info@thewellnessplace.com.au
(08) 9379 3838
BOOK NOW

Category: Podiatry

The Wellness PlaceThe Wellness BlogPodiatry
By admin Podiatry

Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Fix for Chronic Heel and Tendon Pain

Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Fix for Chronic Heel and Tendon Pain

Waking up and hobbling to the bathroom on a heel that feels like you’re stepping on a bruise is no way to start the day. If that’s been your reality for months — or even years — you’ve probably already tried rest, ice, stretches, and a new pair of shoes, only for the ache to creep straight back the moment you get moving again.

Shockwave therapy Bassendean is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to wake up your body’s own healing response in stubborn tendons and soft tissue. At The Wellness Place in Bassendean, our podiatrists use it most often for plantar fasciopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and chronic heel pain — the kind that hasn’t budged with other treatments. Here’s how it works, what it actually feels like, and what the evidence says.

What is radial shockwave therapy?

Radial shockwave therapy (also called extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT) delivers fast, high-energy acoustic pulses through a handheld applicator pressed against your skin. It’s nothing like the shockwaves used to break up kidney stones — the energy levels are far lower, and the waves spread out across a broader patch of tissue rather than concentrating on a single deep point.

There are no needles, no incisions, and no anaesthetic — and a typical session takes just 10 to 15 minutes, so you can get straight back to your day.

How does shockwave therapy Bassendean work?

At its heart, shockwave therapy works through a process called mechanotransduction — a fancy word for turning mechanical pressure into a biological signal. When the acoustic pulses hit a damaged tendon or fascia, they create a controlled, microscopic disturbance in the tissue, and your body reads that as a signal to get to work.

A jump-start for stalled healing

Chronic tendon and heel pain usually isn’t an active injury — it’s a healing process that stalled. Shockwave therapy restarts it by boosting blood flow to the area, encouraging new collagen to form, and helping the tissue remodel stronger than before.

Turning down the volume on pain

The pulses also appear to desensitise the overactive pain nerves in the area. Many people notice their pain dials down within a few sessions, even before the tissue itself has fully remodelled.

Conditions we treat with shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy isn’t for every ache and pain, but it’s a strong option for chronic conditions that haven’t responded to usual first-line care. These are the three we see most often.

Plantar fasciopathy (plantar fasciitis)

The thick band of tissue under your arch — the plantar fascia — can become irritated right where it attaches to the heel bone. That’s the classic “first steps in the morning” heel pain. Shockwave therapy is one of the most studied treatments for this condition, particularly when stretching and orthotics haven’t been enough.

Achilles tendinopathy

Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, often worse first thing in the morning or after exercise. Because the Achilles tendon has a notoriously poor blood supply, it can be slow to heal — which is exactly the kind of case where shockwave’s blood-flow boost makes a real difference.

Chronic heel pain

Not all heel pain is plantar fasciopathy. Whether it’s insertional Achilles pain, a stubborn heel spur, or diffuse soreness that’s been hanging around for months, shockwave therapy can help settle tissue that’s been grumbling far too long.

What does a session actually feel like?

Most people describe the sensation as a firm, rapid tapping — like a small hammer drumming against the skin — sometimes with a sharp or “zingy” edge over the most tender spots. It’s uncomfortable for short bursts, but not unbearable, and each pulse lasts only a fraction of a second.

During treatment

Your practitioner marks out the painful area and runs the applicator over it for 10 to 15 minutes. You stay awake throughout, and if a spot feels too intense the pressure can be adjusted to suit you.

After treatment

It’s normal to feel a little tender, even slightly bruised, for a day or two afterwards. You might notice a dull ache that evening — that’s the healing response kicking in, and it usually settles quickly. Most treatment plans run three to five sessions, spaced about a week apart.

The evidence behind shockwave therapy

There’s a substantial body of research behind shockwave therapy, particularly for heel and tendon pain.

