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Heel Pain

COACHELLA VALLEY FOOT AND ANKLE INSTITUTE, LP

Board Certified Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon & Podiatry located in Palm Desert, CA & Indio, CA

When you have chronic heel pain, every step you take can feel like agonizing stabbing pains are shooting through your foot. Before your heel pain starts keeping you from work or the things you enjoy, see how board-certified podiatrist, Ben Wehrli, DPM of Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute can help. He provides personalized heel pain treatment plans right in this Rancho Mirage, California-based podiatry clinic. Book your exam through the online scheduling feature, or call the office directly.

Heel Pain Q & A

What are the causes of heel pain?

Your heel bone is incredibly durable. After all, it’s the largest bone of the foot, and it typically hits the ground first with each step you take. But injuries and wear-and-tear can take a toll on your heel bones. If you have heel pain, it could be a sign of:

  • Arthritis
  • Heel spurs
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Stress fracture
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Peripheral neuropathy


Heel pain is even sometimes caused by inflammation of the protective bursa between joints, a condition known as bursitis.

When should I see a doctor for heel pain?

Since it’s so difficult to stay off your feet to give your heels time to recover, it’s generally recommended to schedule a heel pain evaluation at Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk worsening your condition with each step you take. The dedicated podiatry team encourages you to come in if your heel pain is:

  • Continuing to worsen or not improving
  • Preventing you from going to work
  • Keeping you from exercise or hobbies


It’s also important to get to the root of your heel pain if it’s associated with burning, tingling, or numbness. These are all signs of potential injuries or conditions that require medical treatment right away.

How is heel pain treated?

At Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute, your dedicated podiatrist talks with you about the symptoms you’re experiencing and how your heel pain is impacting your life. After performing a physical examination and looking at any necessary imaging, like X-rays, they design your treatment plan, which can include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Physical therapy
  • Custom orthotics
  • Night splints


As a last resort, if conservative therapies aren’t enough, your podiatrist might recommend surgery to make essential repairs. With a team of board-certified podiatrists available at Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute, you can feel confident that your heel surgery is going to provide effective relief, with modern minimally invasive techniques.

Before living another day with heel pain, book an evaluation at Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute. You can schedule your appointment online or over the phone.