With advanced, minimally invasive treatment options and decades of combined experience, Dr. Haupt and his team help patients throughout Newport Beach and Orange County move without pain again. From plantar fasciitis to Achilles tendonitis, Newport Foot & Ankle Center provides expert diagnosis and cutting-edge treatment options to help patients with heel pain in Newport Beach move without pain again.
HEEL PAIN
Newport Beach
What Is Heel Pain?
Heel pain is discomfort that develops in or around the heel bone, the largest bone in the foot, and it can range from a mild ache to pain so severe it disrupts everyday movement. It’s most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the fibrous tissue running along the bottom of the foot, or Achilles tendonitis, which affects the tendon at the back of the heel. Athletes and active individuals dealing with heel pain in Newport Beach often notice symptoms flare up after running, jumping, or extended periods on their feet, though improper footwear and lack of arch support can also contribute. Left untreated, heel pain can worsen over time and lead to compensatory gait changes that place stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. Identifying the underlying cause early is key to choosing the right treatment and getting back to pain-free movement.
What Causes Heel Pain?
There are a variety of conditions affecting the feet that can result in heel pain in Newport Beach. Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis are two of the most common.
- Plantar Fasciitis: A band of fibrous tissue, called fascia, runs along the bottom part of the foot, called the plantar surface – from the heel up to the ball of the foot. When the fascia is inflamed, it results in a condition called plantar fasciitis. Common among athletes who play sports in which a lot of running or jumping occurs, plantar fasciitis can be extremely painful. The inflammation and pain, which is typically in the bottom of the heel, can be worsened by wearing shoes that don’t have proper arch support.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Unlike plantar fasciitis, where the heel pain is at the bottom of the foot, pain associated with Achilles Tendonitis is in the back of the heel. This condition features inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which runs down from the backside of the ankle and attaches to the heel bone. Achilles Tendonitis can affect those who walk or run a lot, as well as people who are prone to tendon tightness.
Contact us to find out more about heel pain in Newport Beach.
What Are The Different Heel Pain Treatment Options?
The Topaz Procedure:
The goal of the minimally invasive Topaz procedure (medically referred to as percutaneous radiofrequency microdebridement) is to effectively address plantar fasciitis through the removal of diseased tissue and the promotion of healing cells directly into the inflamed fascia of the affected heel. This procedure is expertly performed by Dr. Haupt in the operating room and involves making a minimal incision (only about an inch long) on the plantar heel to remove pieces of built-up scar tissue. As the removal of the small pieces of damaged tissue occurs, radiofrequency energy is guided into the area to vascularize the fascia and promote healing. A significant benefit of this Newport Beach heel pain procedure is that it quickly and precisely addresses and removes the affected tissue, with less disruption of the surrounding tissue of the heel and the remainder of the foot.
The Tenex Procedure:
The Tenex procedure is also minimally invasive and is specifically designed to identify and then remove painful scar tissue from tendons. Tenex is useful in the surgical treatment of both plantar fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis. The procedure itself is performed expertly by Dr. Haupt under only local anesthetic to the affected area of the heel. The tip of the device used in this procedure is about the same circumference as that of a toothpick and is inserted into the heel area via guided ultrasound. The embedded device emits ultrasonic energy designed to break apart scar tissue, which is then suctioned and removed. The procedure r minutes to complete, and the small opening in the heel does not require stitches, only a small adhesive bandage.
The MLS Laser:
MLS Laser, short for Multiwave Locked System, is a safe, effective medical treatment used for heel pain in Newport Beach. It uses wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and stimulate repair to the tissue found in your foot and ankle. The laser beam triggers a series of biochemical reactions within the tissue, which promotes healing. MLS laser therapy can be used to treat conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and arthritis.
Heel Pain FAQs
When Should I See A Podiatrist For Heel Pain?
If your heel pain persists for more than a few days, worsens over time, or interferes with your daily activities, it is time to see a specialist. Left untreated, heel pain can lead to compensatory issues affecting your gait, knees, and lower back.
Can Heel Pain Go Away On Its Own?
Mild heel pain caused by overuse or temporary strain may improve with rest, but chronic or recurring pain is unlikely to fully resolve without professional treatment. Seeking an accurate diagnosis early can prevent the condition from progressing and requiring more extensive intervention down the road.
What Aggravates Heel Pain?
Common aggravating factors include prolonged standing, walking on hard surfaces, wearing unsupportive footwear, and high-impact activities like running or jumping. Sudden increases in physical activity level can also place excessive stress on the heel and surrounding structures.
Can Children And Teens Experience Heel Pain?
Yes, heel pain is not exclusive to adults. Growing children and adolescents can develop heel pain related to growth plate conditions such as Sever’s disease, particularly during periods of rapid growth or increased athletic activity. An evaluation from our podiatric podiatrist is important to identify the specific cause and prevent long-term complications.
How Is Heel Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosing heel pain in Newport Beach typically involves a physical examination, a review of your symptoms and activity history, and may include imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound to assess the bone and soft tissue structures. At Newport Foot & Ankle Center, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools are used to pinpoint the exact cause and guide the most effective treatment plan.
Can Wearing The Wrong Shoes Cause Heel Pain?
Absolutely. Footwear that lacks adequate arch support, cushioning, or a proper fit places excess strain on the heel and plantar fascia with every step. Switching to supportive shoes or adding custom orthotics is often one of the first steps in relieving and preventing heel pain.
Is Surgery Always Required To Treat Heel Pain?
The majority of heel pain cases can be resolved with conservative, non-surgical approaches. Surgery is generally considered only when conservative treatments have been exhausted and symptoms persist; even then, minimally invasive options like Topaz and Tenex allow for effective treatment with significantly less disruption to surrounding tissue and faster recovery.
Why Choose Newport Foot & Ankle Center
For Your Heel Pain in Newport Beach?
Heel pain deserves more than a one-size-fits-all fix, and that’s exactly what sets Newport Foot & Ankle Center apart. Dr. Haupt and his team take the time to pinpoint the true source of your heel pain in Newport Beach, CA, whether it’s plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or another underlying issue, before recommending a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle. Patients benefit from access to advanced, minimally invasive options like Topaz and Tenex, along with MLS Laser therapy, giving you a full range of solutions from conservative care to precise procedural treatment. With decades of combined experience treating athletes and active individuals throughout Newport Beach and Orange County, our team understands how heel pain affects your daily routine and works to get you back on your feet quickly. From your first consultation through recovery, you’ll have a dedicated partner focused on lasting relief, not just temporary fixes.
