As a result, as a team we have focused on developing a variety of evidence-based strategies to treat this painful condition.
Many disorders can cause heel pain, so an accurate diagnosis of the cause is essential for the correct treatment strategy. We use treatments which include:
- Shockwave therapy
- Orthotics
- Taping
- Exercise programs and shoe recommendations
- Stretching
- Shoe inserts such as heel lifts
- Supportive footwear
- Avoid walking or running on hard surfaces.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines or painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
Heel pain can be caused by poor footwear, foot trauma, prolonged standing, and conditions such as plantar fasciitis and severs disease.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
It is known to be the main cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the tissue that connects the heel to the toes. This tissue can become inflamed and very painful. Chronic pain can result if left untreated. Symptoms can include:
- Stabbing or acute pain near and around the heel.
- Pain is usually worse in the morning.
- Pain typically lessens after a few minutes of walking.
- Limping, swelling and tenderness around the heel.
The cause remains unclear in many cases of plantar fasciitis, but we know there are some factors which increase the likelihood of developing it. Risk factors can include:
- Repeated stretching and tearing causes irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia.
- More common in athletes, like runners or jumpers.
- More common in people who are overweight.
- Most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60
- Flat feet, high arch, and atypical walking pattern can increase stress on the plantar fascia.
- Occupation: Factory workers, teachers, and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces.
- Sports or activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and plantar fascia
What is Severs Disease?
Severs disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis and is common in children between the ages of 8-14. It is a growth plate problem and often appears when the child has a growth spurt. These kids are generally physically active and as the bone matures the changing bone structure can cause this pain.
Some of the risk factors for Severs disease and sporty kids, tight calves, flat feet, unsupportive footwear, flat shoes such as football and soccer boots.
Our Podiatrists will be able to offer a range of advice to decrease pain and discomfort during this difficult period. They typically report pain in the morning getting out of bed, and increased pain from rapid moving sports and jumping such as basketball, football, and sprinting. It is generally a condition which will resolve with time and good management.
Footwear selection is critical and often a simple, comfortable orthotic device or heel lifts are prescribed to assist the symptoms to subside.
We develop age-appropriate strategies with the child to give the heel opportunity to recover.
Local Melbourne suburbs we service
With a priority on keeping people healthy, Melbourne Foot Clinic provides a wide range of professional services for people across Melbourne’s East. Our patients travel from all over Victoria to see us at our foot clinic in Mont Albert, with most coming from the following locations:
Mont Albert Podiatrist
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Box Hill
We use cutting edge technology and offer excellent services to many residents of Box Hill.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Surrey Hills
Our podiatrists are experts in providing biomechanics, orthotics, and foot pain for patients from Surrey Hills.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Camberwell
Our podiatrists are specialists in treating clients’ problems across Camberwell and Melbourne’s East.
Mont Albert Podiatrist Near Balwyn
Reputable podiatrists servicing the residents of Balwyn with outstanding results for years.
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