Our approach
A considered approach to foot and ankle pain
Foot and ankle conditions aren't always straightforward. When pain persists or a condition becomes more complex, it's important to look beyond the symptoms alone.
At Echuca Foot and Ankle Clinic, we take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, activity levels and goals. Your assessment may include looking at how your foot and ankle move, your walking pattern, footwear and the demands your daily activities place on your body.
From there, we work with you to develop an individualised management plan based on your condition and circumstances. This may involve footwear advice, exercise and rehabilitation, orthotic therapy or other appropriate treatment options. Where needed, we can also work alongside your GP or other health professionals to help coordinate your care.
Conditions we commonly assess
Plantar fasciitis and persistent heel pain
Heel pain that is particularly noticeable with your first steps in the morning or after sitting can be frustrating. Assessment looks at contributing factors such as foot mechanics, activity loads, calf flexibility and footwear, helping guide a management plan that suits your needs.
Achilles tendon pain
Ongoing Achilles pain can affect walking, running and everyday activity. Management may include reviewing training loads, assessing calf strength and function, and developing a progressive strengthening and rehabilitation plan.
Complex Foot and ankle arthritis
Arthritis can make walking and standing uncomfortable, particularly when the midfoot or ankle is affected. Care may focus on footwear, pressure redistribution, orthoses, activity modifications and strategies to support comfortable movement.
Forefoot pain, neuromas and bursitis
Burning pain, tingling or the feeling of walking on a pebble can have several causes. A careful assessment helps distinguish between possible sources of pain and identify suitable options, which may include footwear changes, offloading or referral for further investigation.
Treatment options for persistent foot and ankle pain
At Echuca Foot and Ankle Clinic, we combine thorough assessment with individualised treatment options to help manage foot and ankle conditions. For people experiencing persistent pain or struggling to improve with previous treatment, we consider a range of approaches tailored to their condition and goals.
Shockwave therapy
An additional treatment option for stubborn foot and ankle pain.
When foot or ankle pain persists despite initial treatment, shockwave therapy may be a useful addition to your management plan. This non-invasive treatment delivers acoustic pressure waves to targeted tissues and is commonly used in the management of selected musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis and certain forms of Achilles tendinopathy.
At Echuca Foot and Ankle Clinic, shockwave therapy offers another option to consider when developing an individualised treatment plan. Following a thorough assessment, Amy can determine whether it may be appropriate for your condition, alongside other treatments such as exercise rehabilitation, load management and footwear or orthotic advice.
Biomechanical and gait assessment
Understanding how your feet and ankles move can help identify factors contributing to pain. Your assessment may include walking patterns, joint mobility, muscle strength, footwear and activity levels. These findings help guide treatment recommendations based on your symptoms and goals.
Custom foot orthoses and footwear advice
Foot orthoses and appropriate footwear can help redistribute pressure and modify loading for certain foot and ankle conditions. We consider your foot mechanics, symptoms and daily activities when determining whether custom orthoses or footwear modifications may be beneficial, including for persistent heel pain, forefoot conditions and arthritis.
Exercise rehabilitation and load management
For conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy, managing activity levels and progressively rebuilding strength can be an important part of treatment. Drawing on her postgraduate training in sports medicine, Amy develops practical strategies that consider your current capabilities and goals, whether you're returning to sport or simply wanting to walk more comfortably.
Complex foot and ankle assessment
When pain persists despite previous treatment, or conditions such as significant midfoot or ankle arthritis affect everyday activities, a more comprehensive assessment may be needed. We review your symptoms, previous treatments and relevant imaging to explore appropriate management options. Where necessary, we can also liaise with your GP or other health professionals to support coordinated care.
When it’s time drop in for a fresh perspective
If you're still experiencing foot or ankle pain, have questions about your diagnosis or would like to explore other treatment options, Echuca Foot and Ankle Clinic welcomes you to seek a second opinion. Amy takes the time to review your concerns, consider your individual circumstances and help you understand the options available to you, including whether treatments such as shockwave therapy may be appropriate.”
If you've been managing foot or ankle pain for months, tried different treatments or been told your condition is difficult to manage, it can be hard to know where to turn next.
At Echuca Foot and Ankle Clinic, we take the time to reassess persistent symptoms, review what you've already tried and consider whether other factors may be contributing to your pain. For more complex conditions, this may involve exploring different management strategies or working with other health professionals to determine the most appropriate next steps.
You don't need to know exactly what's causing your pain before making an appointment. Our role is to assess your concerns, explain our findings and help you understand the options available to you.
