Every Step Shouldn’t Be a Struggle
Heel Pain Treatment in White Bear Lake, MN
Heel pain can stop you in your tracks. Whether it hits first thing in the morning or builds throughout the day, you don’t have to keep living around it. Our podiatrists diagnose the cause and get you on a treatment plan that works.
Call 651-426-3995 to Schedule
What’s Causing Your Heel Pain?
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist, and it can come from several different sources. Understanding what’s behind your pain is the first step toward fixing it.
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot from heel to toes. When it becomes inflamed, you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, usually worst with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Flat feet, high arches, tight calf muscles, and spending long hours on your feet all increase your risk.
Achilles Tendinitis
Pain at the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon connects to the bone. It often starts as a mild ache after activity and can worsen over time if left untreated. Common in runners and people who suddenly increase their activity level.
Heel Spurs
A bony growth on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with long-term plantar fasciitis. Not all heel spurs cause pain, but when they do, the discomfort tends to be a deep, aching sensation. X-rays can confirm whether a spur is present.
Other Causes
Stress fractures, nerve entrapment (Baxter’s neuritis), bursitis, and arthritis can also cause heel pain. In younger patients, Sever’s disease is a common growth-related source of heel pain. Because the causes overlap in symptoms, a proper diagnosis matters. Treating the wrong condition wastes time and can make things worse.
When to See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain
Some heel pain resolves on its own with rest and a change of shoes. But if any of the following apply, it’s time to get it looked at:
- Pain lasting more than two weeks
- Pain that’s getting worse, not better
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel
- Numbness or tingling in your foot
- Pain limiting your ability to walk or work
- Diabetes or circulation problems
The longer heel pain goes untreated, the harder it can be to resolve. What starts as occasional morning stiffness can turn into chronic pain that changes how you walk, which leads to knee, hip, or back problems over time. If you’re not sure whether your heel pain needs a podiatrist, call us. We’ll tell you straight.
How We Treat Heel Pain
Treatment starts with figuring out exactly what’s going on. Your podiatrist will examine your foot, ask about your symptoms and daily routine, and order imaging if needed. From there, we build a plan based on what we find and what makes sense for your life.
Conservative Care
Most heel pain responds well to nonsurgical treatment. This typically includes targeted stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and calf muscles, icing protocols, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medication. We’ll also evaluate your footwear and recommend changes if your shoes are contributing to the problem.
Custom Orthotics
For patients with structural issues like flat feet or high arches, custom-molded orthotics can redistribute pressure and support the arch in a way that off-the-shelf insoles cannot. We cast, fit, and dispense orthotics in our clinic.
Injections and Advanced Therapies
When conservative measures aren’t enough, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide relief. We also offer Topaz and Tenex procedures for chronic tendon conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Surgery
The vast majority of heel pain patients never need surgery. But for severe cases that don’t improve after months of conservative treatment, surgical options like endoscopic plantar fasciotomy can provide lasting relief. Our podiatrists perform these procedures at outpatient surgery centers with minimal downtime.
Your Heel Pain Specialists
Meet Your Podiatrists
Dr. Christopher Phillips
Dr. Phillips was born and raised in White Bear Lake. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from St. Olaf College, then his DPM degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine). He completed a three-year surgical residency at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Phillips returned to Minnesota in 2014 and has led White Bear Foot & Ankle Clinic since. He sees patients at both our White Bear Lake and Sandstone locations.
Dr. Melanie Johnson
Dr. Johnson is originally from Youngstown, Ohio. She attended John Carroll University, majoring in Biology and English, then earned her DPM degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. She completed a three-year surgical residency at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, followed by an additional year of training in infectious disease and wound care. Dr. Johnson moved to Minnesota in 2016.
Dr. Ross Nelson
Dr. Nelson earned his DPM degree from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at Deaconess Hospital System in St. Louis, Missouri. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and holds appointments at United Hospital, St. John’s Hospital, Maplewood Surgery Center, Woodwinds Hospital, and Lakeview Hospital.
Dr. Corey Valentine
Dr. Valentine graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. His professional interests include bunionectomies, hammer toe correction, soft tissue mass removals, endoscopic plantar fasciotomies, fracture care, and nail procedures.
Dr. Veasna Srey
Dr. Srey earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and his DPM degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine). He completed his residency training at Westchester General Hospital in Miami and Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Dr. Srey served 20 years as an active-duty podiatrist in the US Army and is board certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Don’t let heel pain keep you on the sidelines.
Most insurance accepted, or we can discuss payment options. Call today.
Common Questions About Heel Pain
Is heel pain a sign of something serious?
Usually not. Most heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis or tendon inflammation, both of which respond well to treatment. However, persistent heel pain can occasionally point to a stress fracture, nerve condition, or other issue that needs attention. A proper exam rules out anything serious and gets you on the right track.
How long does heel pain take to heal?
With consistent treatment, most patients see significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks. Some cases resolve faster, especially when caught early. Chronic heel pain that has been present for months may take longer. The key is following through with the treatment plan and not pushing through the pain.
Can I still exercise with heel pain?
It depends on the cause and severity. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling are usually fine. High-impact activities like running may need to be paused or modified during recovery. Your podiatrist will give you specific guidance based on your diagnosis so you can stay active without making things worse.
Do I need surgery for plantar fasciitis?
Very rarely. The vast majority of plantar fasciitis cases resolve with conservative treatment: stretching, orthotics, icing, and sometimes an injection. Surgery is only considered after several months of nonsurgical treatment with no improvement. When it is needed, procedures like endoscopic plantar fasciotomy are minimally invasive with a relatively quick recovery.
What’s the difference between plantar fasciitis and a heel spur?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot. A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone that sometimes develops as a result of long-term plantar fasciitis. They often occur together, but not always. Many people have heel spurs with no pain, and many have plantar fasciitis without a spur. Treatment targets the inflammation, not the spur itself.
Does insurance cover heel pain treatment?
Yes, most insurance plans cover podiatric care for heel pain, including office visits, imaging, orthotics, and surgery when medically necessary. We accept most major insurance providers. If you’re unsure about your coverage, call us at 651-426-3995 and our front desk team will verify your benefits before your appointment.
Patient Stories
Hear what our patients have to say!
“Every single person I have encountered from this facility is amazing. Dr. Phillips is the definition of going above and beyond — professional, available for questions, and truly puts his patient first.”
— Katie Cunningham
“I had ingrown toenail issues for over a year because I was so nervous about going to the foot doctor. Dr. Phillips was so professional and personable. He explained everything, and I didn’t feel a thing.”
— Desirae Davidson
“Dr. Phillips and his staff were extremely helpful in getting our daughter seen right away after she injured her foot. He quickly identified her injury and put a plan in place. We were put at ease knowing she was in good care.”
— Sarah T.
“I work on my feet for 8-hour days. When both of my feet started giving me pain, Dr. Phillips took the time to listen to my concerns knowing how important it was to keep me going. I would recommend him to anyone.”
— Matt Rivard
“Fast and friendly service, great treatment results and can get in any time I need to. They take care of all my foot and ankle problems.”
— James, White Bear Lake
“Dr. Phillips has always been very honest and compassionate. When my foot was re-injured, he made it a priority to check my x-ray as soon as he was out of surgery and called me immediately.”
— Robin, Forest Lake
“I’ve been going here for a few years now and have consistently received excellent care. Dr. Phillips thoroughly explains the problem as well as the treatment options. He goes above and beyond.”
— Vivian O’Dell
“Dr. Phillips did a great job working with my son. He explained what was going on and gave recommendations in detail. Overall fantastic experience — office staff was wonderful. Recommend the whole practice.”
— Freya Landesman
“Absolute best podiatrist I have ever seen! All the staff are wonderful. So friendly and nice.”
— Bart Ziebarth
“Dr. Phillips was knowledgeable, kind and personable. Office was clean, modern and welcoming. Highly recommend.”
— Paul Spencer
Award-Winning Care
Recognized as Best Orthopedic Clinic in the Quad Community, and Best Orthopedic Doctor in both the Quad Community and The Citizen (Hugo)
Thank you to our wonderful community for your continued support!