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Achilles Tendonitis

Heel pain is a common foot condition that can significantly impact your daily life, making simple activities like walking or standing uncomfortable. It can range from a mild annoyance to severe discomfort, affecting your mobility and quality of life. At The Walking Clinic, we understand the frustration heel pain can cause and offer expert diagnosis and treatment to get you back on your feet comfortably.

Symptoms

  • Sharp pain in the heel, especially when taking first steps in
    the morning or after rest
  • Difficulty walking normally
  • Persistent pain that lasts beyond a few days
  • Swelling or discoloration at the back of the foot
  • Pain that worsens when standing on tiptoes
  • Altered sensation in the feet, such as pins and needles

Causes

Several factors can lead to ingrown toenails, such as:

Plantar fasciitis

Inflammation of the fibrous band connecting your heel to your toes

Achilles tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

A pinched nerve in the ankle

Stress

Tiny cracks in the heel bone from repetitive stress

Heel

Inflammation of the bursa at the back of the heel

Diagnosis

At The Walking Clinic, our podiatrists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose heel pain:

  • Physical examination of the foot and ankle
  • Assessment of your gait and foot structure
  • Review of your medical history and lifestyle factors
  • If necessary, imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds to rule out fractures or other conditions

Treatment Options

We offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific condition:

Custom prescription orthotics to provide support and alleviate pressure

Shockwave therapy to promote healing and reduce pain

Stretching exercises and physical therapy

Strapping and offloading padding techniques

Anti-inflammatory medications or injections

In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered

Preventive Measures

To reduce the risk of heel pain:
  • Wear properly fitted, supportive shoes appropriate for your activities
  • Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on your feet
  • Stretch your calf muscles and feet regularly
  • Gradually increase the intensity of physical activities
  • Avoid going barefoot on hard surfaces
  • Warm up properly before engaging in sports or exercise

FAQs

What does a Podiatrist do?
A podiatrist is a health care professional specialising in the management and treatment of the lower limb and foot. A podiatrist can help treat a wide range of conditions and help in the management of chronic disease and even general foot care. The helpful podiatrists at The Walking Clinic can treat a wide range of problems, these include :
  • Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain and heel spurs
  • Fungal nail infections and nail problems
  • Tendon and ligament injuries
  • Morton’s neuroma or nerve pain
  • Surgical and Non-Surgical treatment of ingrown nails
  • Treatment of other nail conditions
  • Custom orthotics as management of lower limb pain
  • Diabetes assessment and care
  • Knee pain
  • Tired and painful feet
  • Fractures and stress fractures
  • Ankle sprains
  • Children’s lower-leg development and growing pains
  • General foot care including corns and callus
  • And Many More!
In general circumstances, No referral is required, however Medicare EPC patients or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) patients will require a referral from their GP.
During your initial consultation your podiatrist will take a thorough history concerning your presenting problem as well as your medical and surgical history. Your podiatrist will make all efforts to accurately diagnose your condition and initiate treatment during your first visit where possible.

The Walking Clinic offers HICAPS facilities which allow convenient on-the-spot health fund rebates for patients insured with eligible health funds. We advise patients to contact their health fund for further information regarding rebates.

It is a requirement that fees are paid at the time of your consultation.

If you have a chronic and complex medical condition, such as diabetes, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program. This is a care-plan arrangement between the Walking Clinic and your GP, however your GP alone will decide if you are a suitable candidate. If you have any questions regarding EPC care plans, please feel free to contact us for information. Alternatively please contact Medicare on 132 011.
Yes. DVA Gold Card holders will receive a full rebate for podiatry consultations and other treatment related expenses with a valid referral from their GP. Please contact us prior to seeking a referral to receive the necessary information for your GP. For other forms of Veterans’ Affairs Cards (such as Green or White cards) please contact DVA on 133 254 for details regarding podiatry related rebates.

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