Heel Pain
Heel Pain Is Not Created Equal
Why the cause matters and how heel pain is treated Disabling heel pain is one of the most common foot conditions we treat at Waikato Podiatry Clinic. While many people describe their symptoms simply as “sore heels,” heel pain is not a single condition—and understanding where the pain is coming from is critical to effective…
Read MorePlantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common and often stubborn cause of heel pain, but the good news is that most people improve with conservative (non-surgical) treatment. Research shows that approximately 85% of patients experience a successful recovery within 18 months. While that may sound like a long time, the right treatment approach can significantly reduce pain,…
Read MoreFallen Arches
Fallen Arches and Flat Feet A fallen arch, commonly referred to as a flat foot, is a condition where the arch on the inside of the foot appears lowered or completely collapsed. While many people associate flat feet with foot pain alone, the reality is that fallen arches can contribute to a wide range of…
Read MoreHeel Spurs
Heel Spurs and Heel Pain: What you need to know Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek podiatric care, and heel spurs are often blamed. In fact, heel spurs are present in approximately 20–40% of the population. However, the presence of a heel spur does not automatically mean pain, and this…
Read MoreTendon & Ligament Problems
Understanding tendons, ligaments & foot injuries and how a podiatrist can help Ligaments and tendons play a major role in keeping your feet and ankles stable, strong, and capable of handling everything from daily walking to intense sports. When something goes wrong with these structures, it can lead to pain, instability, and long-term issues if…
Read MoreBio-Mechanical Assessment & Gait Analysis
Bio-Mechanical Assessment & Gait Analysis The arrangement of the bones, intrinsic muscles of the foot, extrinsic foot muscles in the leg and presence of powerful ligamements all work together to maintain a strong, stable foundation. Weaknesses in the structures maintaining foot integrity can result in problems such as fallen arches. Hypomobility = stiff and inflexible…
Read MorePlantar Plate Injuries
Plantar Plate Injuries fall under the category of forefoot pain problems, but they make up a significant percentage of forefoot problems so I have decided to discuss this condition exclusively. What Is the Plantar Plate? Plantar Plate The plantar plate is a fibrous structure that has a cartilaginous plate that makes the tissue…
Read MorePosterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
What is Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction? Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) may sound complicated, but understanding this condition is crucial for anyone experiencing unexplained foot pain or flattening arches. The posterior tibial muscle originates high on the inside of your leg. This important muscle connects to a tendon that travels down the back of your…
Read MoreDo I Have a Heel Spur?
Debunking the Heel Spur Myth: What’s Really Causing Your Heel Pain Unless your healthcare provider has X-ray vision like Superman (complete with cape and outside underwear), they can’t diagnose a heel spur just by looking at your foot. Only an X-ray can confirm if a heel spur is present, and even then, the spur rarely…
Read MoreHeel Pain Myths: Are You Mistakenly Believing One Of These?
Heel pain: it’s a common problem our podiatrists see and treat every day, here in our Hamilton clinic. For some of our patients, heel pain is debilitating, affecting their ability to work and live comfortably. Others put up with mild to moderate pain around their heels for months, on and off. Some experience that classic…
Read More