Morton’s Neuroma
Nail conditions are usually misdiagnosed and treated as fungal nail infection. Factors and medical conditions can impact the health of a nail and present similarly to fungal nail.
Heel pain is the pain or discomfort of back of the heel or the bottom of the foot where the plantar fascia originates. General heel pain is related to biomechanical patterns or certain activities but can also be secondary to an underlying medical condition. As the foot is composed of several ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels and nerves, it is essential the correct diagnosis is made prior to commencing treatment.
At Foot Lab Podiatry, our highly experienced podiatrist can assess and diagnose the correct heel pain condition based on your presenting complaint, history, symptoms and assessment findings. Our podiatry clinic in Liverpool region offers a number of non-invasive treatment options which can treat your heel pain and resolve it long term. These may include dry needling, taping, shockwave therapy, foot mobilisation, prolotherapy injections and orthotic therapy.


Heel pain can be caused by any of the following:
- Walking patterns
- Incorrect footwear
- Overuse
- Overweight
- Trauma
Heel pain can also be casued by secondary medical neurological or autoimmune conditions such as:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the connective soft tissue band which connects from the bottom of the heel bone to the toes. It is one of the most common heel pain conditions.
Signs and symptoms:
– Pain in the heel first step in the morning or after weightbearing from prolonged sitting.
– Sharp pain on the bottom of the heel
– Heel tender to touch
– Increased pain when exercising or being on your feet
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation or trauma to the connective soft tissue tendon which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is common amongst runners and athletes.
Signs and symptoms:
– Tenderness in the back of the heel
– Sharp/dull pain in the back of the heel
– Pain in the heel first step in the morning or after weightbearing from prolonged sitting
– Increased pain when walking uphill or upstairs
– Swelling of the Achilles tendon may be present
Heel spur
A Heel spur is a build-up of calcium deposits on the heel bone due to excessive pressure or friction on the heel which calcify and becomes bone. They can be caused from ill fitting footwear or tight muscle structures rubbing on the bone. Heel spurs can be diagnosed by imaging such as X-ray.
Signs and symptoms:
– Plantar heel tender on palpation
– Swelling/inflammation of the bottom of the heel
– Sharp pain when weightbearing or during activity
Retrocalcaneal bursitis
Retrocalcaneal bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa (a fluid filled sac) between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone The bursa is aggravated from ill-fitting footwear, tight calf muscles and overuse due to excessive physical activity.
Signs and symptoms:
– Pain in the back of the heel (Achilles region)
– Swelling and inflammation of the back of the heel
– Stiffness and pain on calf activation
– Pain worsens with activity
Severs Disease
Severs disease also known as Calcaneal Apophysitis is a common heel pain condition present among children. The condition is characterised by the inflammation of the growth plate in the back of the heel. Excessive physical activity and overuse are the main causes increased tension or traction on the Achilles tendon results in the inflammation of the growth plate. Severs can be diagnosed by an X-ray.
Signs and symptoms:
– Pain when running and exercising
– Limping walking pattern due to pain
– Foot pain in the morning
Nerve entrapment
Heel pain associated with burning, tingling or numbness may be due to a nerve compression or entrapment. The nerves in the foot can be irritated or entrapped due to surrounding structures compressing or squeezing the nerve. It’s caused by trauma, overuse or injury from a previous surgery.
Signs and symptoms:
– Sensations of burning, tingling, or numbness
– Wearing closed in footwear and ill-fitting footwear irritates the condition
– Activity makes the condition worse
Posterior tibialis tendinopathy
Posterior tibialis tendinopathy is the inflammation of the posterior tibialis tendon which supports the muscles and bones in the medial arch of the foot.
Signs and symptoms:
– Pain on the inside of the ankle, foot and leg.
– Swelling may be present on the inside of the ankle/lower leg
– Pain worse on activity
– Collapsed arch or mid foot