Is Heel Pain Impacting You?
Heel pain can impact you in many ways, which we understand well here at Heel Pain Toowoomba Clinic. We get that heel pain may make daily activities that you used to take for granted difficult and even unbearable at times. As a result, you might limit your physical activities, even ones you didn’t realise involved you using your heels! Simple tasks like going to the shops or taking the dog for a walk can become challenging when you’re experiencing heel pain, and we want you to get those groceries or walk Spot with as little pain and discomfort as possible.
What Is Heel Pain?
Several factors can cause heel pain, including inflammation of the plantar fascia (the tissue that connects the heel to the toes), a bone spur on the heel, or an injury to the heel or surrounding structures. It can also be a symptom of underlying conditions like arthritis, gout, or nerve compression. While heel pain is common in adults, adolescents may also experience heel issues, often due to Sever’s Disease, which affects the growth plate in the heel. Heel pain can be sharp, burning, or throbbing and may be aggravated by standing, walking, or running.
Heel pain is prevalent in Australia, with up to 10% of adults experiencing heel pain at some point in their lives. It can affect people of all ages and lifestyles, from athletes to office workers. It’s estimated that around 1 million Australians visit their GP each year due to heel pain, making it a significant public health concern.
As podiatrists, we see heel pain frequently in our clinic. It’s one of the most common conditions we treat— hence our name!— and our skill in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle disorders makes us the go-to healthcare professional for patients experiencing heel pain. We use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause of the pain and develop personalised treatment plans that address the root cause of the problem. Our goal is to provide you with relief from heel pain and help you get back on your feet quickly and safely.
Toowoomba Heel Pain Clinic
Causes Of Heel Pain.
Understanding the causes of heel pain is the first step to discovering the best possible ways to treat it. At Toowoomba Heel Pain Clinic, we look at your overall health, including your medical history, to determine what may be causing your heel pain. Common causes of heel pain include:
This is the most common cause of heel pain. It’s caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is often characterised by a sharp pain in the heel, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest.
A heel spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. It’s often associated with plantar fasciitis and may cause significant pain and discomfort in the heel and surrounding areas.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. When this tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause heel pain.
Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints and tendons. When these sacs become inflamed, you may feel heel pain.
Stress Fractures
These are tiny cracks in the bones that can occur due to repetitive stress or overuse. Stress fractures in the heel can cause significant pain and require rest to heal.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, including the heel. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common types of arthritis that can affect the feet and cause heel pain.
Ready to say goodbye to achy feet and hello to happy heels?
Symptoms Of Heel Pain.
Heel pain can manifest in different ways depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common symptoms of heel pain:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel
- Dull ache or throbbing pain in the heel
- Pain that worsens with activity, especially walking or running
- Pain that improves when resting or taking a break from activities
- Pain that is worse in the morning after getting out of bed and taking the first few steps
- Swelling or redness around the heel area
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the foot or ankle
- Tenderness to the touch on or around the heel
- Difficulty standing, walking, or bearing weight on the affected foot
- Pain that radiates to other areas of the foot or ankle, such as the arch, toes, or Achilles tendon
Treatment For Heel Pain.
Treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, conservative treatment options can provide relief and help manage the pain. These may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), over-the-counter pain medications, and supportive footwear.
For other cases, podiatry and stretching exercises may also be helpful in reducing pain and improving flexibility. More advanced treatment options may also be necessary. These may include custom orthotics or shoe inserts, dry needling, shockwave treatment, or other treatment suitable for you.
As experienced podiatrists, we work closely with our patients to develop personalised treatment plans that address your unique needs and help you achieve your goals. Our goal is to provide our patients with the most suitable treatment options available and help them get back to walking their dog with ease!
Your Heel Pain Questions Answered.
Will my heel pain ever go away?
The answer to this question depends on the underlying cause of your heel pain. In some cases, heel pain may improve and eventually go away with the appropriate treatment and management. For example, if your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, stretching exercises and supportive footwear may help reduce inflammation and promote healing over time.
However, if your heel pain is caused by a more severe condition such as a stress fracture or arthritis, it may require more advanced treatment options and a longer recovery period. In some cases, chronic conditions may require ongoing management to keep symptoms under control and prevent further damage.
Do I need to stop exercising when I have heel pain?
In some cases, modifying your exercise routine may be necessary to allow your heels to heal and prevent further damage. However, in other cases, continuing to exercise with appropriate modifications can help promote healing and maintain overall health and fitness. It's important to discuss your exercise routine with your healthcare professional, such as our podiatry team at Toowoomba Heel Pain Clinic, if you're experiencing heel pain. We can provide you with personalised guidance and recommendations for exercises that are appropriate for your condition and modifications that may help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
What can I do to prevent heel pain?
Preventing heel pain often involves taking steps to reduce your chances of developing a condition that may contribute to it. This can include wearing proper footwear, stretching before exercising, gradually increasing your activity level, taking breaks during physical activity, and practising good foot hygiene, such as keeping your feet clean and dry.
Why Choose Toowoomba Heel Pain Clinic?
If you understand your individuality and take your health seriously, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to see our team at Toowoomba Heel Pain Clinic. We’re knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with all types of heel pain, so don’t put it off a minute longer!
Individual
Treatment Plans
Your heel pain is different to the person next to you, so your treatment plan should be too.
Experienced
Team
With years of experience in the field, we’re well-versed in the symptoms and management of heel pain.
Wide Range Of Treatments
If one form of treatment for heel pain doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry— we have others that surely will.
In-House
Orthotics Production
Orthotics made & fitted by our podiatrists in under 80 minutes!
We Can Help With Heel Pain.
Achilles tendonitis is no walk in the park, but if walking in the park with less pain is on your to-do list, we’re ready to help you get there. Whatever the cause of your Achilles tendonitis or how it’s affecting you, our knowledgeable team is just one step away.
Put Your Best Foot Forward - Without The Pain!
With Toowoomba Heel Pain Clinic.
If you’re experiencing heel pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Toowoomba Heel Pain Clinic, our team of experienced podiatrists can help to uncover the underlying cause of your heel pain and develop a personalised treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and promote healing. Whether your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or another condition, we have the knowledge and experience to help you feel better and get back to the activities you love.
Don’t let heel pain hold you back any longer. Contact Toowoomba Heel Pain Clinic today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert podiatrists. We’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals, so you can get back to living your life to the fullest.