An Evidence Based Approach to Heel Pain

Our heel pain treatment program is designed for active adults, office workers, and anyone dealing with persistent or acute heel pain. Whether you've just noticed discomfort or have been dealing with it for months, our team will guide you through an evidence-based recovery plan. Here’s what makes our program unique:

• Thorough assessment to identify the exact cause of your pain

• Hands-on therapy to improve tissue mobility and reduce pain

• Shockwave therapy to stimulate healing in stubborn, chronic conditions

• Custom orthotics to correct foot mechanics and offload pressure

• Exercise rehab tailored to your lifestyle and goals

• Patient education to prevent recurrence and support long-term health

Common Heel Conditions We Treat

1. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that supports your arch becomes irritated or inflamed. It’s particularly noticeable with first-step pain in the morning or after prolonged rest.

Our physiotherapists use a multi-modal approach to treat plantar fasciitis, including:

• Stretching and mobility exercises

• Calf and plantar fascia strengthening

• Manual therapy for surrounding joints

• Shockwave therapy for persistent cases

• Orthotic support to reduce strain on the fascia

Many patients report significant improvement within weeks when they begin early treatment.

2. Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop under the heel bone, often as a result of chronic strain from conditions like plantar fasciitis. While not always painful, they can contribute to persistent discomfort, particularly during weight-bearing activities.

Our treatment focuses on:

• Reducing inflammation and offloading the spur

• Correcting abnormal foot biomechanics

• Using custom orthotics to redistribute force

• Addressing any tightness or weakness in the foot and lower leg

We often find that treating the underlying soft tissue dysfunction is more effective than focusing on the spur itself.

3. Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury affecting runners, active adults, and even office workers who spend long periods on their feet or in poor footwear. It typically presents as stiffness or pain in the back of the heel or lower calf.

We specialise in:

• Identifying early signs before tendon degeneration worsens

• Graded loading exercises to rebuild tendon strength

• Shockwave therapy to promote tendon healing

• Biomechanical analysis to improve gait and posture

Our Richmond and South Yarra clinics are equipped to guide patients through a structured tendon rehabilitation program, often avoiding the need for injections or surgery.

Advanced Therapies We Offer

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that delivers sound waves into damaged tissues. It is particularly effective for chronic heel pain, such as longstanding plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.

Key benefits:

• Stimulates blood flow and collagen production

• Breaks down calcification and scar tissue

• Accelerates healing without downtime

This therapy is performed in-clinic by trained physiotherapists and has been shown to reduce pain and improve function in as little as 6–8 sessions.

Customised Orthotics

Not all feet are built the same. Off-the-shelf insoles often fall short when it comes to correcting biomechanics. That’s why we offer customised orthotic solutions using precise foot assessment and gait analysis.

Our orthotics are designed to:

• Support the arch and reduce plantar fascia tension

• Offload heel pressure

• Improve overall lower limb alignment

They’re a particularly important part of long-term management for recurring heel pain or structural foot issues.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your first session will involve a comprehensive assessment, including:

• History of your condition

• Physical examination of foot and lower leg

• Footwear assessment and gait analysis

• Identification of contributing factors

From there, we’ll build a personalised treatment plan that fits your activity level, job demands, and goals. You’ll receive hands-on treatment from day one, with advice on activity modification, exercise, and footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my heel pain is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis typically presents as sharp pain under the heel, especially with the first few steps in the morning. It may ease during the day and worsen after standing or walking for long periods. A physiotherapist can confirm the diagnosis through clinical assessment.

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for heel pain?

No referral is needed. You can book directly with our physiotherapy clinic in Richmond or South Yarra. However, if you're planning to use a Medicare EPC plan, you will need a GP referral.

Can orthotics really help with heel pain?

Yes. Custom orthotics are particularly effective in redistributing pressure, improving foot posture, and supporting recovery in conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.

Is Shockwave therapy painful?

Shockwave therapy may cause mild discomfort during the session, but it’s generally well-tolerated and only lasts a few minutes. Most patients feel an improvement after a few sessions.

How long does it take to recover from heel pain?

Recovery varies depending on the cause and how long you've had symptoms. With early intervention and a tailored treatment plan, many people experience significant improvement within 4–6 weeks.

Do you treat children or only adults?

While most of our heel pain patients are adults, we do assess and treat heel pain in adolescents and active teenagers — especially those involved in sports where conditions like Sever’s disease are common.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let heel pain slow you down. If you're based in Richmond, South Yarra, or nearby suburbs like Kew, Prahran, or Toorak, book an appointment today and get expert, hands-on help from a qualified physiotherapist. Our team is here to help you walk comfortably again — one step at a time.