Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Singapore | Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Plantar Fasciitis

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of painful heel syndrome, a general term describing heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes, becomes irritated or overloaded.

The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and provides shock absorption during activities such as walking and running. Repetitive stress from prolonged or high-impact activities can cause small tears, leading to heel pain and stiffness.

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis

Causes

Repetitive stress on the foot: Activities such as prolonged walking, standing, running, or jumping can place repeated strain on the plantar fascia, causing it to become overloaded and irritated.
Sudden increase in activity: Increasing exercise intensity, duration, or frequency too quickly can place more stress on the plantar fascia than it can adapt to.
Poor foot mechanics (Biomechanical factors): Abnormal foot movements, such as excessive inward rolling of the foot (overpronation), can increase tension on the plantar fascia.
Inadequate foot support: Wearing shoes with poor arch support or cushioning, such as flat shoes, flip-flops, or unsupportive sneakers, or walking barefoot on hard surfaces may increase stress on the heel and plantar fascia.

Risk Factors

Flat feet (Pes planus): A reduced foot arch can increase strain on the plantar fascia during standing and movement, increasing the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
High arches (Pes cavus): Higher arches may reduce the foot’s ability to absorb shock, placing additional pressure on the heel and plantar fascia and increasing the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon: Reduced flexibility in the calf and ankle can limit movement and increase tension through the plantar fascia.
Age and Lifestyle Factors: Plantar fasciitis is more common in middle-aged adults due to changes in tissue flexibility and strength. Other risk factors such as increased body weight, high activity levels, or jobs that require standing for long periods can also increase stress on the plantar fascia.

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes foot pain and discomfort, which may vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common signs and symptoms include:

Heel pain: Aching or stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel, especially near the heel bone.
Pain with first steps: Increased pain during the first few steps after waking up or after periods of rest.
Stiffness: Tightness or stiffness in the heel and foot, particularly in the morning.
Tenderness: Pain or sensitivity when pressing on the affected area.

How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and assessment of your symptoms, foot structure, and movement patterns. A podiatrist will evaluate the location of your heel pain and identify any contributing factors to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Medical History

Your podiatrist will review your symptoms, activity levels, lifestyle, and previous injuries that may contribute to plantar fasciitis.

Physical Examination

A physical assessment can identify areas of tenderness, pain patterns, and range of motion, such as passive dorsiflexion.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Assessment

A diagnostic ultrasound can provide detailed images of the plantar fascia to assess its structure and signs of inflammation.

Biomechanical Assessment

A biomechanical evaluation may include a standing evaluation, a gait analysis, and a footwear assessment.

Imaging Tests

Imaging such as ultrasound or X-rays may be recommended in certain cases to assess the extent of the problem.

When Should You Seek a Podiatrist for Plantar Fasciitis?

You should consider seeing a podiatrist if your plantar fasciitis persists, worsens, or begins to interfere with your daily activities, walking, or exercise. Early assessment can help identify the underlying cause of your pain and provide appropriate treatment to support recovery and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

Personalised Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses targeted sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response in the affected tissues. It may help reduce pain associated with chronic plantar fasciitis, improve blood flow, and support recovery for patients who do not respond well to initial conservative treatments.

Super Inductive System (SIS)

The Super Inductive System (SIS) uses electromagnetic stimulation to target affected areas and support pain management, muscle activation, and tissue recovery. It may be used alongside other treatments to improve overall foot function and rehabilitation outcomes.

Manual Mobilisation and Targeted Exercises

Manual mobilisation techniques and targeted calf-stretching exercises aim to improve flexibility, joint mobility, and strength in the foot and lower limb. A podiatrist or physical therapist can create a personalised exercise programme that helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia, address contributing factors, and support long-term recovery.

Arch Taping and Orthotic Shoe Inserts

Arch taping and orthotic inserts provide temporary support to help improve foot alignment and reduce excessive stress on the plantar fascia. They may help relieve heel pain during walking, standing, or physical activities while allowing the foot to recover.

Customised Orthotic Insoles

Customised orthotic insoles are designed based on your individual foot structure, biomechanics, and movement patterns. They help redistribute pressure, improve foot support, and reduce excessive strain on the plantar fascia during daily activities.

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Referral

Surgery is rarely required and is typically considered only when symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative therapy, such as recalcitrant plantar fasciitis or significant tissue changes. If clinically indicated, a podiatrist may refer patients for further assessment to determine whether surgical intervention is a suitable option.

What Our Patients Say

Hear From Patients Treated for Plantar Fasciitis

Thank Ms Peggy, my podiatrist for helping me cure my plantar fasciitis. I felt so much relieved after shockwaves therapy sessions with you. And the exercises you taught me really helped alot. Thank you Ms. Vivay for the friendly customer service everytime I visited your place. And appreciate Mr Syah's help to fit in the Customized soles for me. It's a awesome experience to be guided by all of you. Thank you so much

After my review and check, i was diagnosed with plantar facilitis. I initially went to another branch before changing to Novena branch.

