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Opening December 1, 2027 in Bethesda, MD · Now scheduling new patients

Propel Sports and Orthobiologics
Request an Appointmentfrontdesk@propelsportsortho.com

Foot and ankle pain · Bethesda, MD

Foot and ankle pain treatment in Bethesda, MD

We treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, ankle arthritis, Morton's neuroma, and exertional leg pain, with ultrasound, shockwave, and orthobiologics.
Request an AppointmentCommon causesLower Leg, Foot and Ankle services

Email frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com or call (301) 200-9025

What causes foot and ankle pain?

Runners and walkers feel foot and ankle problems quickly. Heel pain that eases after a few minutes of walking is classic plantar fasciitis. Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel or just above it points to the Achilles tendon. Leg pain that builds at a predictable point in exercise and fades with rest can be exertional compartment syndrome.

Shockwave therapy and progressive loading are especially helpful for stubborn heel and Achilles pain.

When to see an orthopedic doctor for foot and ankle pain

  • Heel pain that lasts more than a few weeks
  • Achilles pain or stiffness that keeps you from running
  • Burning or numbness between the toes
  • Leg pain or tightness that builds during exercise
  • Ankle pain or swelling that keeps returning after sprains

Get urgent care instead if you have

  • A sudden pop at the back of the heel with trouble pushing off
  • Inability to bear weight after an ankle injury
  • A red, hot, swollen foot, especially with diabetes

Common causes of foot and ankle pain

Each page covers symptoms, how we diagnose it, and your treatment options.

Achilles Tendinopathy and TenosynovitisPain in the Achilles tendon or where it attaches to the heel.Plantar FasciopathyHeel and arch pain, often worst with the first steps in the morning.Ankle and Foot ArthritisWorn cartilage in the ankle or small foot joints, with pain and stiffness on your feet.Peroneal TendinopathyPain and swelling along the outside of the ankle, often after sprains.Morton's NeuromaA thickened nerve between the toes that burns and feels like a pebble in the shoe.Chronic Exertional Compartment SyndromeLeg pain, tightness, or numbness that builds during exercise and eases with rest.Stress FracturesSmall cracks in bone from repetitive loading, including in female athletes.Muscle HerniationA bulge of muscle through its surrounding sheath that can cause leg pain with exercise.Ankle Sprain and Chronic Ankle InstabilityStretched or torn ankle ligaments from rolling the ankle, and the repeat sprains that can follow.Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)Aching along the inner shin bone from running or jumping more than the bone and muscles are ready for.Posterior Tibial Tendon DysfunctionAn overloaded tendon along the inner ankle that supports the arch, causing pain and a flattening foot.Big Toe Arthritis (Hallux Rigidus)Worn cartilage and stiffness in the big toe joint that hurts when you push off to walk or run.

Foot and ankle pain treatment options

PRPPlatelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)A concentrate of platelets from a small draw of your own blood, placed precisely under ultrasound to calm pain and support tendon and joint healing.Lipogems (microfragmented adipose tissue)Lipogems: Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)A small amount of your own fat tissue, gently processed and injected to cushion and support an arthritic joint or damaged tendon.MSK UltrasoundDiagnostic Musculoskeletal UltrasoundReal-time imaging of tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, and nerves at the exam table, including while you move.Compartment TestingCompartment Pressure TestingMeasures pressure in the leg compartments to diagnose exercise-induced leg pain.Guided InjectionsUltrasound-Guided Joint and Tendon InjectionsOffice-based injections placed under live ultrasound, so the medicine reaches the exact structure that hurts.Cortisone InjectionCortisone (Steroid) InjectionsA targeted anti-inflammatory injection, placed under ultrasound, that calms a flare of joint, bursa, or nerve-tunnel pain so rehab can move forward.TenexPercutaneous Tenotomy (Tenex)Removes damaged tendon tissue through a tiny incision so healthy tissue can regenerate. Used for chronic tendinopathy and calcific tendinitis.Tendon ScrapingUltrasound-Guided Tendon ScrapingFrees a painful tendon from the irritated tissue and small nerves around it, through a needle.Fasciotomy (CECS)Ultrasound-Guided Fasciotomy for Exertional Compartment SyndromeRelieves pressure in a tight leg compartment through small incisions guided by ultrasound.Nerve AblationUltrasound-Guided Nerve AblationUses controlled heat or pulsed energy to quiet the small sensory nerves carrying chronic joint or tendon pain.Joint DenervationJoint DenervationTreats the nerves that carry pain from the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, sacroiliac joint, foot, or plantar fascia; an option for people delaying or avoiding joint replacement.Botulinum ToxinBotulinum Toxin InjectionsRelaxes overactive muscles or reduces nerve-related pain in spasticity, exertional compartment syndrome, neuropathy, and ischiofemoral impingement.ShockwaveExtracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)Focused sound-wave pulses delivered through the skin, with no needles or downtime, to stimulate healing in chronic tendon and heel pain.Rehab PlanningRehabilitation and Return-to-Activity PlanningA strength-first plan, coordinated with your physical therapist, that sets clear milestones for getting back to training, work, and sport.

Questions about foot and ankle pain

What doctor treats foot and heel pain?
Sports medicine physicians, orthopedic foot and ankle specialists, and podiatrists all treat heel pain. Propel uses ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and offers shockwave, orthobiologics, and tendon procedures when rehab alone is not enough.
Does shockwave therapy help plantar fasciitis?
Shockwave therapy is a well-established option for chronic plantar fasciitis that has not improved with stretching, footwear changes, and rehab. It is done in the office with no needles or downtime.
Can I keep running with Achilles pain?
Often yes, with adjustments. We guide how much running to keep, which strength work to add, and when to progress, so the tendon rebuilds capacity without a complete break.

What to expect at your visit

  1. 1.

    We listen first

    Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.

  2. 2.

    Exam and in-office ultrasound

    A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.

  3. 3.

    A clear diagnosis and plan

    You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.

  4. 4.

    Treatment and follow-through

    Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.

Rehab protocols

Dr. Gruner's week-by-week recovery guidelines. Your plan is individualized; follow these with your physician and physical therapist.

Opening December 1, 2027

Ready to get back in motion?

We are scheduling new patients now. Book an evaluation to find out what is causing your pain and how to treat it.

Request an AppointmentCall (301) 200-9025

Call the front desk

(301) 200-9025

frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com
Fax (301) 664-1148

Email frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com

Call (301) 200-9025Request