Heel Pain Treatment in Winter Haven, Lakeland & Davenport, FL
Heel pain can significantly limit walking, work, and daily activities. At Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center – serving Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Davenport – our expert podiatric surgeons diagnose and treat the cause of heel pain. We emphasize early care (as ignoring heel pain can lead to chronic problems) and offer same-day appointments so you can get relief as soon as possible. Don’t wait weeks for help; our local offices are ready to evaluate your heel pain and start treatment immediately.
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|
Condition |
What It Is |
Common Symptoms |
Common Causes/Risk Factors |
|
Plantar Fasciitis |
Inflammation of the plantar fascia under the foot |
Sharp bottom heel pain, especially with first morning steps |
Poor shoe support, standing long hours, and excess weight |
|
Heel Spurs |
Bony growth on the heel bone often linked to plantar fasciitis |
Heel discomfort or irritation around the spur |
Chronic strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia |
|
Achilles Tendinitis |
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel |
Back heel pain, swelling, stiffness after activity |
Running, jumping, sports, tight calf muscles |
|
Stress Fractures |
Small cracks in the heel bone from repetitive stress |
Localized heel pain and swelling that worsens with activity |
Overuse, running, jumping, and military training |
|
Nerve Entrapment |
Compression of a nerve near the heel |
Burning, tingling, or chronic heel pain |
Nerve irritation, such as Baxter’s nerve entrapment |
|
Arthritis |
Joint inflammation affecting the foot or ankle |
Aching, swelling, stiffness, morning pain |
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout |
Which Heel Pain Symptoms Are Warning Signs?
Certain symptoms suggest you should seek professional care right away:
Morning “first-step” pain: Sharp pain after waking or rest → common with plantar fasciitis
Stabbing pain: Sudden, sharp pain with weight-bearing → possible plantar fasciitis or stress fracture
Swelling or bruising: Redness, warmth, or visible swelling → may indicate injury or inflammation
Pain after activity: Flares during or after exercise → often overuse (e.g., Achilles issues)
Limping or severe pain: Difficulty walking or altered gait → needs prompt evaluations
How Is Heel Pain Diagnosed?
|
Diagnostic Step |
What the Podiatrist Checks |
|
Medical History & Physical Exam |
Reviews symptoms, pain triggers, and examines the heel, arch, and ankle for tenderness and inflammation |
|
Gait Analysis |
Evaluates walking pattern, foot mechanics, pronation, and balance issues contributing to heel pain |
|
X-Rays |
Checks for heel spurs, fractures, arthritis, and bone alignment problems |
|
Ultrasound or MRI |
Used when needed to assess soft tissue injuries, inflammation, or tendon/fascia tears |
|
Diagnosis & Treatment Planning |
Combines exam and imaging findings to identify the cause and guide treatment |
A Better Approach to Foot Care
Care that’s precise, personalized, and focused on lasting relief — from your first visit onward.
Accurate Diagnosis
Personalized Treatment
Non-Surgical First
Why is Early Heel Pain Treatment Important?
Getting care early is key to a quick recovery. Heel pain usually starts as a mild nuisance, but if left untreated, it can become chronic.
The longer heel pain goes on, the harder it is to treat. Early treatment can halt the progression of inflammation and prevent complications like tendon degeneration or additional injury. As the Arthritis Foundation notes, “The sooner you see a doctor, the better your chances of effective treatment.”
But if pain persists, an exam and possible treatments like orthotics or physical therapy should follow as soon as possible. Starting care right away usually means less downtime and a quicker return to normal activities.s
Experienced Care You Can Trust
Our podiatrists combine clinical expertise with a patient-first approach to deliver the care you deserve.
Maria T. Jaramillo
DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Jaramillo obtained her Doctorate degree from Barry University in 1998. She then obtained extensive training in Sports Medicine, Podopediatric conditions, and Biomechanics at Cedars Medical Center in Miami, Florida. Dr. Jaramillo-Dolan was then board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery after completing extensive training in foot and ankle surgery at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, NY.
Tatiana A. Wellens
DPM, PhD. FACFAS
Dr. Wellens has been trained in top medical institutions worldwide including South Miami Hospital, Baptist Health Systems Hospital, Ilizarov Institute for External Fixation in Russia, and Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore, Maryland. She completed her Ph.D in biomedical sciences in 2002 and is only one of few podiatrists in the United States to carry a degree of Doctor of podiatric medicine as well as Ph.D.
Visit Our Clinic
Conveniently located with flexible hours to fit your schedule.
Lakeland Office
1115 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
863-299-4551
Winter Haven Office
2211 N. Blvd West. Davenport, FL 33837
863-299-4551
Davenport Office
1115 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
863-299-4551
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from patients who trusted us with their care — and got back to living pain-free.
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