Q. What is ICT?
A. ICT (Inverted Calcaneus Technique) is a method of treatment used by the Heel Clinic specifically for heel related ailments.
The ICT principle is to measure and correct the Calcaneus (heel bone) angulation when the heel begins to collapse. This creates a more functional efficient alignment of the foot structure on weight bearing. It is achieved by accurate calibration of the angle the heel strikes the ground in gait using software and video cameras.
The Heel Clinic over 15 years has shown there is a link between heel position and Plantar fasciitis, Severs and Achilles pain.
To correct these angles the Heel Clinic has designed a unique prescription orthotic to realign the calcaneus providing a more functionally efficient foot during gait (walking, standing or running). This technique has shown to achieve superior results treating heel related ailments than standard arch based supports.
Q. I have had an Xray and I have spurs, what can you do?
A. It is important to know that spurs grow all over the body and are natures way of trying to create a connection to torn or strained tissue (ligaments/tendons) attached to bone. That is, spurs grow because of pain, not painful in themselves. Hence the Clinic treats the tissue strain.
Q. What is different about what you do?
A. Having treated heel pain for 15 years the Clinic has an extensive database of knowledge on Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. The basis of treatment is to treat the prime cause not the symptoms. Both ailments require rest, whilst still allowing the patient to continue with their daily lives. The Clinic has achieved this by designing, creating and engineering a prescription Insert to take the pressure off the torn and inflamed tissue.
For over 10 years the Clinic used prescription Orthotics to achieve this rest, but being predominantly arch based it was discovered there was a risk of aggravating the ailments. The Inserts are only part of the treatment regime. See Treatment page
Q. How long have you been practicing?
A. 28 years treating all functional/biomechanical sporting ailments. 15 years specialising in Heel related pain.
Q. How long will it take to go away?
A. Both Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis do not follow any standard times of repair (unlike a torn calf muscle for example). From the Clinic’s extensive database most patients find it can take 10-15 weeks. The time it takes is also dependant upon the patients discipline to follow the programme provided by the Clinic.
Q. What are the qualifications of the Consultants?
A. The Clinic has Podiatrists specialising in biomechanics only, an Exercise Physiologist and a footwear consultant with over 25 years knowledge (and former sufferer of acute heel pain).
Q. I have tried everything and nothing has worked.
A. In treating many 1000’s of patients with Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis there are some common medical histories. Most patients have already tried many forms of treatment. See home page
Xrays: Foot xrays are recommended to determine spur growth. Spurs grow quite naturally all over the body and are stimulated by pain, but are not part of the pain. Unfortunately treatments for the ailments Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are based on the xray image of spur development.
Rest: To rest the daily weight bearing load off the feet is not feasible or practical due to daily needs and lifestyle.
Lose Weight: This is virtually impossible if patients cannot exercise. Most patients have come to the understanding that the more exercise one does, the greater the pain.
Anti-Inflammatories: May provide short term relief as pain killers in the early stages, but do not address the daily load on ligaments, hence become ineffectual over a period of time.
Cortisone: A steroid and a powerful anti-inflammatory. Cortisone is at best a mask, but once it wears off patients may be in more pain than previously as they have increased activity, feeling pain free. The side effects of the overuse of cortisone are well documented and many doctors will no longer prescribe this treatment.
Massage and Heat: This can aggravate the fibrous tissue if too aggressive, the ligaments and tendons are already inflammed. For example using golf and tennis balls, wooden rollers, deep tissue massage etc.
Ice: Is beneficial if used in non weight bearing positions to reduce inflammation. But, rolling the feet over cans or bottles of frozen water irritates the tissue.
Orthotics and Arch Supports: As a specialist Clinic for over 25 years in this field the Heel Clinic has conclusively proved that any device inside the shoes that lifts up the “arch” of the foot in the case of Plantar fasciitis can increase the upward pressure on the already inflamed tissue.
Shock Wave Therapy
Primarily and historically created to break up Kidney Stones without surgery. They are sound waves directed to promote new tissue growth and can help break down thickened scar tissue. But, this will not address the underlying load bearing stress on the Plantar fascia, still allowing micro-trauma.
Mayo Clinic USA report 2017- “This procedure might cause bruising, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling. Somes studies show promising results, but it hasn’t been shown to be consistently effective”
For more information or to book a consultation phone us on 02 9388 3322 or Enquire Online. We currently consult in Sydney, Parramatta and Brisbane.
