It is one of the most common foot conditions, often occurring at the bottom of the heel or at the back of the heel.
Causes
Often the cause of heel pain is multi-factorial. The factors that can contribute to the development of heel pain include:
- Overuse
- Tight muscles/tendons in the legs
- Gait abnormalities (overpronation or oversupination)
- Ill-fitting, unsupportive or worn out shoes
- Sudden increase in activity levels
- Injury to the heel (stress fracture)
- Weight gain
- Certain disorders, including diabetes and arthritis.
Conditions commonly associated with heel pain
| Location |
Conditions |
Signs and Symptoms |
| Pain below the heel |
Plantar Fasciitis with or without heel spur
- Inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue which spans from the bottom of the heel to the ball of the foot due to an overuse
- Heel spurs are calcium deposits that forms from tension and inflammation
|
- Pain worse in first few steps in the morning
- Pain progresses with prolong activity
- Pain occurs when standing up after sitting for a period of time
- Pain may be described to be sharp or an ache
|
| Pain behind the heel |
Insertional Achilles tendonitis
- Inflammation at the Achilles tendon insertion site
|
- Sharp or aching pains at the back of the heel
- Pain occurs after prolong activity
- Tenderness and stiffness of the Achilles in the mornings
- Limited dorsiflexion of the foot
|
Sever’s Disease
- Also known as calcaneal apophysitis
- Inflammation of the growth plate
- Common among children who are active, 8-14 years of age
|
- Pain and tenderness behind the heel bone
- Sore to touch
- Pain worse with activity
- Pain goes away with rest
|
Most people tend to take heel pain lightly and avoid treatment until it interferes with their normal activities. If heel pain treatment is not sought early, symptoms will worsen and can result in more pain and disability.
How can a Podiatrist help?
Physio & Sole Clinic offers comprehensive, non-invasive treatment for heel pain. Depending on our podiatrists’ clinical assessment of your condition, you may be provided with manual therapy techniques, sports taping, stretching and strengthening exercises, and prescription of orthotics. Dedicated to helping patients recover, our podiatrists will also take time to educate patients on the cause of their pain and how to manage and prevent progression or relapse.
- Our podiatrists are highly trained to derive an accurate diagnosis and treat your condition. Dynamic and static assessments will include:
- Hip examination
- Knee examination
- Ankle and foot examination
- Standing and gait analysis
- Footwear analysis and advice
- Depending on the findings, the podiatrist will be able to construct a treatment plan for you. Treatment plans will vary according to each person and it may require several months for the pain to be completely alleviated. Treatment may include the application of foot orthoses, heel raises, footwear changes, or exercises and modification of activity. Shockwave therapy can also be administered if you are suffering from chronic heel pain. If your pain does not respond to conservative care in the long term, injections or surgery may be an option. The podiatrist can refer you on to an orthopaedic surgeon if required.
Let our podiatrists help relieve your heel pain!
Podiatry Charges
These are the charges for our Podiatry services:
- Biomechanical Consultation $180
- Follow-up Podiatry Consultation $50
Prices are before GST. Our charges are transparent and rest assure there are no hidden charges. A podiatry session will last for 30-45 minutes. There are no surcharges if your session exceeds 45mins. Contact us for more information on our charges.
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