Heal Your Heels Naturally, Not Just Mask the Pain
If your heel hurts when you first get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for an extended period, you may have plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain.
At Meridian Podiatry in Jacksonville, Florida, Norshae Robinson, DPM, DABPM, FACPM, and her team take a regenerative, program-based approach to care. Rather than simply masking pain, we focus on helping your body heal itself through advanced therapies that restore tissue health and function.
book onlineWhat Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes along the bottom of your foot. This structure acts as a shock absorber and helps stabilize your foot with every step.
When the plantar fascia becomes overstressed or overstretched, tiny microtears develop within the tissue. Over time, these tears lead to inflammation, irritation, and pain; especially when you first stand up in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Plantar fasciitis is common in runners, active individuals, and people who spend long hours on their feet. It can also develop due to flat feet, high arches, tight calves, or extra weight, all of which increase strain on the fascia.
Common Symptoms
The most frequent sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain that’s worst with your first few steps in the morning or after resting.
You might notice:
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Heel or arch pain that improves slightly as you move, then worsens after prolonged standing or activity
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Tenderness or swelling near the heel
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Pain after exercise rather than during
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become chronic, limiting your ability to walk, exercise, or even stand comfortably.
How We Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis
At Meridian Podiatry, we take time to understand your story and identify the root cause of your heel pain.
Dr. Robinson performs a detailed exam that includes:
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Reviewing your medical history, lifestyle, and activity level
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Evaluating your foot structure and gait mechanics
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Checking for localized tenderness or tightness
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Ordering imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound) when needed to rule out other issues, such as stress fractures or heel spurs
Our Regenerative, Program-Based Approach to Treatment
We don’t believe in quick fixes or one-time shots. Instead, we design a customized heel pain recovery program focused on helping your body repair and rebuild, not just covering symptoms.
Depending on your diagnosis and goals, your treatment plan may include:
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Custom Orthotics – Designed to balance your foot mechanics and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
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Activity Modification – Adjusting how and how much you stand, walk, or train to allow healing without losing fitness.
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Therapeutic Exercises & Stretching – Gentle, guided movements to restore flexibility and strengthen your foot and calf.
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Night Splints – Keeps your foot gently stretched overnight to ease morning pain.
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Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) – Stimulates blood flow and activates your body’s natural healing response.
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Laser Pain Therapy (Class IV) – Promotes cellular repair and reduces inflammation for faster recovery.
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Regenerative Therapy – Uses biologic injections and peptide therapy that work with your body’s own healing cells to repair damaged tissue.
Every plan is designed around your goals, lifestyle, and healing timeline, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
When Surgery Is Needed
Most patients recover fully with our regenerative, non-surgical treatments. However, if your condition requires surgery, Dr. Robinson offers minimally invasive techniques that reduce pain, downtime, and scarring, helping you return to daily life sooner.
Get Back on Your Feet — Comfortably and Confidently
Heel pain doesn’t have to dictate your day. With the right program and regenerative therapies, true healing is possible.
Call Meridian Podiatry or book your consultation online to start your personalized plantar fasciitis recovery plan today.
