Heel pain is one of the most common foot conditions we see as podiatrists.
What are the symptoms?
• Initially, pain after activity
• Pain in the morning or after inactivity
• Sensation of a constant bruise on the heel area
How is heel pain assessed and diagnosed?
The cause of your heel pain is diagnosed by our podiatrists through a biomechanical assessment.
A biomechanical assessment is a one hour appointment which involves:
• Assessing how mobile your muscles and joints are
• Looking at the structure of your feet, and how they are functioning
• Gait analysis using our electronic barometric gait mat which also shows your pressure distribution when walking and standing
• Creating a personalised treatment plan
In some cases, further imaging is recommended, such as x-ray and ultrasound. This can be completed through a bulk billed referral from one of our podiatrists.
What does a typical treatment plan involve?
• Shockwave Therapy: May require five visits with 7-10 day intervals between treatments, depending on severity
• Stretching or strengthening any muscles that are contributing to your pain
• Footwear recommendation specific to your activity and foot type
• Functional orthotics
However, what may work for one person, may not work for another. Therefore, your treatment plan may vary depending on your symptoms, severity, duration, occupation, and the type of activity you do.
