Heel Pain Treatment Thornbury
Helping you to step out of heel pain and into comfort.
Your Local Podiatrist for Heel Pain
Heel pain can be a frustrating hindrance, where every step you take reminds you of the discomfort. Whether it’s a constant presence or appears when you’re walking, standing, or even resting, getting through the day is often much more difficult than it needs to be.
When exercising or even walking around your home causes you physical pain, this can take a toll on not only your body, but also your mind. It limits the activities you can do and can impact the quality of your life. However, heel pain can be addressed with the help of an experienced podiatrist such as our team at Talaria Podiatrist.
Types of Heel Pain
Heel pain may be due to a number of conditions such as:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It’s caused by the plantar fascia— a band of connective tissue from your heel to the ball of your foot— becoming inflamed, which can happen for many reasons.
Achilles Tendonitis
Repetitive stress and tension on the Achilles tendon, a strong band of tissue at the back of the lower leg, may lead to inflammation and pain known as Achilles tendonitis.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, but they’re different conditions. Heel spurs are bony outgrowths that develop under the heel bone in response to long-term tension or stress on the plantar fascia.
Sever's Disease
Sever’s Disease tends to occur in active children and teenagers whose feet and legs are still growing. Overuse, increased body weight, and excessive muscle strain are frequent causes.
Symptoms of Heel Pain
Heel pain may sound straightforward, but it can show up in many ways. The specific symptoms depend on the underlying cause, which can range from plantar fasciitis and heel spurs to bursitis and fat pad atrophy. For example, plantar fasciitis tends to cause pain on the bottom of the heel, typically first thing in the morning, while achilles tendonitis often causes pain at the back of the heel. The type of pain varies as well— it may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain or soreness and tenderness.
Causes of Heel Pain
The most common causes of heel pain are:
- Plantar fasciitis— A typically sharp, stabbing pain under the heel that is most intense first thing in the morning and after periods of rest
- Heel spurs— Heel spurs may contribute to discomfort in the plantar fascia. While some people experience dull pain, others report a sharp pain
- Achilles tendonitis— This often leads to pain at the back of the heel that is most noticeable during physical activities such as running or jumping
- Bursitis— Bursitis in the heel may cause pain and tenderness on the back of or under the heel, which may also feel swollen and warm to the touch
- Fat pad atrophy— The natural padding under the heel is called the fat pad and may wear down over time, often leading to pain
Ready to say goodbye to heel pain?
Treatment for Heel Pain
In some instances, heel pain may be managed with rest and ice. However, if your condition doesn’t improve after several days, it’s a good idea to seek foot care from a podiatrist.
At Talaria Podiatrist, we work with you to create personalised treatment plans with your goals in mind. Treatment options may include shockwave therapy, strapping, footwear advice, stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotic therapy, and needling. Whether you’re experiencing skin problems on your feet, ingrown toenails, or dealing with sports injuries, we’ll tailor our treatment to you.
Your Heel Pain Questions Answered
When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe heel pain, it’s advisable to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible. If you’ve tried home remedies without noticing any improvement, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Is walking good for heel pain?
In some cases yes, and in other cases no. It all depends on your condition, its severity, and how it impacts you. It’s important to listen to your body and pay attention to the level of pain you experience throughout the day. If you’re unsure whether walking may be a good idea for you or not, please make an appointment to see us.
Do heel spurs require surgery?
For the most part, heel spurs typically don’t require surgery. They are often found on imaging tests such as x-rays, but that doesn’t indicate they need to be treated with surgery. Conservative treatments such as rest, stretching exercises, orthotics, and other modalities are generally used first.
Should I stretch a sore Achilles?
As a general rule of thumb, stretching a sore Achilles should be approached with caution. Gentle stretching may or may not help to promote healing, depending on various factors, while excessive stretching may cause additional pain or damage. As such, we recommend that you seek professional advice if you have a sore Achilles before attempting any stretches.
Why does my heel hurt in the morning?
Heel pain in the morning is often caused by plantar fasciitis. This is a common condition where the plantar fascia, which is a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes tight and stiff overnight when it’s not being used. As a result, it may take some time in the morning for it to become accustomed to being used.
Heel pain in the morning may also be caused by reduced blood flow, Achilles tendonitis, or heel spurs. In any case, it’s recommended you consult with a podiatrist to determine the cause of your morning heel pain.
Can I treat heel pain at home?
Depending on its cause and how severe the pain is, you may be able to treat heel pain at home. If your heel pain is mild, resting and modifying any activities you do may be helpful. However, if your pain is severe or continues for several days or longer, it’s wise to see a podiatrist for a personalised assessment.
What areas do you service?
Located in Thornbury, we are just around the corner from Preston, Northcote, Ivanhoe, Coburg, Brunswick, Alphington, Fairfield, Heidelberg, Eaglemont, Reservoir, Bulleen, Kew, Rosanna and Collingwood!
Why Talaria Podiatrist?
Local Team
Our podiatrists are based here in Thornbury, just like you!
Dedicated Podiatrists
Caring for feet health is our passion, and we bring years of experience to the table.
Inviting Environment
We stay away from white and stuffy, preferring the inviting and family-friendly approach.
Rediscover Joy in Every Step
Heel pain can cause frustration and limitations, but doesn’t have to last forever. With personalised treatment by our team at Talaria Podiatrist, our range of treatment options has been built with you in mind so you can get back out there as soon as possible. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy mum, or a student, there’s no need to keep heel pain from letting you achieve your goals.
Take the Leap Today
At Talaria Podiatrist, we’re dedicated to providing personalised solutions to help you overcome the obstacle that is heel pain. From plantar fasciitis to Achilles tendonitis and beyond, we have years of experience in customising treatment plans that address the root cause of heel pain and help to set it free. Whether your dream is to take a leisurely stroll in the park or make it as the star of your sports team, get in touch with us today!