That first step out of bed in the morning shouldn’t make you wince. If you’re waking up to sharp, stabbing heel pain that fades as the day goes on — only to return after long periods of standing or activity — you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain, and the good news is that most patients find lasting relief without surgery. At Momentum Foot and Ankle, we help patients throughout Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County get back on their feet with personalized, evidence-based care.
Your care at Momentum Foot and Ankle is led by Dr. Christopher W. Zimmer, DPM, a board-eligible, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon. Dr. Zimmer completed an advanced Trauma & Reconstruction Fellowship at Westside Regional Medical Center and his podiatric surgery residency at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — where he managed a high volume of complex foot and ankle cases across all age groups. He is a published researcher, an active member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), and has presented at national surgical conferences. His philosophy is simple: conservative treatment first, honest communication always, and surgery only when it’s truly the right answer for you.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, linking your heel bone to your toes. When this tissue becomes overstressed or inflamed — due to overuse, poor footwear, or biomechanical imbalances — plantar fasciitis develops.
This condition affects people of all activity levels, from runners and athletes to professionals who spend long shifts on hard floors.
Common Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis often presents with a distinct pattern that sets it apart from other types of heel pain:
- Sharp, stabbing heel pain with the first steps in the morning
- Pain that eases after moving but returns after prolonged standing or activity
- Tenderness or aching along the bottom of the heel
- Discomfort after — not usually during — exercise
- Stiffness following extended periods of rest
Risk Factors & Common Causes
Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis, including:
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight calf muscles or a shortened Achilles tendon
- A sudden increase in physical activity or training intensity
- Prolonged standing on hard surfaces
- Excess weight or rapid weight gain
- Worn-out or unsupportive footwear
Diagnosis
Dr. Zimmer will perform a thorough clinical evaluation, reviewing your symptoms, daily activity, and foot mechanics. Imaging — including digital X-rays or in-office diagnostic ultrasound — may be used to rule out contributing factors such as heel spurs, stress fractures, or other causes of heel pain. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.
Treatment Options
Most plantar fasciitis cases respond well to conservative care. Dr. Zimmer will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, which may include:
- Targeted stretching and physical therapy exercises
- Custom orthotics or footwear modifications
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Night splints to reduce morning pain
For patients whose symptoms persist after exhausting conservative options, minimally invasive surgical treatment is available. Surgery is only considered after a thorough discussion of your goals, lifestyle, and treatment history.
Why Choose Momentum Foot and Ankle?
At Momentum Foot and Ankle, you receive one-on-one care from a fellowship-trained surgeon who takes the time to explain your diagnosis and walk you through every available option. We prioritize patient education because we believe informed patients make confident decisions and achieve better outcomes. We accept most major insurance plans and offer convenient scheduling for patients throughout Palm Beach County.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Heel pain is common — but it doesn’t have to be your normal. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Zimmer and take the first step toward feeling better. Call us at (561) 369-4455.
