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Heel pain
Heel pain is a serious condition, yet many people neglect to seek professional help in hopes that the pain will stop on its own. This condition occurs in a wide range of forms with varying degrees of severity and there are several different treatment options available.
We have all heard it before time and time again. Plantar fasciitis. The ultimate foot issue that plagues a vast majority of people on a daily basis. But, did you know that this pain can be alleviated once and for all?
Most common symptoms people experience:
- Heel pain when leaving the bed or after prolonged rest
- Dull ache pain in the foot which gradually increase over time
- Heel pain after a long day of walking
- Wanting to take off shoes because your feet are very warm and sore
Calcaneal Spurs (Heel spur)
Heel spurs are an abnormal bony growth located at the back end of the heel bone. Heel spurs may or may not cause pain.
Heel spurs are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis or poor biomechanics. Heel spur pain is generally felt in the centre region of the bottom of the heel and commonly presents after a prolonged period of standing, worse in the morning or during weight-bearing activities.
Factors that may cause heel spurs include: Poor footwear, Standing on hard surfaces, Poor biomechanics (Flat feet), Plantar fasciitis
Treatment
At Sydney Podiatry Practice, we aim to resolve this pain in the most effective and optimal way. Our podiatrists may refer you for an X-ray to confirm diagnoses. In most of our cases, non-surgical intervention results in full pain relief. These interventions offered at Sydney Podiatry Practice include:
- Compression taping
- Education on Rest, Ice, Non- Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Medications
- Footwear Advice and Modification
- Customised orthosis designed to offload pressure and correct the biomechanics to reduce the pain and prevent reoccurrence of injury
- Dry needling
- Injection therapy
- Exercise Programs
To properly diagnose the source of your heel pain and implement appropriate treatment, call us to help you settle this pain once and for all!
Plantar Fasciatis
The Plantar fascia is a band of tissue running from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the front part of the balls of the foot (metatarsals). The main aim of this plantar fascial tissue is to hold up and support the arch of the foot and act as a shock absorber when walking.
Due to multiple external factors, this band of tissue undergoes extreme tension when under pressure, resulting in a high level of stress through the plantar fascia at the insertion site near the heel bone. Following a prolonged time of extreme tension, this band of tissue (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed.
Common external factors resulting in added tension at the plantar fascia may include; Poor footwear, Standing on hard surfaces, Poor biomechanics (Flat feet), Tight calf muscles
Treatment
Early treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel pain) is essential when seeking an effective and long term resolution to your problems. Our podiatrists at Sydney Podiatry Practice will undertake a thorough examination to ensure a suitable effective treatment is undertaken. This may include
- Referral for US and X-ray to further assist our investigation
- Exercise program (Certain exercises and stretching programs may be prescribed to assist with the pain levels and improve range of motion)
- Customised Orthosis (Orthotics may be prescribed in order to correct the biomechanical factors that are resulting in added load at the plantar fascia)
- Plantar fascial taping
- Dry Needling
- Prolotherapy injection
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be recommended
To properly diagnose the source of your heel pain and implement appropriate treatment, call us to schedule your appointment today and let us help you to keep you on your feet!