Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints we see — and one of the most misunderstood. Whether your first steps in the morning feel like walking on glass or a dull ache slows you down by the end of the day, heel pain is your body’s signal that something needs attention. At Momentum Foot & Ankle, we help patients throughout Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County identify the root cause of their heel pain and get back to doing what they love.
At Momentum Foot & Ankle, your care is led by Dr. Christopher Zimmer, DPM — a board-eligible, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with advanced training in complex lower extremity conditions. Dr. Zimmer completed his Trauma & Reconstruction Fellowship at Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation, FL, and his residency at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Texas, where he managed hundreds of foot and ankle cases across all age groups.
He approaches every patient the same way: with honest communication, thorough evaluation, and a personalized plan built around your goals — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
What Causes Heel Pain?
Heel pain rarely has a single cause. It can stem from overuse, structural issues, inflammation, or injury. The most common culprits include:
- Plantar Fasciitis — Inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes; the leading cause of heel pain in adults
- Heel Spurs — Bony growths on the underside of the heel, often associated with plantar fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinitis — Inflammation of the Achilles tendon causing pain at the back of the heel
- Bursitis — Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac near the heel bone
- Stress Fractures — Small cracks in the heel bone from repetitive impact
- Nerve Entrapment — Compression of nerves around the heel causing burning or shooting pain
- Sever’s Disease — A common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents
Recognizing the Symptoms
Heel pain can present differently depending on the underlying condition. Common symptoms include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning
- Aching or throbbing after prolonged standing or activity
- Tenderness when pressing on the heel or arch
- Swelling or stiffness around the heel
- Pain that worsens at the end of a long day
If you’ve been dealing with heel pain for more than a few weeks — or if it’s affecting your daily routine — it’s worth having it properly evaluated.
Diagnosing Heel Pain
An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. During your visit, Dr. Zimmer will review your health history, examine your foot and ankle biomechanics, and may recommend digital X-rays or diagnostic ultrasound to assess soft tissue and bone structures. This helps pinpoint the exact cause of your pain so treatment is targeted — not guesswork.
Treatment Options
Most cases of heel pain respond well to conservative care. Dr. Zimmer always explores non-surgical options first and only recommends surgery when it’s truly necessary.
- Custom orthotics and supportive footwear modifications
- Physical therapy and guided stretching programs
- Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections
- Regenerative treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
- Night splints and immobilization when appropriate
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures for chronic, unresponsive cases
Why Choose Momentum Foot & Ankle?
When heel pain is slowing you down, you deserve more than a rushed appointment and a generic treatment plan. At Momentum Foot & Ankle, you work directly with Dr. Zimmer — a surgeon with the training to handle everything from simple sprains to complex reconstructive cases. We take the time to listen, explain your diagnosis clearly, and map out a plan you can feel confident in.
We serve patients of all ages across Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County, accepting most major insurance plans and offering convenient scheduling options to fit your life.
Ready to get relief? Contact us today at (561) 369-4455 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Zimmer. Same-week appointments may be available for urgent concerns.
