Heel pain can be an extremely long-term, debilitating condition. With a range of treatment options available, it is important to seek professional advice regarding the appropriate management of each individual case. We are here to help. Our Podiatrists employ a range of evidence based techniques to assist with appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment of this painful condition.

Tailored Treatments

The “one size fits all” approach does not apply when dealing with heel pain. As with all medical conditions, the internet is full of “quick fixes and miracle cures”, although many of these are not based on good scientific evidence. Our methodical approach to treatment is designed to gain the most effective results in the shortest possible time.

State of the Art Equipment

Our clinic has access to the most up to date equipment currently available, ranging from 3-D laser scanning technology producing 3-D printed foot orthotics, to radial shockwave therapy targeting injured tissue.

Strengthening and Stretching Exercises

Heel pain can be significantly improved by adopting appropriately prescribed stretching and strengthening programs. These exercises enable the tissue that attaches to the heel cope with the higher loads placed on it, thus reducing the risk of further injury.

Foot Orthotics

There are many “off the shelf” arch supports and heel paddings available at your local pharmacy or sports store, but which one is appropriate for your needs? Foot orthoses work by reducing the load in injured tissue, improving comfort and healing times. Our orthotic designs are research based, with prescriptions targeted to treat injured tissue while reducing excess loads.

Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave is often used successfully by our Podiatrists to treat a broad range of heel pain conditions ranging from chronic achilles tendon issues to plantar fasciitis (heel spur syndrome). It is mostly used for heel pain that has failed to respond to all other traditional conservative treatment modalities. Shockwave therapy has been investigated in multiple well-designed, randomized and placebo-controlled trials, providing Level 1 evidence of effectiveness, and more importantly, safety of treatment.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique where acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin and tissues below, to specifically target and restore muscle function. Our Podiatrists are trained in this technique and may use this in conjunction with other therapies to improve tissue healing.

Footwear

Many cases of heel pain can be helped with the use of appropriate footwear. Flat, unsupportive shoes are one of the main causes of heel pain, due to the increased strain they place on soft tissues attaching to the heel. Our clinic is stocked with a variety of shoes and sandles providing the appropriate support and suited to our North Queensland climate.