Step into Summer with Healthy, Happy Feet and Merry Christmas to all of our lovely patients!

March 3, 2026

Not Just Plantar Heel Pain   
The long Perth summer goes hand in hand with wearing thongs and being down at the beach. It’s important to be mindful that this extended period in unsupportive shoes can exacerbate underlying or existing issues in the plantar fascia (band beneath the arch of the foot), or trigger new symptoms in the arch and heel.
You might have heard about plantar fasciitis, which is quite common and can be a real pain in the heel (literally), but did you know that there's more to heel pain than just that?
Let's talk about it. 
 
Plantar Heel Pain 101   
Plantar heel pain is any kind of discomfort or ache you feel in your heel area. While plantar fasciitis is a common cause, there are other culprits too. One of them is something called tarsal tunnel syndrome. 
 
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A Sneaky Troublemaker   
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Imagine a tunnel in your foot where important nerves and blood vessels pass through. If that tunnel gets squeezed or compressed, you've got yourself tarsal tunnel syndrome. It can feel a lot like plantar fasciitis, but it's a whole different ball game.
With tarsal tunnel syndrome, you might experience tingling, burning, or shooting pains that travel from your heel down to your toes or in the other direction too. Sometimes it can feel like electric shocks zapping your foot. 
 
What’s Going on Inside?   
So, why does this happen? There are a few common possibilities. It could be due to an unusual foot structure or an injury or past trauma, like a sprained ankle. Other times it’s caused by pressure from blood vessels or other soft tissue structures in the area. And sometimes it's just bad luck and your nerves get irritated for no apparent reason. 
 
Treatment Options: Finding Relief 
Okay, enough with the doom and gloom. Let's talk about what we can do to ease the pain. For starters, there are some simple tricks you can try at home: 

  • Rest: Give your feet a break. Avoid activities that make the pain worse. 
  • Ice: Apply an ice pack to your heel for about 15 minutes a few times a day to reduce inflammation, or roll your foot on a frozen water bottle to give the effect of ice massage. 
  • Stretching: Gentle stretches of the calf and foot can help loosen up tight muscles and ease tension. 

 
If these DIY remedies aren't cutting it, it might be time to see a healthcare professional. Our podiatrists can assess you and may recommend: 


  • Medical Imaging: Diagnosis is key in achieving optimal results. 
  • Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can provide extra support and cushioning for your feet. 
  • Physiotherapy: Working with a physio can help strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. 
  • Medication: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatories might offer some relief. 
  • Shockwave Therapy: High-energy acoustic waves are delivered into the tissue to stimulate healing. Our podiatrists have great results. 
  • Injection Therapy: such as guided corticosteroids or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) 

 
Surgical Option: Last Resort   
Surgery to decompress (relieve tension in the tarsal tunnel) is usually the last resort when all other treatment options have been unsuccessful. If your symptoms are severe and impacting your daily life, our Podiatric Surgeons Julie Taranto or Michael Taranto may recommend surgical decompression of the tarsal tunnel. It sounds scary, but it's often very effective in relieving pain and restoring function.
If you're struggling with heel pain, don't suffer in silence. Make an appointment with one of our Podiatrists who can help you find relief. 
 
Call us on 9250 1676 or head to our website to book online. If you’ve already tried the non-surgical treatment options, it might be time to consult one of our Surgeons - visit our surgical website to book online. 

The Mystery of the Painful Spot on Jack's Foot

August 5, 2026
The Mystery of the Painful Spot on Jack's Foot Eight-year-old Jack loved nothing more than playing soccer at school. Every lunchtime he was the first one on the oval and the last one to leave. One afternoon he came home limping. "Mum," he said, "it feels like I've got a stone stuck in my shoe." His mum checked his shoe... nothing. She looked at his foot and found a small rough bump on the sole. It didn't look like much, but every step hurt. It wasn't a stone. Maybe it was a splinter? No, it was a plantar wart, also called a verruca. And, pretty soon it started to spread. So, what is a plantar wart? Plantar warts are caused by a common virus that infects the outer layer of the skin. They are especially common in school-aged children, although adults can get them too. The virus often enters through tiny breaks in the skin, especially in places like swimming pools, change rooms, public showers, and around sporting facilities. They're very common—and they're nothing to be embarrassed about. Unlike warts on the hands, plantar warts grow on the bottom of the foot, where your body weight presses down on them every time you walk. Instead of growing outwards, they are pushed inwards, making them feel like you're constantly standing on a pebble. For active children like Jack, that can make running, playing sport and even walking uncomfortable. Do all warts need treatment? The simple answer is no. Many plantar warts disappear on their own as the body's immune system eventually clears the virus. This can happen over months or even a couple of years. We usually recommend treatment if the wart is painful, growing larger, spreading to other areas, causing your child to avoid sport or normal activities, or becoming a nuisance that just won't go away. What treatments are available? The good news is that there are lots of treatment options, and we'll help choose the one that's right for you or your child. Depending on the wart, treatment may include carefully removing hard skin over the wart and applying special wart treatments (often prescription-strength medications). When surgery is the best option? Occasionally, a wart simply refuses to leave despite repeated treatment. In these stubborn cases, we can offer surgical removal. Surgery may also be a good option for children who are very anxious about repeated appointments and would prefer to have the wart dealt with in one procedure rather than returning multiple times for treatment. All of our podiatrists can treat warts, but if it’s surgery you’re after, book in with one of our surgical podiatrists who will discuss whether surgery is appropriate and explain exactly what is involved. If you or your child has a painful wart, we'd be happy to help get you comfortably back on your feet. Call us on 9250 1676 to make an appointment or book online .

Heel Pain: The Common Cold of the Foot

July 1, 2026
What's the Fuss About Rafael Nadal's Foot? Understanding Müller-Weiss Syndrome When tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from the sport, many people were surprised to learn that one of the biggest challenges throughout his career wasn't an opponent—it was his left foot. Nadal has lived with a condition called Müller-Weiss Syndrome, a rare disorder affecting a small bone in the middle of the foot called the navicular bone. While most of us won't be playing Grand Slam tennis anytime soon, this condition is not limited to elite athletes and can affect everyday Australians too. What is Müller-Weiss Syndrome? Müller-Weiss Syndrome is a condition where the navicular bone gradually changes shape and can become damaged over time. This often leads to collapse of the arch, arthritis developing in nearby joints, and ongoing foot pain. Most people with the condition experience pain through the middle or inside of the foot, discomfort when walking or standing for long periods, a flattening of the arch, swelling around the middle part of the foot, and difficulty staying active due to foot pain. It’s a condition that is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged adults and often develops gradually over many years. It's Not Just an Athlete's Problem Although Nadal's story has brought attention to Müller-Weiss Syndrome, you certainly don't need to be a professional athlete to experience it. In fact, many people first notice symptoms while doing everyday activities such as walking the dog, shopping, gardening, exercising, or spending long hours on their feet at work. And, because the symptoms can mimic arthritis, tendon problems, or general "wear and tear," the condition is sometimes overlooked without a proper assessment. Don’t ignore foot pain - it should never simply be accepted as part of getting older. The good news is that many people can successfully manage their symptoms without surgery. If you've been experiencing ongoing foot pain, changes in your arch shape, or discomfort that is limiting your activities, book an assessment with one of our podiatrists . Click here to book online , or phone us on 9250 1676. Your feet carry you through life—it's worth making sure they're looked after properly.