Heel pain is one of the most commonly treated podiatry complaints. There are a variety of different conditions that may cause pain at the heel. The most common being plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and is usually worse when you first step out of bed. Other conditions that can affect the heel are spurs, bursitis, and achilles heel pain – more commonly known as achilles tendonitis or achilles tendinopathy, this is especially common in runners.
Heel pain involves discomfort or pain in the heel region and can range from mild to severe. It is often most intense with the first steps in the morning or after a period of rest.
Achilles tendinitis is a condition characterised by the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon plays a crucial role in activities like walking, running, and jumping by helping to lift the heel off the ground. Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury particularly prevalent among athletes and active individuals.
Cracked heels, or heel fissures, are caused by dry skin and medical conditions like diabetes. Symptoms include visible cracks, dry and itchy skin, pain, and difficulty walking. Prevention involves regular moisturising, supportive footwear, and good nutrition. Treatment options range from debridement, cream application and reducing pressure on the heel.
Heel bursitis is a condition characterised by the inflammation of the bursa located at the back or bottom of the heel. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion and reduces friction between tissues of the body.
Heel spurs are a common condition that cause a sharp pain in the heel, typically described by sufferers as feeling like a “sharp knife” with each step. These bony protrusions form at the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus) and are composed of calcium deposits. While heel spurs can exist without causing any discomfort, when they become symptomatic, it often leads to significant distress and limits daily activities.
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent cause of heel pain, characterised by inflammation or damage to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. Its primary function is to support the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes inflamed or damaged, it leads to a condition known as plantar fasciitis, causing significant discomfort, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
Calcaneal apophysitis, previously known as Severs disease, is a very common cause of heel pain in children. Severs disease has been renamed due to the fact that the condition is not a disease! Instead an overuse condition which affects the growth plate on the heel (calcaneaus).
A thorough evaluation by a podiatrist is crucial for diagnosing the exact cause of heel pain. Diagnostic methods include:
Heel pain treatments we offer at Elite Foot Care include:
A custom orthotic supports and aligns your lower limb putting the muscles and joints it in a position of congruence. Elite Foot Care has a state of the art custom orthotics manufacturing lab on the Sunshine Coast. This allows us to have complete control over the manufacturing process, resulting in
Walking and running will be assessed with video analysis giving us the most accurate information to evaluate the patients upper body functions through to their lower limbs. The presenting injury/symptom will be assessed upon relevant medical history, conditions, occupational hazards and physical activities. Once a thorough medical screening has been
Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) is a manual therapy technique that aims to restore normal function to the foot and lower limb by addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction. Unlike other treatments that may focus solely on symptom relief, FMT targets the root cause of pain and discomfort, promoting long-term healing
Dry needing is a form of soft tissue therapy designed to release myofascial trigger points, which are defined as tight muscle fibres. Trigger point dry needling can be carried out at superficial or deep tissue level. It is used to release these tight trigger points and allow full function back
Shockwave therapy has positive effects on tissue regeneration for tendons, bones, muscles and cartilage. It is a great treatment option for acute and longterm soreness and injury. The Swiss DolorClast® Shockwave uses single acoustic pressure waves to treat musculoskeletal and dermatological pathologies.
Elite Foot Care have access to a broad range of footwear designed for all walks of life at our Woombye and Sippy Downs locations! As part of our podiatry service, our podiatrists are able to provide you with the suitable, recommended footwear options from our own footwear store. Alternatively we
Foot and ankle strapping is a therapeutic technique used by podiatrists to stabilise affected areas, prevent exacerbation of injuries, and promote healing. By using high-quality, non-elastic, or elastic tape, strapping can provide temporary relief and support for various foot and ankle conditions.
Footwear modifications involve making specific adjustments to shoes to enhance their fit, comfort, functionality, and support. These modifications can address a range of foot and lower limb issues, helping to prevent pain and injury while promoting optimal foot health.
Exercise prescription using the VALD Performance Assessment system involves tailoring rehabilitation programs based on detailed biomechanical analysis. This approach allows for the design of progressive rehab programs aimed at addressing specific patient needs, optimising recovery, and enhancing overall performance.
Understanding the underlying cause of heel pain is key to effective treatment and recovery. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is advisable to consult with a podiatrist who can provide a tailored treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent more severe complications and enable a quicker return to daily activities.
Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.
They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes.
Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.
With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.
Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.
Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.
Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.
Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.
Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.
Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.
Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.
Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.
We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care.
Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.
