Lasting relief from plantar fasciitis in Irvine.
Heel pain that hurts most with your first steps in the morning is usually plantar fasciitis — and it almost always responds to the right plan. Dr. Andrew N. Eskander, DPM treats heel pain in Irvine and Orange County with proven conservative therapies first, and advanced options when you need them.
Trusted Orange County foot & ankle care
Personalized diagnosis
Heel pain isn't always plantar fasciitis — we rule out stress fractures, heel spurs, nerve entrapment, and tendinopathy.
Conservative care first
Stretching protocols, footwear guidance, taping, custom orthotics, and night splints before any injection or surgery.
Advanced options if needed
Cortisone or PRP injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and surgery only when truly indicated.
Heel pain treatments we offer in Irvine
- Custom and over-the-counter orthotic fitting
- Targeted stretching and home program
- Night splints and taping
- Cortisone and PRP injections
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Diagnostic ultrasound and X-ray
- Gastrocnemius recession (when indicated)
- Partial plantar fascia release (rare)
Common questions
What is the fastest way to relieve plantar fasciitis pain?
Most patients improve within weeks of starting a structured plan: targeted calf and plantar fascia stretching, supportive shoes or custom orthotics, night splinting, and short courses of anti-inflammatories. Severe or chronic cases may benefit from injections, shockwave therapy, or, rarely, surgery.
When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?
See a podiatrist if heel pain has lasted more than 2–3 weeks, wakes you up at night, is severe with the first steps each morning, or is keeping you from work or activity. Early treatment dramatically shortens recovery.
Do I need custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis?
Not always. Many patients respond well to over-the-counter inserts plus stretching. Custom orthotics are most helpful when a structural foot issue — flatfoot, high arch, or limb-length difference — is contributing to the problem.
Is plantar fasciitis surgery ever needed?
Less than 5% of cases need surgery. We exhaust conservative options first — typically 6–12 months — before considering procedures like a partial plantar fascia release or gastrocnemius recession.