Preuss Podiatry offers heel pain treatment for plantar fasciitis in Louisville, KY and Floyds Knobs, IN, from stretching and custom orthotics to OssaTron shockwave therapy. Heel pain is one of the most common problems we treat, and most patients get relief without surgery.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis, occurs at the bottom of the heel and into the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia which is a thick band of tissue that attaches from the heel bone to the toes.
Signs of plantar fasciitis
- Sharp pain in the heel with your first steps in the morning
- Pain after sitting for a while, then getting up
- Pain that eases as you walk, then returns after a long day on your feet
- Tenderness on the bottom of the heel or along the arch
Common causes
Plantar fasciitis is often linked to flat feet or high arches, tight calf muscles, standing on hard floors for long hours, worn-out or unsupportive shoes, weight gain, and a sudden increase in running or walking. A heel spur may show on an x-ray, but the pain usually comes from the inflamed plantar fascia.
Heel pain treatment options
Treatments include stretching, icing, custom orthotics, supportive shoe gear, anti-inflammatories, and steroid injections. If chronic heel pain continues to persist after trying all conservative measures, the expert podiatrists at Preuss Podiatry offer a noninvasive treatment called OssaTron™ Shockwave Therapy.
OssaTron™ Shockwave Therapy
OssaTron™ Shockwave Therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for chronic heel pain. The OssaTron™ emits a series of high energy acoustic impulses to stimulate healing of the affected foot. Because this is a noninvasive procedure, patients are able to return to work or activity quickly. In many cases, this medical procedure is covered by Medicare insurance.
The expert podiatrists at Preuss Podiatry offer this treatment at their Floyds Knobs, IN office.
Shockwave therapy may be a good option if your heel pain has lasted months and has not improved with stretching, orthotics, shoe changes or injections, and you want to avoid surgery.
Simple steps you can take at home
- Stretch your calves and the bottom of your foot, especially before your first steps in the morning.
- Roll your arch over a frozen water bottle for a few minutes.
- Wear supportive shoes. Avoid going barefoot and wearing flat sandals.
- Replace worn-out athletic shoes.
If your heel still hurts after a few weeks, make an appointment. Heel pain that is treated early usually gets better faster.
Schedule an appointment
Contact Preuss Podiatry today to schedule an appointment and discuss this advanced technology! We have three offices in Louisville, KY and one in Floyds Knobs, IN.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plantar fasciitis take to go away?
Many patients improve within a few months with the right treatment. Pain that lasts longer may need custom orthotics, injections or shockwave therapy.
Is heel pain the same as a heel spur?
Not always. A heel spur can show on an x-ray, but the pain usually comes from the inflamed plantar fascia.
Is OssaTron shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
In many cases, it is covered by Medicare. Call our office to check your coverage.
Where can I get OssaTron treatment?
OssaTron shockwave therapy is offered at our Floyds Knobs, IN office.
