Professional Care for Long-Term Relief
Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems our podiatrists treat at Melbourne Walking Clinic. Whether your discomfort started suddenly or has been building over time, heel pain can interfere with daily life, work, and exercise. Fortunately, with the right diagnosis and professional heel pain treatment, lasting relief is achievable.
Our experienced podiatry team provides comprehensive heel pain treatment in Melbourne, focusing on identifying the root cause and designing a tailored plan that helps you recover quickly and prevent future flare-ups.
Understanding Heel Pain
Heel pain can occur in one or both feet and often feels worse first thing in the morning or after long periods of standing. While the pain may seem to come from the heel bone itself, it’s typically caused by irritation or inflammation of the surrounding structures.
Common causes of heel pain include:
- Plantar fasciitis: inflammation of the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. This is the most frequent cause of heel pain.
- Heel spurs: small bony growths that can form on the heel bone due to repeated strain.
- Achilles tendinopathy: irritation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, located at the back of the heel.
- Bursitis: inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions the heel bone.
- Nerve entrapment: compression of nerves in the heel area, causing sharp or burning sensations.
- Poor foot posture: flat feet or high arches can increase pressure on the heel.
- Inappropriate footwear: shoes that lack cushioning or arch support often worsen heel pain.
Every case is unique, which is why an accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment.
Our Heel Pain Assessment Process
At Melbourne Walking Clinic, we take the time to understand exactly what’s causing your heel pain. Our comprehensive assessment includes:
- Detailed medical and activity history – identifying when your symptoms occur, what activities aggravate them, and any previous injuries.
- Physical examination – checking for tenderness, swelling, and restricted movement in your heel and foot.
- Biomechanical and gait analysis – using technology to assess how you walk or run and identify any abnormalities in your movement patterns.
- Footwear review – evaluating your current shoes to ensure they provide appropriate support and cushioning.
- Diagnostic imaging (if required) – referring for ultrasound or X-ray to confirm the diagnosis in more complex cases.
This thorough assessment helps us develop a personalised heel pain treatment plan that targets the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.
Customised Heel Pain Treatment Options
Once your assessment is complete, your podiatrist will recommend a treatment plan designed around your lifestyle, activity level, and recovery goals. Treatment options may include:
1. Custom Orthotics
Orthotics can be extremely effective for redistributing pressure and supporting your arches. At Melbourne Walking Clinic, we design custom orthotics tailored to your feet to reduce stress on the plantar fascia and heel structures.
2. Footwear Recommendations
Wearing supportive shoes is crucial for recovery. We’ll guide you on the best footwear for your foot type and activity level, including athletic, work, and casual options that help prevent pain from returning.
3. Shockwave Therapy
For chronic or stubborn heel pain, shockwave therapy can stimulate tissue healing and reduce inflammation. This non-invasive treatment is often used when other conservative approaches haven’t provided full relief.
4. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Targeted exercises can improve flexibility in the calf muscles and strengthen the supporting structures of your foot. Your podiatrist will guide you through a personalised exercise program you can perform at home.
5. Strapping and Padding
Taping or padding techniques can provide immediate relief by offloading pressure from painful areas, allowing inflammation to settle.
6. Activity Modification
If certain movements or sports are aggravating your pain, we’ll suggest temporary adjustments to reduce strain while maintaining overall fitness.
Our approach combines evidence-based therapies with practical lifestyle advice so you can return to normal activities comfortably and confidently.
Preventing Future Heel Pain
Once your heel pain has settled, our podiatrists will help you prevent it from returning. Prevention may include:
- Continuing stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes daily.
- Replacing worn-out footwear before it loses cushioning.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce strain on your heels.
- Using orthotics for long-term support if needed.
By addressing the underlying factors, we can help you maintain pain-free mobility for years to come.
Why Choose Melbourne Walking Clinic for Heel Pain Treatment?
At Melbourne Walking Clinic, we’ve been helping Melburnians walk comfortably for over 20 years. Our team combines clinical expertise, advanced technology, and genuine care to deliver exceptional outcomes for every patient.
Here’s why patients choose us for heel pain treatment in Melbourne:
- Experienced podiatrists with specialised knowledge in biomechanics and foot pain management.
- Comprehensive assessments using advanced tools like video gait analysis.
- Personalised treatment plans designed around your lifestyle and activity goals.
- Convenient clinic locations across Melbourne, including Caroline Springs, Essendon, and Collins Street.
- Collaborative care with GPs and allied health professionals when required.
We’re committed to providing the highest level of podiatric care so you can get back to doing what you love—pain-free.
Book Your Heel Pain Consultation
If heel pain is affecting your comfort, mobility, or performance, it’s time to seek professional help. Early assessment leads to faster recovery and helps prevent chronic issues from developing.
Contact Melbourne Walking Clinic today to book your comprehensive heel pain treatment in Melbourne.
Our friendly team will assess your condition, provide a clear diagnosis, and create a tailored treatment plan to help you get back on your feet.