Whether it shows up when you're getting out of bed in the morning, while you're at work, or with each and every step you take, foot and heel pain can disrupt your life. Fortunately, you don't have to let podiatric pain permanently stop you from doing the things you enjoy. While foot and heel pain is very common, it's also very treatable.

Looking for the gentle, effective care you need to get back on your feet? You've come to the right place.

Compassionate and Cutting-Edge Podiatry Care

Dealing with stubborn foot or heel pain can be difficult, especially when you're not sure exactly what's causing the problem or what—if anything—you can do about it. At Omaha Foot and Ankle Specialists, we understand. Our accomplished podiatrists, Dr. Michael Cullen and Dr. Nathan Penney, help patients get to the bottom of their pain and develop personalized treatment plans based on the most effective interventions. Here are just a few of the conditions we address that can cause pain in the foot or heel.

Plantar Fasciitis

A thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting the toes and heel bone. An inflammation of the plantar fascia, plantar fasciitis, can cause sharp, stabbing pain in the heel that's most noticeable in the morning, but often eases with activity.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon runs down the back of your leg, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis can cause aching, tenderness, and stiffness in the back of the leg or above the heel. Symptoms are often present in the morning, more severe after intense activity, and may improve with mild activity.

Bone Spurs

When calcium deposits form around inflamed joints, a bony growth called a bone spur can result. Bone spurs can form on the underside of the heel bone, on the big toe, and on the ankle, causing discomfort, pain, and restricted movement.

Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, another common cause of foot and heel pain, is an autoimmune condition with symptoms that include pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Gout, another form of arthritis, causes pain as uric acid crystallizes and deposits in joints.

Neuromas

A benign growth of nerve tissue, a neuroma can cause a painful tingling and burning on the bottom of your foot. One common type, known as Morton's neuroma, often causes pain in the ball of the foot, between the third and fourth toes.

Overuse and Traumatic Injuries

Suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of your activities can result in painful overuse injuries. Additionally, traumatic injuries, such as dropping something on your foot, can cause bruises and other painful symptoms.

Structural Deformities

Sometimes, our bodies seem to want to work against us. We treat high arched feet (Pes Cavus), low arched feet (Pes Planus), curvy feet (Skew Foot), and in-toeing feet (Metatarsus Adductus). If you have struggled to be comfortable in your activities or can't fit into shoes properly, it may be a structural issue rather than an injury.

Offering Gentle and Effective Treatment Options

No matter what is causing your foot or heel pain, at Omaha Foot and Ankle Specialists, we're committed to helping you find relief. Our recommendations may include:

  • Lifestyle changes such as gradual increases in activity, performing certain stretches before and after a workout, and proper daily care practices
  • Different footwear such as those that provide sufficient cushioning and support
  • Custom orthotics to provide the exact right amount of support and cushioning
  • Advanced therapies such as MLS Laser Therapy or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Getting You Back on Your Feet

Is foot or heel pain making it difficult to do the things you love? Let us help you heal and get back on your feet. Our podiatrists will work with you to identify the source of your pain and create a treatment plan with your unique needs and goals in mind. We'll also provide exceptional education and support for you throughout your recovery journey so that you can feel confident in your care and return to activity as quickly and safely as possible.

Take the first step toward putting pain behind you. Complete our contact form or call our office at 402-333-8856 to schedule an appointment.