Common conditions

Heel pain treatment

Heel pain is a common condition causing severe pain under or around the heel bone after periods of rest. Generally the pain is worse the first few steps in the morning, toward the end of the day and after sport or exercise.

There are many causes of heel pain and it is often misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is however very common and is caused by micro tears to the plantar fascia (the long tight cord under the arch) at the attachment point under the heel bone. Left untreated, the pain may persist for up to 18 months. Other causes of heel pain include trigger points in the intrinsic muscles of the arch, nerve entrapment, bursitis or irritation of the fat pad under the heel.

Morton’s neuroma / neuritis treatment

Morton’s neuroma / neuritis is a condition caused by irritation and inflammation of the inter-metatarsal nerve (nerves running between the long bones of the feet) supplying the second, third and fourth toes. Irritation of the third intermetatarsal nerve is the most common causing pain in between the bases of the third and fourth toes and can result in toe numbness.

The cause of this problem varies and there is much debate about the exact cause. Orthoses with metatarsal support can provide relief, however you may also benefit from a medical or surgical referral once footwear and biomechanical factors have been addressed.

Sesamoiditis treatment

The sesamoid bones are two spherical shaped bones that sit under the head of the first metatarsal bone (the long bone leading up to the big toe). This area is commonly called the ‘ball of the foot’. Sesamoiditis, is the inflammation of these bones. People describe the pain as a ‘stone bruise’ type pain often in the medial (inside) sesamoid bone.

Invariably, if you have this condition there is a strong likelihood you also have a biomechanical foot problem which exposes the bones to more pressure when walking and running. Custom foot orthoses are extremely effective at treating this condition.

Ingrown toenail treatment

Ingrown nails are painful. An ingrown nail (onychocryptosis) can occur from trauma, tight footwear, cutting down the sides of the nail, and picking. The problem is often recurrent and multiple episodes of infection are not uncommon. Unfortunately ingrown nails can occur after a visit to a nail salon where infection control procedures are not enforced and staff are not trained.

Treatment of this condition can often be effective after just one visit to our podiatrist. However in more complicated cases, a permanent solution involves a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic. This provides a permanent solution in more than 95 per cent of cases.

Tendonitis treatment

Achilles tendonitis is a very common condition affecting a wide range of people. The condition is characterised by pain in the mid part of the tendon and /or at the insertion point on the back of the heel bone.

This condition has multiple causes and a thorough history and assessment is necessary. Apart from treatment to reduce pain and inflammation, it is important to complete a thorough biomechanical assessment. This can be aided with our  computerised gait assessment software, which can identify subtleties in the timing of heel contact in the gait cycle which can excessively load the tendon and cause injury to the tiny collagen fibres. Treatment often involves a combination of pain relief medication, stretching, strengthening, rest and changes to footwear and or foot function using orthoses.

Shin splints treatment

Shin splints are characterised by pain in the front or inside aspect of the lower leg. Pain usually develops gradually without a history of trauma, and might begin as a dull ache along the front or inside of the shin (tibia) after running or even walking.

Shin splints can occur along the edge of the tibia bone at the front or the inside and can be experienced in the bone itself. A common cause of shin pain can be wearing worn out sport shoes. Other more complicated causes involve the biomechanical workings of the feet and lower leg and these need to be closely examined. Pain in the shin area can vary in severity and needs attention.

Treatment options vary according to the cause. It is important to seek treatment for shin pain as soon as possible to reduce your time away from your sporting activity and reduce the chances of complications (i.e stress fractures).

Our podiatrists use the latest digital technology combined with hands on assessments to provide the best possible treatment plan for your shin pain. Orthotic therapy, footwear advice and dry needling are the most common forms of treatment however, we may need to refer you on for further investigations if indicated.