I’m sure this comes as no surprise. Women are different from men, and even though this is just a generalisation, men usually wear more comfortable and practical footwear in the workplace.

Women, unfortunately, especially in some professions, are still pressured to wear inappropriate and sometimes very uncomfortable footwear. 

I know some women wear more fashionable shoes by choice, so merely telling a woman she needs to get rid of her court of high-heeled shoes can be fraught with danger, therefore we, (meaning podiatrists), must think of multiple ways to treat women’s foot issues. 

Treatment Options

Heel pain is still the most common foot problem seen by most podiatrists and orthotics are still the best way to treat heel pain, but they are not always practical, so at ProHealth Podiatry we have developed other treatment therapies.  

We will always talk about footwear on the initial consultation to test the waters and see if changing footwear is an option, especially if we think it’s a large part of the problem. If the patient is prepared to change their footwear, it opens up more treatment options. 

It’s essential to find the underlying cause with heel pain, which is why all patients are taken through a proper foot and lower limb assessment. We always do this before starting any treatment plan.  

As an overview, here are the various forms of treatment currently offered at ProHealth Podiatry for Heel Pain:

Shockwave therapy: This works using percussion, and the goal is to stimulate the painful area back into a healing response. 

Ultrasound: This therapy has been around for many years and it works by using sound waves, which improves circulation and improves healing. Not as effective as shockwave but still sufficient for some patients. 

Acupuncture & Dry Needling works by stimulating the deep tissue areas. Needles are placed in specific locations to give the best response. 

Therapeutic Wax Foot-baths: Perfect for general soreness and the heat from the wax increases circulation. Wax foot-baths are also a great way to moisturise the foot deeply, and it feels incredible. 

Padding & strapping: We often use a few strapping techniques to reduce stress and strain on the heel. 

Dextrose Injections: Injecting a solution of glucose and lignocaine at the spot that is most painful.

Low Level Laser: Using a low level laser machine a few times a week to ease the amount of pain experienced.

Arch support: If your footwear offers no arch support, we can easily make permanent arch supports and glue them directly into your footwear, and it doesn’t matter how high the shoes are. Perfect for wedding shoes.

Other treatment options available are Kinesiology Tape, that’s the colourful tape you see on most athletes these days, Foot Mobilisation and Stretching Programs. 

Stretching is still one of the best treatment options available, but it’s important to do stretching correctly. This is one of our specialities.

Heel pain is not going to disappear on its own, so the earlier you treat the problem, the better the long-term results. 

To make an immediate appointment and be proactive towards your health call ProHealth Podiatry in Red Hill or Mt Gravatt on (07) 3076 7306 or e-mail info@prohealthpodiatry.com.au.