Heel Pain Treatment in Hobart
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist — and one of the most successfully treated. Whether you're an adult dealing with pain that's worst first thing in the morning, or a parent whose active child is limping after sport, the team at Foot Systems can identify exactly what's causing the problem and get you back on your feet.
We see patients of all ages at our Hobart clinic at 17 Campbell Street, from young athletes with growing pains to adults managing long-term foot and lower limb conditions.
What's Causing Your Heel Pain?
Heel pain rarely has a single cause. The most common conditions we treat include:
Plantar fasciitis and plantar fasciopathy Pain under the heel or along the arch, often worst with the first steps in the morning. Plantar fasciitis — more accurately called plantar fasciopathy — involves load-related changes to the plantar fascia, the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. This is one of the most frequently mismanaged conditions in podiatry, and getting the right assessment early makes a significant difference to recovery time.
Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis) If your child is between 8 and 14 and complaining of heel pain during or after sport, Sever's disease is the most likely cause. It's not a disease in the traditional sense — it's an irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel, common in active children going through a growth spurt. It's very treatable, and with the right management most kids return to full activity quickly.
Achilles tendon pain Pain at the back of the heel or lower calf that worsens with activity often points to the Achilles tendon. This can range from insertional Achilles tendinopathy (at the heel bone) to mid-portion tendinopathy further up the tendon. Each requires a different approach.
Fat pad syndrome The heel's natural cushioning can thin over time, particularly in older adults or those who spend long hours on hard floors. This produces a deep, bruised feeling in the centre of the heel.
How We Assess Heel Pain at Foot Systems
Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. At Foot Systems we use a RS Scan pressure plate for dynamic gait assessment — one of the only practices in Hobart with this technology. This allows us to see precisely how load is distributed through your foot during walking, identifying patterns that contribute to heel pain and informing treatment decisions with objective data rather than guesswork.
Where orthotics are indicated, we use a 3D laser scanner or iPad scanner for prescription — a more accurate method than traditional foam impressions.
Our clinical team brings over 50 years of combined experience to every assessment:
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Narelle holds a PhD that examined footwear and orthotic interventions in patients with patellofemoral arthritis and a Masters in Sports Medicine.
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Madeleine completed a Masters focused on low-risk surgical interventions for foot pain
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Hayley works across our full range of musculoskeletal foot and lower limb conditions
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We are active members of Sports Medicine Australia and the SEPA group, keeping our practice current with the latest clinical evidence.
Treatment Options for Heel Pain
Treatment is always tailored to your specific diagnosis, age, activity level and goals. Depending on what we find, your management plan may include:
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Load modification advice and activity guidance
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Stretching and strengthening exercises
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Custom foot orthotics informed from computerised gait analysis
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Footwear assessment and recommendations
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Referral to sports medicine or other specialists when needed
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We don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. A competitive teenage footballer with Sever's disease needs a very different plan to a 55-year-old with chronic plantar fasciopathy.
Frequently Asked Questions — Heel Pain
How long does heel pain take to resolve? It depends on the cause and how long it's been present. Sever's disease in children typically resolves within weeks with appropriate management. Adult plantar fasciopathy can take longer, particularly if it's been present for months - which is why early assessment matters.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist? No. You can book directly with us if you are paying for your own appointment. DVA patients or WorkCover patients require a referral from a GP or specialist.
Will I need orthotics? Possibly. Orthotics can assist with load management and can be used in conjunction with footwear recommendation and strength and conditioning exercises. Once we have made a comprehensive assesement, treatment options will be discussed.
Do you treat children? Yes. We regularly see children and teenagers, including those referred by physios, dance teachers or sport coaches.
Book a Heel Pain Assessment in Hobart
Foot Systems is located at 17 Campbell Street, Hobart. We offer online booking through our website, or you can contact us directly:
📞 (03) 6234 4055 📱 0448 942 222
Don't ignore heel pain — the longer it goes unmanaged, the longer it typically takes to resolve.