Heel pain at the first step in the morning or heel pain last thing at night may be indicative of a broader issue of plantar heel pain. Plantar heel pain can be the result of overuse, increase in load, poor footwear, deconditioning or trauma.
A study earlier this year revealed the most effective treatment options for heel pain included stretching and taping, followed by modification of load, custom orthoses and shockwave therapy (Morrissey, Cotchett & Said et al, 2021). Heel pain doesn’t have to be an ongoing issue – we have lots of tools to help reduce load and get you back on your feet in no time!
Shockwave therapy is a relatively new technology which can aid in the rehab of a multitude of acute and chronic conditions. In this treatment, high frequency soundwaves are targeted at the tissue to initiate an inflammatory response and engage the body to reconfigure the architecture of that tissue. Great at breaking down scar tissue and poorly rehabilitated injuries, or helping the body kick start an inflammatory response and healing.
Pro Podiatry SA have all of these treatments at their disposal, including custom orthotics 3D printed in-house by our podiatrists. Each of these treatments listed play a part in rehabilitation of heel pain, but we know that each patient and each injury is different and listening to the patient and the body is the best way we can form patient-centred treatment plans.
Need to stay on your feet? Can’t take time off work? Has heel pain bothered you for far too long? Book an appointment with Pro Podiatry SA for a comprehensive assessment and a patient-centred treatment plan that works for you.
Reference: Morrissey D, Cotchett M, Said J’Bari A, et al
Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values
British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 30 March 2021. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101970
Renee Van Der Hoek, Podiatrist