07 5651 6569
195 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina, QLD 4226
info@structurallystrongpodiatry.com.au
Heel Pain.
Treating Heel Pain.
At Structurally Strong Podiatry we understand that heel pain can often stem from a combination of many issues. We will conduct a thorough assessment and establish as quickly as possible the correct diagnosis and then we will start you on your journey to happier, healthier, stronger feet by formulating the correct treatment plan.
Heel pain seldom goes away on it’s own and those suffering from heel pain will often limp and/or compensate in the way they walk. This can cause further issues to the ankles. Knees, hips and lower back.
Types of Heel Pain.
Heel pain is one of the most common conditions we see as Podiatrist’s specialising in Structural Podiatry. There are over 40 different possible diagnoses relating to heel pain. This can include some of the following:
Mechanical Causes
-
Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Spur Syndrome
Inflammation of the plantar fascia,
usually at it’s worst with first steps in the morning or after rest. -
Calcaneal Stress Fracture
Microfractures in the heel bone, common in
runners or those with sudden activity increases. -
Fat Pad Atrophy or Contusion
Loss or bruising of the heel’s cushioning,
causing deep, aching pain with standing/walking. -
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Nerve entrapment near the inside of the ankle,
leading to burning/tingling heel pain.
Neurological Causes
-
Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment
Compression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, often mimicking plantar fasciitis.
-
Sciatic / Lumbar Radiculopathy
Nerve root compression in the lower back referring pain to the heel.
-
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve dysfunction (e.g., from diabetes), often with burning or numbness in feet including heel.
Inflammatory / Arthritic Causes
-
Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies (e.g., Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic
Arthritis, Reiter’s Syndrome)Enthesitis at the heel, usually bilateral,
associated with systemic symptoms. -
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can cause heel pain through enthesitis or bursitis.
-
Gout
Uric acid crystal deposition causing sudden heel inflammation.
Soft Tissue Pathologies
-
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa between Achilles tendon
and heel bone. -
Superficial Calcaneal Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa under the skin at
the back of the heel. -
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain at the posterior heel, worsened by activity and dorsiflexion.
-
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain at the posterior heel, worsened by activity and
dorsiflexion. -
Plantar Fibromatosis
Benign thickening/nodules in plantar fascia that may mimic plantar fasciitis.
Other Considerations
-
Infection (Osteomyelitis, Cellulitis, Abscess)
Rare but serious; usually with systemic symptoms.
-
Neoplasm (e.g., Bone Tumour, Soft Tissue Sarcoma)
Very rare; persistent, unexplained pain.
-
Systemic Disorders (e.g., Paget’s Disease, Osteomalacia, Sickle Cell Crisis)
Can present with heel pain but usually with other systemic signs.
Why Choose Us to Assess
Your Heel Pain?
With over 25 years of experience treating clients with heel pain we have seen it all.
Our approach is to address the root cause of the problem and not just treat the symptoms. Many cases of heel pain that we see result from a reduction in quality and range of motion in the joints of the foot and ankle.
We are trained in manual therapy using joint mobilisation and joint manipulation techniques to improve joint alignment, quality and range of motion. Often ankle dysfunction is a common finding in people with heel pain!
Often where the pain is, is not where the root cause of the problem is!
We have various treatment options available in our modern purpose built clinic including, strapping/taping, manual therapy, Shockwave therapy , custom made orthotics, tailored exercise programs and expert footwear advice to get you free from heel pain as quickly as possible.
Are You Experiencing
Heel Pain?
Contact us today.
At our clinic, we believe great care means covering every aspect of your foot health. From everyday checkups to long term support.
Let’s Begin.
Contact us today.
At our clinic, we believe great care means covering every aspect of your foot health. From everyday checkups to long term support.