural cushion and shock absorber. As we age, this fat pad can gradually thin out (atrophy), reducing its ability to protect the heel bone and resulting in pain when walking or standing.

About Dr. Erato Giokas
Our Expert Podiatrist

Erato Giokas, DPM, MS is a board certified podiatrist at West Morris Foot and Ankle in Succasunna, NJ. She’s highly skilled in treating all foot and ankle pathologies with both surgical and conservative treatments.

Dr. Giokas graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey, with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering. She earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, graduating at the top of her class.

Education

Residency - Morristown Medical Center

Medical School - New York College of Podiatric Medicine

Graduate Studies - New Jersey Institute of Technology

Undergraduate Studies - New Jersey Institute of Technology

When to Seek Help for Heel Pain

Persistent Pain

Pain that lasts more than 1-2 weeks despite rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Activity Limitation

Pain that restricts your normal daily activities, work, or exercise.

Morning Pain

Severe pain with first steps in the morning that doesn't improve within a few minutes.

Pain After Injury

Heel pain that develops following a fall, impact, or specific injury.

Urgent Warning Signs

Seek immediate care if you experience any of these symptoms:

Severe pain and swelling that makes it impossible to bear weight

Tingling or numbness in addition to heel pain

Fever with heel pain and redness in the area

Our Treatment Approach

At our Montville and Succasunna offices, we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to treating heel pain. We focus on both immediate pain relief and addressing the underlying causes to prevent recurrence.

1

Thorough Diagnosis

Comprehensive evaluation to identify the specific cause of your heel pain

2

Customized Plan

Personalized treatment approach based on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals

3

Progressive Care

Treatment begins with conservative options, advancing only as needed

Custom Orthotics

Precisely fitted orthotic devices to correct biomechanical issues, provide support, and redistribute pressure away from painful areas. Our in-office technology ensures a perfect fit.

Night Splints

Special devices worn at night to maintain a gentle stretch of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, reducing morning pain and promoting healing.

Anti-inflammatory Measures

Targeted treatments to reduce inflammation, including medication recommendations, ice therapy protocols, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections.

End Your Heel Pain Today

Our podiatrists in Montville and Succasunna have helped thousands of patients overcome heel pain and return to their active lives.

Marathon Runners

Contact Info & Opening Hours

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SUCCASUNNA:

Tuesday: 9AM - 6PM

Wednesday: 9AM - 6PM

Friday: 9AM - 6PM

Saturday: *by request*

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MONTVILLE:

Monday: 9AM-5PM

Thursday: 9AM-5PM

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151 State Route 10 East

Suite #102

Succasunna, NJ 07876

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150 River Road, Unit C2, Montville, NJ 07045

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© 2024 by West Morris Foot And Ankle, LLC

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