Heronwood Foot and Ankle Call

Heel pain treatment in Port St. Lucie

Heel pain that is worst on your first morning steps is a common reason to see a podiatrist. Here is how we find the cause and what we try first.

A person sits on the bed and holds one bare foot

What usually causes it

A doctor holds a tablet showing a foot x-ray

One of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis: irritation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Other causes include Achilles tendon problems, a stress fracture of the heel bone and an irritated nerve.

What happens at your visit

A clinician places therapy electrodes on a patient's ankle

The doctor asks when the pain started and what makes it worse, examines your foot and watches you walk. An X-ray in the office can rule out a fracture and show the shape of the heel bone.

What we try first

A man does a calf stretch on a waterfront promenade

Care usually starts simple:

  • stretching the calf and the bottom of the foot
  • supportive shoes, and less time barefoot on tile
  • a heel cup or an over-the-counter insert

If the pain hangs on, next steps can include a night splint, an injection or a custom orthotic. We check your coverage and talk through costs before each step.

Call sooner if your heel is swollen or bruised after a fall, if you cannot put weight on it, or if you have numbness or tingling in the foot.

Questions about heel pain and plantar fasciitis

Is a heel spur causing my pain?

Not always. Many people have a heel spur on an X-ray and no pain at all. The doctor looks at where your pain is and how it behaves, not only at the X-ray.

How long does plantar fasciitis take to get better?

It varies from person to person, and it can take months. The doctor checks your progress at follow-up visits and changes the plan if it is not working.

Reviewed by Dr. Rosalind Quenneville, DPM, October 7, 2026