Podiatrist treating heel pain

Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

Are You Struggling with Heel Pain? We’re Here to Help!

Heel pain is one of the most common foot conditions we treat at JS Podiatry. Often caused by plantar fasciitis, this condition can make everyday activities like walking, running, or even standing incredibly uncomfortable. Located in East Perth, our expert podiatrists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating heel pain with tailored treatment plans to get you back on your feet, pain-free.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot—becomes inflamed. This inflammation often leads to sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps of the day or after long periods of rest.

Common Symptoms of Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis:

  • Sharp pain in the heel, particularly in the morning or after rest.

  • Discomfort that worsens after prolonged standing or physical activity.

  • Bruised-like heel pain

  • Tenderness or swelling in the heel area.

  • Difficulty walking or engaging in physical activity due to pain.

  • Burning or tingling sensation in the heels

What Causes Heel Pain?

Heel pain can result from various factors, including:

  • Overuse from high-impact activities like running or jumping.

  • Wearing unsupportive footwear, such as flat shoes, too flexible shoes, or high heels.

  • Biomechanical issues like flat feet or high arches or abnormal gait patterns.

  • Jobs or activities that require prolonged standing.

  • Sudden weight gain or obesity, which increases pressure on the feet.

For a deeper dive into the common causes of heel pain and how to prevent it, check out our [blog on heel pain]

Why Treat Heel Pain Early?

Ignoring heel pain can lead to more serious issues, such as chronic pain, reduced mobility, or compensatory injuries in other parts of the body like the knees or hips. Early treatment ensures faster recovery and helps prevent long-term complications.

Our Approach to Treating Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

At JS Podiatry, we take a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to treating heel pain. Here’s how we can help:

1. Biomechanical Assessments

We start by assessing your foot posture, gait, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your heel pain.

Podistrist - Johan - Assessing Gait to look for potential biomechanical causes of heel pain
Podiatrist - fitting a custom-made orthotic

2. Custom Orthotics

Our podiatrists may recommend custom orthotics to provide arch support, reduce strain on the plantar fascia, and improve overall foot alignment.

3. Shockwave Therapy

This non-invasive treatment promotes healing by stimulating blood flow and reducing inflammation in the affected area. It’s highly effective for chronic heel pain.

Podiatrist performing Shockwave Therapy for heel pain

4. Stretching & Strengthening Exercises

We’ll guide you through tailored exercises to improve flexibility, strengthen the plantar fascia, and reduce pain.

5. Lifestyle & Footwear Advice

Our team will provide expert recommendations on footwear and lifestyle modifications to prevent further strain on your heels.

6. Prolotherapy (for Chronic Cases)

For persistent heel pain, we may use prolotherapy to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and strengthen the plantar fascia.

Prolotherapy for heel pain

Success Stories from Our Patients

"I had been struggling with heel pain for months, and JS Podiatry transformed my recovery. The combination of orthotics and shockwave therapy worked wonders. I’m back to running pain-free!" – Sarah, East Perth

FAQs About Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment plan, but most patients see significant improvement within 6-8 weeks.

Can I continue exercising with plantar fasciitis?
Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling are usually fine, but it’s best to avoid high-impact exercises until your podiatrist advises otherwise.

What shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?
Supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning is essential. Our podiatrists can recommend specific brands or styles to fit your foot type during your appointment.

Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. What are other types?
Heel pain is often misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis. It is important to get the pain assessed. Other potential diagnoses could be Achilles tendonitis, Sever’s disease, heel spurs, calcaneal stress fracture, Baxter’s nerve entrapment, plantar fascia tear and bruised heel syndrome. Our podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and propose an individualised treatment plan based on a thorough history and assessment.

Why Choose JS Podiatry for Your Heel Pain Treatment?

At JS Podiatry, we pride ourselves on providing patient-focused care tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced podiatrists use the latest techniques and treatments to ensure you get back to doing what you love - pain-free.

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t let heel pain hold you back. Contact JS Podiatry in East Perth today to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.