Heel Pain - Point Cook - What is it and What Can I do?
Heel Pain is seen at Point Cook Family & Sports Podiatry's Clinic (Ph. 9395 8205, Open 6 Days or Book online) Every Day. It can affect people of all age groups but most commonly those between 40 - 60 years of age.
The most common cause of Heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a piece of connective tissue which extends from the inside/centre under your heel to the ball of your foot. People most often complain of pain under the heel but some people also get arch pain. Plantar fasciitis pain is regularly described as 'pain first thing in the morning when getting out of bed'. After 10-15 mins, the pain subsides but remains present for the rest of the day.
Why does it happen? There are a variety of possible causes. These can include trauma, injury, change of activities, taking up a new sport or activity, certain types of footwear, your walking (gait) pattern particularly if your feet pronate or 'roll in' too much (check your footwear if the inside of your heels wear away rather than the outside). Many people also have no direct cause and say it 'comes out of nowhere'.
Whilst Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain (75% of cases), there are also many other possible causes including Bursas (Bursitis), Nerve Entrapments (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome), Stress fractures in the Calcaneus (heel bone), and other soft tissue conditions.
Steven the Director at Point Cook Family & Sports Podiatry, has over 15 years experience of treating Heel pain. He completes a detailed history of your heel pain and then completes a resting stance analysis, walking (gait) analysis, biomechanical (checking the ranges of motion of your foot and ankle joints) and checks your footwear (looking at wear patterns) all in your initial consultation. He may need to arrange X-rays (checking the heel bone) or an Ultrasound (soft tissue) assessment which is bulk billed at the Radiology practice next door in Dunnings Road.
Treatment depends entirely on the presentation of the individual patient but can include Stretching exercises, Footwear modifications (cushioning, arch support), Pharmacy medicines, Custom or Semi-custom Orthotics, X-Ray and Ultrasound assessment. It is important to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the cause of heel pain, prior to treatment.
Give Point Cook Family & Sports Podiatry a call Ph. 9395 8205, Open 6 days/week at 17 Dunnings Road, Point Cook or book online at www.completefoothealth.com.au. We are open 9am-6pm weekdays and 8am - 2pm Saturdays. All Private Health Funds are covered and instant rebates are available through our HICAPS terminal. Student, Health Care Card and Pension discounts are also available. Easy parking is available at the door at our front our rear car parks.