In Loving Memory of our Founder, Richard Lee (21/10/1946 – 25/05/2026) Click here to read his story and view funeral details.

Book an appointment

Subungual Haematoma
(Bruise Under Toenail)

Heel pain is a common foot condition that can significantly impact your daily life, making simple activities like walking or standing uncomfortable. At The Walking Clinic, we understand how debilitating heel pain can be and offer expert diagnosis and treatment to help you get back on your feet pain-free.

Symptoms

  • Sharp pain in the heel, especially with first steps in the morning
  • Dull ache or burning sensation in the heel
  • Pain that worsens after prolonged standing or activity
  • Difficulty walking or limping due to heel discomfort
  • Swelling or redness in the heel area

Causes

Onychauxis can be caused by various factors, including:

Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia)

Achilles tendinitis

Heel spurs

Excessive pronation or flat feet

Overuse or sudden increase in activity

Diagnosis

At The Walking Clinic, our podiatrists use a combination of methods to diagnose heel pain:

  • Physical examination and medical history review
  • Gait analysis to assess foot mechanics
  • X-rays to rule out fractures or detect heel spurs
  • Ultrasound imaging to evaluate soft tissue damage

Treatment Options

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

Custom orthotics to provide proper support and alignment

Shockwave therapy to promote healing and reduce pain

Stretching and strengthening exercises

Night splints for plantar fasciitis

Cortisone injections for severe inflammation

Footwear recommendations and modifications

In rare cases, surgical intervention may be considered

Preventive Measures

  • Wear supportive shoes with good arch support
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
  • Stretch your feet, especially before exercise
  • Gradually increase intensity when starting new activities
  • Replace worn-out shoes regularly
  • Use custom orthotics if recommended by your podiatrist

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.

Book an Appointment

Book An Appointment
Book an appointment