The staff at Novena branch is excellent, from the front desk customer service to the specialist doing my treatment

Would like to thank them for their services and I would highly recommend those facing heel or plantar facilitis issues to visit and do their treatment here.

Thank you to Dr Gee and Rachalle for their great care to this poor feet of mine. I went to the clinic after googling treatment for plantar fasciitis. Had six sessions of shockwave and it helped reduced the pain greatly. I can step in the morning without much pain but it's still a long road ahead to recovery.. cause I too have to be consistent in my stretches and care for my own feet. Thank you again to everyone for their care and kindness. For making me feel comfortable although I'm in so much pain.

We would highly recommend visiting Dr Michael at East Coast Podiatry (Bukit Timah Clinic) for any foot-related problems because not only is treatment effective, service is professional and top-notch. I had an overstrained ankle tendon due to a collapsed arch and my husband suffered plantar fascilitis. Both of us were in debilitating pain before we went for treatment. We liked that Dr Lai assured us that with shockwave therapy and rest, we will get better and indeed this is true. We can now walk with little to no pain (we’re still on the path to recovery). We also appreciated the very warm and friendly service provided by the other staff members, who were very helpful with their reminders. We would like to thank Dr Lai and his team for helping us to regain full mobility.

I have been visiting East Coast Podiatry (Bukit Timah) for my plantar fascia issue for the past few months. Most of my treatments have been done by Syah (Podiatry Nurse), who has been very patient with me and thorough in his work. Well done! My dealings with Peggy (Podiatrist) and Syah has been great too! Thank you!

Back in 2022, I had a mild plantar fasciitis and i only did one session for my foot and I alr felt much better so I decided not to continue with the full sessions. In 2026, I badly injured my plantar (foot sole) in football match and decided to go back to East Coast Podiatrist for the shockwave treatment, but this time full treatment. From walking with crutches, in just about 10 sessions I could alr see a super big positive difference

Looking for Georgina, but she moved to Marine Parade, so i got Maria Salus. She is good , fix my plantar with Jon's help. Jon is great.. he is knowledge able and nice. Make my treatment is comfortable and smooth.
Thank you!

Recovery Expectations for Plantar Fasciitis

Recovery from plantar fasciitis varies between individuals depending on factors such as the severity and duration of symptoms, underlying causes, and response to treatment. There is no universal recovery timeframe; some patients may improve within weeks, while others with more persistent symptoms may require a longer period of rehabilitation and ongoing management.

Management and Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis

Management Methods

Activity modification: Adjusting activities that aggravate heel pain while gradually returning to normal movement as symptoms improve.
Rest and ice therapy: As part of initial treatment, reducing activities that aggravate heel pain and applying an ice pack or a frozen water bottle to the affected area may relieve discomfort.
Supportive footwear: Wearing shoes with appropriate cushioning and arch support can help reduce pressure on the heel and improve comfort during daily activities.
Podiatry treatment: Seeking professional assessment from a podiatrist can help identify contributing factors and develop a personalised treatment plan. For sports-related plantar fasciitis, podiatrists and sports medicine professionals can provide guidance on recovery and return to activity.

Preventive Care

Maintain healthy foot mechanics: Addressing factors such as overpronation, flat feet, or limited ankle mobility can help reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces: Doing so may reduce cushioning and support for the feet, increasing stress on the heel and plantar fascia.
Choose appropriate footwear: Select shoes with adequate cushioning, arch support, and proper fit to support foot function.
Stretch regularly: Regular calf and foot stretching can help maintain flexibility and reduce tension on the plantar fascia.
Manage body weight: Maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce excessive load and pressure on the feet.

FAQ: Plantar Fasciitis

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

In some cases, mild plantar fasciitis may improve on its own with rest and reduced strain on the foot. However, without addressing the underlying cause, symptoms can persist for months or even become chronic. Early treatment, including activity modification, stretching, appropriate footwear, and podiatric care, can help relieve pain and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Why is plantar fasciitis more painful in the morning?

Pain is often worst during the first few steps after getting out of bed because the plantar fascia tightens while you sleep. When you stand and walk, the tissue is suddenly stretched and loaded, causing sharp heel pain. The discomfort usually eases with movement but may return after prolonged standing or periods of rest.

How do I know if my heel pain is plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy or another condition?

The location and pattern of pain can provide important clues. Plantar fasciitis typically causes pain under the heel where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone (insertional plantar fasciitis), especially during the first steps in the morning or after sitting. Achilles tendinopathy usually causes pain at the back of the heel or along the Achilles tendon, which may worsen during activities like running or climbing stairs.

Other conditions, such as stress fractures, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fascia ruptures, chronic degeneration of the plantar fascia, or fat pad atrophy, can also cause heel pain. A thorough assessment by a podiatrist can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Can heel spurs or pes planus cause plantar fasciitis?

