Common symptoms that may present with plantar heel pain

  • Are you having pain when you first stand up in the morning or after you have been sitting down for a while?
  • Does the pain feel sharp, like a stone bruise?
  • Does it hurt more when you are barefoot?

Podiatry assessment of plantar heel pain at PEAK

Our Podiatrists will do an in depth history and biomechanical assessment to work out why the pain might have started. This might include:

  • Walking analysis
  • Footwear assessment - checking the wear patterns and if they are still suitable to be used
  • Running technique assessment (if required)
  • Range of motion assessment
  • Strength assessment of the leg and calf

The Podiatrists will then be able to begin treatment and provide a clear plan on expected recovery times and what training you can or can’t continue doing. 

 

Treatment strategies to help with heel pain 

 

Treatment for this injury can vary depending on what has caused your pain in the first place, but here is an overview of what may be used.

 

1.  Exercises for strengthening your foot and calf muscles 

    1. Fascial loading exercises 

    2. Calf strength progressions

    3. Intrinsic foot strengthening

    4. Big toe mobility 

    5. Trigger ball mobility

2.  Offloading with custom foot orthotics

Custom Orthotics are designed specifically for you and are tailored to your foot type. Orthotics for plantar heel pain work by accurately supporting and offloading the arch of the foot and cushioning the heel.

At PEAK, we use a 3D scanner to take an image of your feet and then fit them into your shoes 1-2 weeks later.

3. Advice on more appropriate footwear

After the biomechanical assessment, the Podiatrist will be able to give you information on the most appropriate footwear for home, work and exercise.

4.  Manual therapy 

  • Hands on treatment is a good option for pain relief of plantar heel pain

  • Fascial/ arch massage release

  • Big toe and ankle mobilisation 

  • Dry needling through the calves

The very first step you should take is to book an appointment with a Podiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and establish the cause of your injury, so that treatment can begin right away. It has been proven that the sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you are likely to resolve your injury and eliminate your pain.

Chelsea Enright 

Podiatrist and Coach 

PEAK Sports And Spine Centre

Hawthorne

Address
5/171 Riding Road,
Hawthorne, QLD, 4171
Get Directions
Opening Hours -
6 days per week
  • Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.

New Farm

Address
1/15 Lamington Street,
New Farm, QLD, 4005
Get Directions
Opening Hours -
6 days per week
  • Monday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thursday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

To make a booking outside of business hours, please use our form by clicking here.