Heel pain is one of the most common conditions we treat at Sydney Podiatry Co, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Pain may be felt directly in the heel, extending into the arch or up into the Achilles tendon, and can range from a dull ache or morning stiffness to sharp, stabbing pain that limits your ability to walk, work or exercise.
Left untreated, heel pain conditions tend to worsen over time. Early assessment and a tailored treatment plan make a significant difference to recovery time and long-term outcomes.
While plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of heel pain, several conditions can produce similar symptoms, including:
Because the causes and contributing factors vary considerably between patients, accurate diagnosis before starting treatment is essential. Our podiatrists will thoroughly assess and diagnose the cause of your heel pain before recommending any treatment.
The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It acts as a shock absorber during movement, which makes it particularly vulnerable to overuse and gradual degeneration.
A classic early sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain during the first few steps out of bed in the morning, which may ease as the foot warms up. Without treatment, this pain typically becomes more persistent and spreads throughout the day.
Plantar fasciitis is rarely caused by a single factor. Contributing causes may include:
At Sydney Podiatry Co we take a structured three-step approach to heel pain:
Treatment may include a combination of:
For patients whose heel pain has a biomechanical component, a biomechanical assessment may be recommended as part of your management plan.
Sydney Podiatry Co is located at Shop 1, 398 Sydney Road, Balgowlah, with street frontage and easy parking. We see patients for heel pain and plantar fasciitis treatment from across the Northern Beaches including:
Book Online — or call us on (02) 9949 3327