A 2013 systematic review in the journal Foot & Ankle International concluded there was “satisfactory evidence” for low-energy shockwave therapy in treating chronic Achilles tendinopathy, before patients need to consider surgery. For plantar fasciitis, a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multicentre trial concluded that shockwave therapy was both effective and safe for people with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis that hadn’t responded to exhaustive conservative treatment. More recently, a 2024 systematic review in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation found that shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain across a range of tendinopathies.

The honest caveat: results vary from person to person, and shockwave works best as part of a broader plan — paired with strengthening, load management, and sometimes orthotics — rather than as a magic one-off fix. That’s exactly how we approach it at The Wellness Place.

Is shockwave therapy right for you?

If you’ve been dealing with heel or tendon pain for more than a few months and it isn’t improving, shockwave therapy is worth a conversation. Our podiatrists at The Wellness Place Bassendean will assess what’s actually driving your pain first — because the right treatment always starts with the right diagnosis. And because chronic pain rarely has a single cause, we’ll work alongside our physiotherapists and chiropractors to make sure nothing gets missed.

Ready to find out whether shockwave therapy could help you? Call The Wellness Place Bassendean on (08) 9379 3838, or drop into our clinic at 9 Old Perth Road, Bassendean, to book an appointment. Your feet have been carrying you this far — let’s give them a hand.

References

  1. Al-Abbad H, Simon JV. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review. Foot & Ankle International. 2013;34(1):33–41. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23386759/
  2. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus placebo for the treatment of chronic proximal plantar fasciitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multicenter intervention trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16818146/
  3. The effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on pain in patients with various tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2024. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13102-024-00884-8
By admin Podiatry

Achilles Tendinopathy: Why Your Heel Won’t Stop Hurting and How Podiatry Fixes It

Achilles Tendinopathy: Why Your Heel Won’t Stop Hurting and How Podiatry Fixes It

That sharp, grabby pain at the back of your heel — the one that greets you first thing in the morning and lingers after every run or long day on your feet — has a name, and it’s not something you have to simply put up with.

It’s called Achilles tendinopathy, one of the most common overuse injuries we treat at The Wellness Place in Bassendean. The encouraging part? Effective achilles tendinopathy treatment Bassendean residents can trust is right on your doorstep. Here’s what’s going on in your tendon, why it keeps flaring up, and the proven treatments our podiatrists use to get you moving again.

What Is Achilles Tendinopathy, Exactly?

Your Achilles tendon is the thick, ropy band connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s the strongest tendon in your body, and every step, hop and sprint loads it with several times your body weight.

Tendinopathy happens when that tendon gets overloaded and breaks down faster than it can repair itself. Despite the old name “tendonitis,” there’s usually little inflammation involved — the fibres become disorganised, thickened and sore, a wear-and-tear problem rather than a swelling one.

There are two main types. Mid-portion tendinopathy — the most common — hurts in the middle of the tendon, a few centimetres above the heel. Insertional tendinopathy hurts right where the tendon meets the heel bone. Knowing which you have matters, because it changes how we treat it.

Why Does It Happen?

The short answer is overload: asking the tendon to do more than it’s conditioned to handle. The usual culprit is a sudden change in running load — ramping up weekly kilometres too quickly, adding hills or speed sessions, or jumping straight back into training after a break. The tendon simply hasn’t had time to adapt.

But it’s rarely just one thing. Weak or tight calves shift extra strain onto the tendon. Stiff ankles and flat or high-arched feet change how force travels through your lower leg. Worn-out shoes, extra body weight, and simply getting older all stack the deck against it. That’s why a good assessment looks at the whole picture, not just the sore spot.

The Stages of Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy doesn’t usually come out of nowhere — it creeps up in stages, and catching it early makes a big difference to how quickly it settles.

Early: the “warm-up” phase

A mild ache that’s worst first thing in the morning or at the start of a run, then eases as you warm up. Lots of people shrug this off, but it’s the easiest stage to fix.

Middle: pain that interrupts

Pain that starts to hang around during activity and lingers afterwards. The tendon may feel stiff or thickened, and you might notice a small lump. This is where most people finally book in.

Late: constant grumbling

The tendon hurts most days, even with ordinary walking. There’s real structural change by now, and without treatment there’s a genuine risk of progressing to a partial tear or full rupture.

The reassuring news: at every stage, the right treatment can turn things around. It just takes longer the further along it’s gone.

Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment in Bassendean

Here’s the thing that surprises most people: complete rest almost never works for this. The tendon needs to be loaded — carefully and progressively — to remodel and get strong again. Our podiatrists build a plan around the treatments with the strongest evidence.

1. Load management

The first step is removing the aggravating spike — temporarily swapping high-impact running for cycling or swimming, or dialling your volume back to a level the tendon can tolerate. The goal isn’t to stop moving; it’s to find the “happy zone” where the tendon gets just enough work to heal.

2. Strength exercises

Loading the tendon through targeted calf and heel-raise exercises is the best-supported treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. Eccentric heel drops — slowly lowering your heel off a step — and heavy slow resistance training both have strong research behind them. We’ll prescribe the version that suits your pain and progress it week by week.

3. Shockwave therapy

For stubborn, chronic cases, extracorporeal shockwave therapy can be a real turning point. It delivers focused soundwave pulses to stimulate healing and calm pain, and works best when combined with the right exercises. It’s quick, non-invasive, and many people improve within a few sessions.

4. Orthotics and footwear

If the way you move is part of the problem, we can correct it at the source. Custom orthotics redistribute pressure through the foot, take strain off the tendon, and support arches that work against you — helping stop the injury from quietly returning.

When to See a Podiatrist

If heel pain has hung around for more than a week or two, that’s your cue to get it looked at. Book in sooner if the pain stops you running or playing sport, it’s worst first thing in the morning, you can feel a lump, or you’ve heard a sudden “pop” with severe pain — that last one is a medical emergency, so head straight to hospital.

At The Wellness Place in Bassendean, our podiatrists assess how your whole body moves, not just your heel, so we treat the cause rather than the symptom. As a multidisciplinary clinic, we also offer physiotherapy, remedial massage and clinical Pilates under one roof, plus chiropractic and naturopathy to support your recovery from every angle.

Ready to Fix That Heel for Good?

You don’t have to give up running or limp through your day. The right achilles tendinopathy treatment can have you pain-free faster than you’d expect — and it starts with a proper assessment.

Call The Wellness Place on (08) 9379 3838 to book with one of our podiatrists, or pop in at 103 Old Perth Road, Bassendean. Your tendon will thank you.

References

  • Better Health Channel (Victorian Government) — Achilles tendinopathy
  • Cleveland Clinic — Achilles Tendinitis: Symptoms & Treatment
  • StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) — Achilles Tendinopathy
  • PubMed (PMC) — Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy

 

By admin Podiatry

Bunion Stages & Hallux Valgus: Causes and Treatment

If you’ve noticed a bony bump forming at the base of your big toe, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to just live with it. Bunions (medically known as hallux valgus) affect an estimated 23% of adults aged 18–65 and become even more common as we get older [1]. The good news is there’s plenty you can do long before surgery enters the picture. Here’s everything you need to know about what causes bunions, how they progress, and how bunion treatment in Bassendean at The Wellness Place can help you stay active and pain-free.

Podiatry consultation at The Wellness Place in Bassendean
By admin Podiatry

Why Rest Alone Won’t Fix Your Plantar Heel Pain (And What Actually Works)

If you’ve been dealing with a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your heel every time you take those first steps out of bed in the morning, you’re not alone. Plantar heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints we see at The Wellness Place in Bassendean — and, frustratingly, one of the most misunderstood. The old advice of “just rest it” or “stay off your feet” might feel sensible, but the evidence tells a very different story. In fact, modern research shows that the right kind of loading — not rest — is often the key to recovery. Here’s what you need to know.

