When the first step out of bed in the morning sends a sharp pain shooting through your heel, and a simple walk to the kitchen becomes an exercise in endurance, you need swift relief and comprehensive care to help you get back to the active Montana lifestyle you love.
At Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic, our Missoula podiatrist for heel pain, Dr. Gregg Neibauer, understands that heel pain doesn’t just affect your feet—it changes how you live. Our podiatry practice addresses chronic heel pain with targeted treatments and customized solutions that consider your specific condition and lifestyle. We focus on getting patients back on their feet and back to their favorite hiking trails without the limitations heel pain imposes.
Table of Contents
Heel pain can be a vicious cycle, but we’re here to help you break free. Here’s what you should know.
Understanding the Chronic Heel Pain Cycle
Heel pain can be frustrating, as what starts as occasional discomfort evolves into a persistent problem affecting your every step. Many patients come to us after trying other treatments without success, describing a pattern where pain subsides temporarily, only to return with even greater intensity when they resume normal activities.
Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic does more than just treat your symptoms—we identify and address the underlying cause of your pain to promote lasting relief. Common causes of persistent heel pain include:
-
Plantar fasciitis
-
Achilles tendonitis
-
Stress fractures
-
Heel spurs
Each condition requires a specific treatment approach, which is why accurate diagnosis is crucial for breaking the pain cycle.
When to See a Missoula Podiatrist About Your Heel Pain
Not all heel pain requires immediate medical intervention, but certain warning signs indicate it’s time to consult a Missoula podiatrist rather than simply continue home care. Schedule a visit if your pain lasts longer than two weeks, interferes with your daily activities, or prevents you from walking normally.
Ask your foot and ankle specialist to evaluate any visible swelling, bruising, or redness in the heel area, and let them know if you experience pain that extends beyond your heel to your arch or calf.
Chronic heel pain rarely resolves completely without addressing the underlying cause, which is why seeking professional evaluation and treatment from an expert who understands the unique lifestyle demands of active Montanans and Idahoans is crucial.
Exploring Our Advanced Heel Pain Treatment Options
Our treatment approach begins with a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Dr. Neibauer identifies both the symptoms and underlying biomechanical issues contributing to your discomfort, allowing us to develop personalized treatment plans that offer immediate relief and long-term resolution.
We specialize in providing innovative, non-surgical treatments that effectively address chronic heel pain, such as:
-
Shockwave therapy. This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. Many patients experience significant improvement after just a few brief treatment sessions.
-
Laser treatment. Another non-surgical option, laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into tissue, stimulating cellular healing. Patients often report improved comfort even after the first session, with cumulative benefits developing over a series of treatments.
-
Custom orthotics. Our prescription orthotics are specially designed for your foot structure and podiatric concerns, relieving painful pressure and providing personalized cushioning and support.
-
PRP therapy. Platelet-rich plasma concentrates the healing properties in your blood, helping to ease pain, relieve inflammation, and promote swift healing when injected into the treatment area.
Getting Started on Your Heel Pain Recovery Plan
Recovering from chronic heel pain requires a personalized approach. At our Missoula practice, we develop comprehensive recovery plans that begin with a thorough assessment of both your feet and your lifestyle. We consider factors such as your typical daily activities, the types of shoes you wear, and the surfaces you walk on most frequently. Based on the results of this assessment, your individualized care plan might include:
-
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
-
Advanced therapies like shockwave or laser therapy
-
Stretching and strengthening exercises
-
Footwear recommendations
-
Activity modifications that tell you what you can do
-
Follow-up care throughout your recovery
-
Preventive guidance to help maintain long-term podiatric health
Living with chronic heel pain doesn’t have to be your reality anymore. Whether you’ve been struggling for weeks or years, the path to relief begins with a single step—reaching out to a podiatry team that understands your condition and has the tools to help.