Heel spurs do not always cause pain and are not necessarily the cause of plantar fasciitis, although they can occur alongside the condition.

Pes planus (flat feet) can increase strain on the plantar fascia by altering foot mechanics, making some individuals more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. Other factors, such as high arches, tight calf muscles, obesity, and repetitive activities, may also contribute.

Will I need surgery to treat plantar fasciitis?

Most people recover without surgery. Conservative treatments are effective in the majority of cases, particularly when started early. Surgery is generally only considered if symptoms persist despite several months of comprehensive non-surgical treatment and continue to significantly affect daily activities.

When surgery is recommended, the most common procedure is a plantar fascial release, which may be performed using an open or endoscopic approach. Your podiatrist can advise whether surgical referral is appropriate based on your individual condition.

Is Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) effective for plantar fasciitis?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) may be recommended for persistent plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conservative treatment. It uses acoustic waves to stimulate tissue healing, reduce pain, and improve function.

While not every patient responds the same way, clinical studies have shown ESWT can be an effective non-invasive treatment option for chronic plantar fasciitis when used alongside a comprehensive management plan.

How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?

Recovery varies depending on the severity of the condition and how early treatment begins. Many people notice improvement within a few weeks to several months with appropriate care, while more persistent cases may take six months or longer to resolve.

In some chronic cases, repeated strain may lead to scar tissue formation within the plantar fascia, which can prolong healing and contribute to ongoing discomfort. Following your treatment plan consistently can help promote recovery and reduce the likelihood of prolonged symptoms.

Can plantar fasciitis come back after treatment?

Yes. Plantar fasciitis can recur if you don't address the underlying risk factors. Returning to high-impact activities too quickly, wearing unsupportive footwear, tight calf muscles, or persistent biomechanical issues may increase the risk of recurrence.

Continuing with stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes, and following your podiatrist's advice can help prevent future flare-ups.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Your podiatrist may recommend stretching exercises, activity modification, supportive footwear, custom foot orthoses, taping, or night splints to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.

For persistent cases, treatments such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or steroid injections may be considered. A personalised treatment plan offers the best chance of long-term recovery.

How can I prevent plantar fasciitis?

You can reduce your risk of plantar fasciitis by wearing supportive footwear that helps support the longitudinal arch, avoiding sudden increases in physical activity, maintaining flexibility in your calves and plantar fascia, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Replacing worn-out shoes, warming up before exercise, and addressing foot biomechanics with appropriate support or orthoses when needed may also help prevent excessive strain on the plantar fascia.

Your Journey to Recovery

Your Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Journey

Book an Appointment

Schedule a consultation with our podiatrist.

Assessment & Diagnosis

We'll assess your condition and recommend further investigations if needed.

Personalised Treatment

Receive a tailored treatment plan to support healing.

Recovery & Prevention

We'll support your recovery and provide guidance to help prevent future issues.

Find An East Coast Podiatry Clinic Near You

With five conveniently located clinics in Bukit Timah, Kembangan, Novena, and Orchard & Marine Parade, we provide thorough assessments and personalised care methods to address a wide range of lower limb issues that you or your family members might face. From initial assessment to tailored care plans, we ensure that every step of your journey is handled with expertise and attention to detail.

Clinic Location	Operating Hours
Bukit Timah, Kembangan, Marine Parade, Novena	Mon to Sat - 9am to 6pm, Sun & Public Holidays - Closed
Orchard	Mon to Sun - 9am to 6pm, Public Holidays - Closed

We recommend that you schedule an appointment prior to visiting our clinics.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATMENT SINGAPORE | SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment and Management

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis

Causes

Risk Factors

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Experiencing These Symptoms?

How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Medical History

Physical Examination

Diagnostic Ultrasound Assessment

Biomechanical Assessment

Imaging Tests

When Should You Seek a Podiatrist for Plantar Fasciitis?

Personalised Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Super Inductive System (SIS)

Manual Mobilisation and Targeted Exercises

Arch Taping and Orthotic Shoe Inserts

Customised Orthotic Insoles

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Referral

Hear From Patients Treated for Plantar Fasciitis

Receive a Personalised Treatment Plan

Recovery Expectations for Plantar Fasciitis

Complications If Plantar Fasciitis Is Left Untreated

Management and Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis

Management Methods

Preventive Care

Book an Appointment

FAQ: Plantar Fasciitis

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

Why is plantar fasciitis more painful in the morning?

How do I know if my heel pain is plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy or another condition?

Can heel spurs or pes planus cause plantar fasciitis?

Will I need surgery to treat plantar fasciitis?

Is Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) effective for plantar fasciitis?

How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?

Can plantar fasciitis come back after treatment?

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

How can I prevent plantar fasciitis?

Meet Your Podiatrist

Dr. Michael Lai

Georgina Callaghan

Gayatri Ramesh

Jordan Williams

Maria Salus

Yasin Rashid

Your Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Journey

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Personalised Treatment

Recovery & Prevention

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