Heel pain is by far the most common condition treated by Geelong Podiatry. Conditions such as Plantar Fasciosis (Fasciitis), heel spurs, heel bursitis, bruised heel, Achilles heel spur, fat pad syndrome and Achilles Tendinopathy can all cause pain and inflammation in your foot. This in turn often affects your ability to complete day-to-day activities.
The plantar fascia is a strong fibrous structure like a big rubber band that runs from the heel to the base of the toes and assists the bones, muscles and tendons in supporting the foot. When the muscles in our feet fatigue due to overuse standing on concrete floors, walking in improper shoes or natural loss of muscle as we age the plantar fascia has to take on an extra load which eventually leads it to break down and become painful.
Common symptoms
Pain on first step in the mornings or getting up after rest that may ease after a few minutes.
Localised heel pain that returns during the day with extended weight bearing.
Children tend to suffer from heel pain with activity and will often limp towards the end of playing sport. This is more commonly know as Sever’s Disease and is irritation of the growth plate.
Diagnosis
Our Podiatrists shall take a thorough history of your pain, assess your footwear, assess your gait, assess you foot strength, foot posture and examine the foot to understand exactly where your pain is located. To further assist in the diagnosis and management of your heel pain an x-ray, Ultrasound or MRI maybe required.
Treatment
Our Podiatrists shall work with you to target weaknesses and in the foot that are leading to the pain.
This may involve.
- Stretching Program
- Strengthening Program – Toe Pro
- Supportive Taping
- Dry needling
- Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy
- Orthosis Therapy
Make an appointment to start your recovery today.