By admin Podiatry

Why Does the Ball of My Foot Hurt? A Guide to Forefoot Pain Causes and Treatment

Forefoot pain — that sharp, burning, or aching sensation in the ball of your foot — is more common than most people realise. It can turn a simple walk to the shops into a miserable experience and stop you from doing the activities you love. Fortunately, most causes of forefoot pain are highly treatable once you get the right diagnosis.

If you’re limping through your day in Bassendean or the surrounding Perth suburbs with pain under the front of your foot, you’re not alone. Forefoot pain affects roughly 10% of the general population at any given time, with prevalence rising significantly in older adults and those who spend long hours on their feet (Bowen et al., 2024; Dunn et al., 2004). The good news? Our podiatry team at The Wellness Place — led by experienced sports podiatrist Dr Aaron Gregory — can help you identify exactly what is going on and get you back to moving pain-free.

By Hermes Agent Podiatry , , , , , ,

Little Feet, Big Questions: A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Podiatry

Watching your child tear across the playground, you notice their feet turn in a little. Or maybe they’ve started complaining about sore heels after soccer. Should you worry — or is it just “one of those kid things”? If you’ve ever found yourself googling foot concerns at 10pm, you’re not alone. Finding a trusted children’s podiatrist in Bassendean can take the guesswork out of those moments and give you peace of mind.

Kids’ feet go through an incredible transformation from those chubby newborn toes to the arches and angles that carry them through life. Along the way, plenty of things can look — or feel — a bit off. This guide walks you through the most common children’s foot issues, what’s normal development and what warrants a closer look, and how our team at The Wellness Place makes sure even the wriggliest little patients feel safe, heard and comfortable.

By Hermes Agent Podiatry , , , ,

Ingrown Toenails: Why That “Quick Fix” Can Make Everything Worse

You know the feeling — that sharp, throbbing pain every time your toe nudges the inside of your shoe. An ingrown toenail starts as a minor annoyance and can spiral into something that makes walking, exercising, or even wearing socks genuinely miserable.

If you’re searching for effective ingrown toenail treatment in Bassendean, you’re in the right place. At The Wellness Place, our podiatry team — led by sports podiatrist Aaron Gregory — sees ingrown toenails every single week. And here’s the thing: most people come in after trying to fix it themselves first, which almost always makes the problem worse. Let’s walk through what’s really going on, why your bathroom surgery needs to stop, and how we get you out of pain — often in a single appointment.

By Hermes Agent Podiatry , , , , , ,

Custom Orthotics at The Wellness Place Bassendean: Personalised Support for Every Step

Your feet carry you through every single day — so why do so many of us wait until they hurt to pay them any attention? At The Wellness Place in Bassendean, we believe your feet deserve better than a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you’ve been dealing with persistent foot pain, shin splints that won’t quit, or that nagging lower back ache that flares up after a long shift, custom orthotics Bassendean might just be the answer you haven’t tried yet. Unlike the gel inserts you grab at the chemist, custom orthotics are designed around your feet, your stride, and your life — not a generic mould of someone else’s.

By admin Podiatry , , , , , ,

Heel Pain: Why It Happens and How Podiatry Gets You Back on Your Feet

That first step out of bed in the morning — the one that feels like a nail driving through your heel — has a name. It’s called post-static dyskinesia, and it’s the hallmark of plantar heel pain, the most common condition seen in podiatry clinics Australia-wide. If you’ve been wincing through your mornings or cutting your walks short because of heel pain, you’re not alone — and more importantly, you don’t have to live with it.

Plantar heel pain affects roughly 10% of the population at some point in their lives, with runners, people who stand for work, and those carrying extra weight at highest risk. The condition accounts for an estimated 1% of all visits to healthcare professionals — and yet a surprising number of people wait months before seeking help, hoping it will resolve on its own. It rarely does.