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.
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.
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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