Heel pain is often worst with your first steps in the morning or after sitting, and Achilles pain can stop you running, walking far or even climbing stairs comfortably. At our Hale and Bury clinics, our consultant podiatrist and physiotherapists work out exactly what is causing your pain and treat it properly.
Most heel and Achilles problems are tendon or tissue overload, and they respond well to the right combination of treatment. If you are in south Manchester, Stockport or Didsbury, Hale is our nearest clinic for podiatry and shockwave. We bring together podiatry, gait analysis, shockwave therapy and physiotherapy under one roof.
Your assessment looks at your foot, ankle, calf and the way you walk or run, then explains what is causing your pain and sets out a plan. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
Our consultant podiatrist Stuart Campbell leads foot and ankle assessment and biomechanics and gait analysis, including orthotic prescription where your foot mechanics need support.
Shockwave is often used for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain that hasn’t responded to other treatment. It is usually given as a course of 4 to 6 sessions alongside your exercise programme. More about shockwave therapy.
A structured, progressive exercise programme for the calf and tendon is the foundation of recovery, with advice on footwear and how much walking, running and standing is right for you as you recover.
Stuart is a consultant podiatrist and former Team GB athlete with over a decade as an NHS lower limb and foot and ankle specialist. He works alongside our physiotherapists at Hale and Bury, so podiatry, gait analysis, shockwave and rehabilitation are joined up. Physiotherapy for Achilles pain is also available at our other clinics, including with consultant physiotherapist Kate Hindley in Manchester.
Cost and insurance. A foot and ankle injury assessment with our consultant podiatrist is £120 (see podiatry prices), and a 45-minute initial physiotherapy assessment starts from £53. Podiatry and gait analysis are available to self-pay and Bupa patients; for other insurers, please check with us. You can claim back podiatry and physiotherapy through a workplace cash plan such as Medicash or Westfield. Paying for yourself? You don’t need a GP referral. Claiming on insurance? Check with your insurer first.
That first-step pain is typical of plantar fasciitis. The tissue under your foot stiffens while you rest and is stretched suddenly when you stand. It usually eases as you move, then returns after sitting.
A podiatrist or a physiotherapist with foot and ankle experience. At Altius you can see both, plus gait analysis and shockwave if you need them, at our Hale and Bury clinics.
Usually you don’t need to stop walking. As a rough guide, activity that causes mild pain which settles by the next day is generally fine. Your clinician will tell you how much is right for you.
Most heel and Achilles pain is treated without either. We start with loading, footwear advice and, where needed, shockwave.
Tendon and plantar heel pain usually improves steadily over a few months with the right treatment. Starting early and loading the tendon correctly makes a real difference.
Go to A&E the same day if you felt a sudden snap or a kick at the back of your ankle and now struggle to push off or stand on tiptoe, as this can be an Achilles rupture. Also seek urgent help if your foot is hot, red and swollen, you can’t put weight on it, or you have numbness or tingling, especially if you have diabetes.
The Old Barn, 30B Park Road
Hale, Altrincham
WA15 9NN
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Opening hours
Monday–Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
6 Bolton Street
Ramsbottom
Bury
BL0 9HX
Get directions
Opening hours
Monday–Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed