Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Pain Following an Increase in Running Volume
A runner develops morning heel pain after increasing road running volume alongside changes in footwear and daily loading.
Read case study →Sydney Heel Pain Clinic
Heel Pain Case Studies
Real clinical presentations showing how heel pain can develop, persist and respond differently depending on the mechanical, functional and lifestyle factors involved.
Clinical Presentations
Similar Symptoms.
Different Drivers.
Two patients can describe almost identical heel pain while the factors maintaining their symptoms are completely different.
These case studies demonstrate why assessment extends beyond simply identifying the painful structure. Footwear, calf and lower-limb function, foot mechanics, activity exposure and changes in loading can all influence the clinical picture.
Heel Pain Is Not a Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, bursitis and other heel conditions describe the tissue involved. The clinical investigation also needs to establish why that tissue is being repeatedly loaded, compressed or irritated.
Case Library
Selected Heel Pain Case Studies
Explore individual presentations involving plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain and paediatric heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis Following an Ankle Sprain
Persistent heel and arch pain developing after an ankle injury, with subsequent changes in walking and lower-limb loading.
Read case study → Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Pain Due to Plantar Fasciitis
A clinical example examining the history, mechanical findings and management of persistent plantar heel pain.
Read case study → Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendon Pain
A physically active patient presenting with plantar heel pain in one foot and Achilles tendon symptoms in the other.
Read case study → Achilles
Persistent Achilles Tendon Pain
A prolonged Achilles presentation where symptoms persisted despite previous stretching and attempts at self-management.
Read case study → Achilles
Achilles Tendonitis in a Builder
Chronic Achilles pain in a patient exposed to prolonged occupational loading and repetitive time on his feet.
Read case study → Children's Heel Pain
Sever's Disease or Plantar Fasciitis?
A 12-year-old presenting with longstanding heel and sole pain, highlighting the importance of distinguishing paediatric heel conditions.
Read case study → Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis and Systemic Inflammation
A presentation involving plantar heel and arch pain alongside an existing inflammatory medical condition.
Read case study → Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis Socks – Clinical Case
A patient with longstanding plantar fasciitis presents after attempting to manage persistent symptoms with compression-style plantar fasciitis socks.
Read case study →Clinical Investigation
What These Cases Demonstrate
Persistent heel pain rarely exists in isolation. Several factors can be contributing at the same time.
01
Loading History Matters
Changes in running, walking, work demands or training volume can alter tissue loading even when there has been no single injury.
02
Footwear Can Change the Environment
Cushioning, heel height, stiffness and shoe structure can alter how forces are transferred through the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and heel.
03
The Painful Structure Is Only Part of the Picture
Calf function, foot mechanics, asymmetry and activity exposure may all need to be considered when investigating why symptoms remain irritated.
Case studies describe individual clinical presentations and are
provided for general information only. Findings and treatment
decisions vary between patients and should not be interpreted as
individual medical advice.
Clinical Assessment for Persistent Heel Pain
Appointments are available at Sydney CBD, Miranda, Crows Nest and Parramatta. No GP referral is required.