When Heel Pain is Not Getting Better: Amanda's Story

Asha Curry • August 6, 2024

For as long as she could remember, Amanda had been living an active, fulfilling life. She enjoyed spending time with friends, going on weekend hikes, and even the simple pleasure of walking her dog in the park. But twelve months ago, a nagging pain in her heel began to rob her of her joy. It started as a dull ache, but soon every step felt like walking on broken glass. The diagnosis? Plantar fasciitis. To make matters worse, she was also experiencing symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.


Amanda threw everything she had at the pain. She tried resting, icing, and changing her footwear. She invested in custom orthotics, followed rigorous exercise routines, and took anti-inflammatories regularly. She underwent shock wave therapy sessions, hopeful that each session would be the one to make a difference. Cortisone injections offered brief relief, but the pain always came back, often worse than before.


Her quality of life declined rapidly, making standing for long periods at work unbearable. Social outings became rare, as she dreaded the inevitable pain, with friends commenting they could see the pain in her face. It permeated every aspect of her life, turning even the simplest activities into ordeals. She missed out on hikes, family gatherings, and even trips to the grocery store became daunting.


One particularly painful morning, as Amanda struggled to make it from her bed to the bathroom, she realised she couldn't go on like this. It was time for a different approach. She booked an appointment with Michael Taranto, one of our Podiatric Surgeons, ready to discuss surgical options.


At the consultation, Michael listened to Amanda’s story with empathy and understanding and together they reviewed her history and explored surgical options. Michael assured Amanda that her investments in orthotics weren't wasted—they would remain an important part of her treatment regime even after surgery. Amanda felt a glimmer of hope for the first time in months, and though she wasn’t looking forward to the recovery, she knew the time had come for surgery. Michael explained the realistic expectations around pain reduction and the potential to regain quality of life.


Amanda's story is a reminder that sometimes, despite our best efforts with non-surgical measures, seeking the expertise of a Podiatric Surgeon can be the turning point. If you, like Amanda, have been struggling with persistent heel pain and have exhausted all other options, it might be time to take the next step. Come see one of our Podiatric Surgeons, Michael Taranto or Julie Taranto, to discuss your options and start enjoying the simple things in life again. Your future self will thank you.

Walking on Eggshells: Jane's Story

By Asha Curry • May 6, 2025
When Jane turned 58, she started noticing a bump forming on the side of her big toe. At first, it didn’t bother her much — just a little rubbing in her shoes. But over time, her bunion got bigger, and her second toe started curling upwards. It wasn’t long before even short walks became painful. She thought the pain was “just part of getting older,” but her knees and hips had started aching too. Why? Because her body was compensating for her sore feet. Jane's gait (the way she walked) had changed, putting extra pressure on other joints. She also started feeling less steady on her feet, especially when barefoot or in slippers. Finding shoes was another challenge — nothing seemed to fit comfortably anymore. Fashion took a back seat to function, and even then, her shoes still hurt by the end of the day. Eventually, Jane reached out for help. What Are Bunions and Hammer Toes? Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe that cause the toe to shift out of alignment. Hammer toes are bent, curled toes that can develop from the pressure caused by bunions or from muscle imbalances. Both conditions can cause pain, difficulty walking, and trouble finding shoes that fit. What Can Be Done? Thankfully, Jane had options. Non-surgical treatment included: - Custom orthoses (prescription shoe inserts) to support her feet and reduce pressure. - Footwear advice to help find supportive, comfortable shoes. - Stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve balance and foot function. In some cases these options are not enough to provide symptom relief, and in Jane’s case, she explored surgical correction as her activities of daily living were being affected. Our Podiatric Surgeons explained the procedure clearly, and helped Jane understand how surgery could relieve pain, correct the deformity, and help her walk comfortably again. Ready to Take the First Step? If your feet are holding you back like Jane’s were, let’s talk. ✅ Book an appointment with one of our non-surgical podiatrists for a full assessment and personalised treatment plan. ✅ Or, if you’d like to explore surgical options, you can book a consultation with one of our Podiatric Surgeons, Julie Taranto or Michael Taranto.

What to Expect During Your Post-Operative Recovery

By Asha Curry • February 4, 2025
At MJ Taranto, we understand undergoing surgery can feel overwhelming, and we want you to know that at our clinic, your recovery and well-being are our top priorities. Our team is passionate about providing the best experience for every patient, and we go above and beyond to ensure you feel supported every step of the way. What Makes Our Care Unique? Personalised Attention: After your surgery, you won’t just see a nurse—you will see your surgeon for all your post-operative care. This means that every redress, check-up, and follow-up is handled by the person who knows your case best: your surgeon. Direct Access: We believe in open communication. If you have concerns or questions during your recovery, you can contact us personally, even outside of clinic hours. We’re here for you when you need us most. Dedicated Administrative Support: Our clinic has staff members who specialise in supporting our surgical patients. From the moment you decide to proceed with surgery, our dedicated administrative team will guide you through the entire process. They will help you prepare for surgery, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Full Investment in Your Recovery: Your recovery is a journey, and we are fully committed to helping you every step of the way. From pre-operative education to detailed recovery plans, we ensure you’re well-informed and confident in your progress. What to Expect During Recovery While every patient’s recovery timeline is unique, here are some general guidelines to help you plan: Initial Healing: The first few weeks are focused on wound healing and managing swelling. We will guide you on how to care for your surgical site and keep you comfortable. Gradual Return to Activities: Over the next few months, we’ll work together to help you safely return to your normal activities. This timeline will be tailored to your specific surgery and progress. Long-Term Recovery: Full recovery from most surgeries can take 12 to 18 months. During this time, we will monitor your progress and address any concerns that arise. Patience is key, but rest assured, we’re with you for the long haul. Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Communication Communication is at the heart of what we do. Before your surgery, we will provide you with detailed information about what to expect, including a recovery timeline. Knowing what lies ahead can make a big difference in how you approach your recovery. After your surgery, our lines of communication remain open. Whether it’s a question about your recovery, guidance on wound care, or simply reassurance, you can count on us to be available and responsive. Our Commitment to Excellence At our clinic, you’re not just another patient—you’re part of our care family. From the moment you walk through our doors to the final stages of your recovery, we are dedicated to providing one-on-one care that’s second to none. Your health, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities.