As a repetitive stress is placed on our heel when we walk or exercise, heel pain is a common complaint. Heel pain can also be a result of poor shoe design, weakness in the arches of the foot or a nerve entrapment and can indicate an underlying chronic condition.
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Heel Pain
Heel pain is a common complaint that can be mild or severe. It can clear up naturally over a few weeks but persistent pain can be an indicator of a chronic condition. The most common form of heel pain is inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia ligament, which is caused by repetitive stress on the pad of the heel rather than a single injury. It is known as plantar fasciitis and is particular common in runners.
What causes heel pain?
Contributory factors can be prolonged exercise, poor shoe design, weakness in the arches of the foot or a nerve entrapment. The condition can be distressing as it undermines daily activities such as walking, running and employment for those whose job involves periods of standing
Treatment for heel pain
The majority of cases can clear with rest, lifestyle modification, medication and the use of shoe insoles to correct foot posture. Ultrasound treatment maybe effective in addressing inflammation and, in some cases, surgery may be required to release part of the plantar fascia.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is often a stubborn injury that takes months to improve so it is important to see a specialist early on to develop a progressive treatment pathway before any further damage is caused. With medical history, scans and physical examinations, consultants can pinpoint the cause and devise surgical routes and physiotherapy programmes to provide lasting relief.
Contact us
To ask a question, make an enquiry or book an appointment, contact our specialist team on 0207 806 4044 or [email protected], the team are available between Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Our foot and ankle team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Foot & Ankle Clinic
This specialist team of highly experienced foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists and physiotherapists diagnose and manage all foot and ankle related conditions and injuries.
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Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0207 806 4044.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
