Heel Pain Ballarat
Understand this common complaint with the support of an experienced podiatrist.
Dealing with heel pain in Ballarat
Heel pain is an issue many people deal with at one point or another. By affecting mobility and functionality, it has the potential to make even the simplest daily activities difficult. It is a common issue but the causes can differ from person to person. From plantar fasciitis to achilles tendonitis, there are various reasons why patients visit our clinic for guidance and intervention.
If you are living with heel pain, whether it has been a short or long term issue, it may be beneficial for you to seek professional support. Our passionate team is here for you to provide heel pain treatment in Ballarat.
What is Heel Pain?
Heel pain can present in different ways and may be a result of a number of different underlying factors. It may be a problem affecting the soft tissue or bones in the area and could be an acute or chronic issue of varying degrees of severity.
Common causes of heel pain include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Injuries, such as stress fractures
- Achilles tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Heel fat pad syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heel spurs
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Sever’s disease (in children)
Heel Pain Symptoms?
Depending on the cause of your heel pain, you may experience one or more of the following accompanying features:
- Pain on first weightbearing after sleeping or sitting
- Inflammation around or under the heel
- Tenderness when touched
- Heat at the site
- Reluctance to place weight on the heel and subsequently walking on toes
- Increased discomfort at night
- Increased pain with activity and prolonged standing
- Stiffness in the region
- Reduced range of motion and mobility
If your heel pain is caused by a condition such as inflammation of the Achilles tendon or the plantar fascia, you may also experience other symptoms specific to that issue.
Heel Pain Treatment: Ballarat Podiatrist
Heel pain may be complex. It is important to diagnose the condition and and to identify the root cause of the issue so that intervention can be targeted and individualised.
After a comprehensive assessment, your podiatrist will develop a suitable care plan to promote healing and work towards pain relief and improved functionality. This may include a variety of podiatry methods.
TREATMENT
Your podiatrist will provide treatment that accommodates your needs and specific problematic factors. Depending on your symptoms and the underlying cause, your treatment may involve one or more of the following:
- Prescription of personalised exercises to strengthen and stretch relevant areas
- Strapping to reduce the strain and provide support
- Physical therapy
- Soft tissue massage
- Shockwave therapy and/or laser therapy to promote healing
- Customised orthotics
- Moon Boot immobilisation
If conservative treatment methods do not obtain optimal outcomes a referral for an injection surgery may be required.
PREVENTION
Heel pain is often an issue that may be prevented, or at least minimised. This involves taking certain steps that we can provide advice about. Some factors that may reduce your likelihood of developing heel pain include:
- Avoiding sudden changes to the amount of activity you undertake
- Avoiding movements that include repetition for long periods or overuse concerning the heel region
- Warming up and cooling down before and after exercise.
- Performing appropriate stretching regularly
- Maintaining a weight that is healthy for your body to reduce the strain on your heels
- Wearing cushioned footwear that provides arch support
Your Heel Pain Questions Answered
Our heels do a lot for us. Whether we are standing still, walking long distances, or running after the kids, they withstand endless pressure, stress, and strain. They may be designed to deal with all of that, but that’s not to say they are infallible– unfortunately! That is why it is important to take care of your heels and to seek professional guidance when needed.
The path your heel pain recovery takes depends on several factors. It may take a couple of sessions, it may take several months. It comes down to your symptoms, the reason behind the issue, your health status, and your dedication to recovery. Your podiatrist will carry out a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, and will update you on your prognosis and progress regularly.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that involves a probe being gently placed on the affected area to encourage healing. It may cause slight discomfort while touching the area, but this typically resolves once the treatment has concluded.
Surgery is only suggested in severe cases or for issues that will not respond to non-invasive treatment. Your doctor or specialist will review and identify whether this is a suitable option for you.
When the plantar fascia is irritated, micro tears can occur. These tears are common at the insertion point on the heel which can create inflammation on the bone or surrounding tissue, causing pain.
The Achilles tendon is a large, strong tendon and because it runs from the heel bone to the calf, it exerts a considerable amount of strain on the area. If there is an issue with the tendon, factors such as inflammation, reduced mobility, and altered biomechanics have the potential to cause heel pain.
Why Choose Ballarat Podiatrist for Heel Pain?
Our podiatry team is proud to have the privilege of supporting the Ballarat community. When you make an appointment at our clinic, we will strive to support you towards your goals as well as possible.
High Quality Care
We aim to deliver optimal services to each of our patients with excellent resources, dedicated staff, and up-to-date equipment.
Personalised Plans
Heel pain can be different for everyone, so it is important to undertake treatment that has been tailored to your specific issue, symptoms, and target outcomes.
Professional Services
Our highly-skilled podiatrists are committed to improving themselves professionally at every opportunity to deliver relevant and evidence-based treatment.
Seek Professional Support For
Heel Pain
If you are dealing with heel pain, please contact our friendly team to organise your initial consultation, or book an appointment online. We look forward to working with you.
