PLANTAR FASCIITIS

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Plantar Fasciitis is one of the common heel pain issue in Singapore. Patients commonly present with sharp heel pain caused by inflammation or micro-tearing of the plantar fascia — the thick, rubber band-like ligament that stretches from the heel bone to the toes. This structure supports the arch of the foot and bears the body's weight during standing and walking . 

In Singapore's urban lifestyle, long hours of standing at work, walking on hard surfaces, running, or wearing unsupportive footwear can place excessive stress on the plantar fascia. While many cases improve with conservative care, persistent or severe pain may require targeted medical intervention.  

At Singapore Paincare, our specialists provide minimally-invasive treatments that relieve pain safely and effectively—offering an alternative to long-term medication or open surgery, often with little to no downtime. Our goal is to help you get back to your daily life with comfort and confidence. 

Foot Pain

What are the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis develops when excessive pressure and repetitive stretching cause inflammation or tearing of the plantar fascia. Individuals at higher risk include: 

Athletes 

Running, jumping and high-impact sports place repetitive strain on the plantar fascia. Without adequate recovery, this can result in chronic micro-tears. 

People with High Arches or Flat Feet 

Abnormal foot mechanics alter weight distribution. This increases stress along the heel attachment of the plantar fascia.

Individuals Who Are Overweight

Excess body weight increases pressure on the heel and arch with every step, accelerating tissue degeneration.

People Who Stand for Prolonged Periods

Retail staff, healthcare workers, teachers and F&B workers in Singapore often stand on hard flooring for extended hours, significantly increasing risk.

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, daily limitations. If your pain persists, worsens, or restricts your ability to perform simple actions, it's best to have it assessed by a foot pain specialist. 

General Symptoms

  • Heel Pain: A stabbing pain at the bottom of the feet near the heel, that feels worse in the morning or when standing up after sitting for a long time.  
  • Tenderness: The heel will also feel tender or swollen. 
  • Prolonged Pain: Pain may continue for months. 
  • Pain in the Arch of the Foot: Aside from the heel, pain may also be felt at the arch of the foot or ball of the foot. 

Severe Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention

You should seek medical help when: 

  • Sharp pain when stepping out of bed in the morning 
  • Pain from any movement of the foot 
  • Long period of standing aggravates the pain 
  • Pain is dull at the beginning of activities but worsens through the day 

What are the Options for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Singapore?

Conservative Treatments

If your Plantar Fasciitis is mild, you will benefit from conservative treatments, including:

Orthotics

Custom-made/standard-sized pads to be worn in shoes to improve the foot problem.

Physical Therapy

A variety of exercises formulated by physiotherapists to improve elasticity, strength and support of the feet and ankles, reduce pain and prevent further damage.  

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications that treat most foot inflammations.

Minimally Invasive Procedures 

If your heel discomfort has been persistent or more severe such as when the fascia is highly inflamed and not responding to basic care, minimally invasive treatments can address the exact source without the need for open surgery. At Singapore Paincare, we offer precise procedures designed to relieve pain at its origin.

Coreflex® injections

Coreflex® injections are anti-inflammatory injections that can be administered directly into the inflamed plantar fascia. By reducing local inflammation and swelling, they provide targeted pain relief and help patients resume walking and daily activities more comfortably. This option is often considered when oral medications and physiotherapy do not provide sufficient relief. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP uses concentrated platelets derived from the patient's own blood to stimulate natural healing of the injured plantar fascia. This regenerative approach supports tissue repair and promotes longer-term recovery rather than just temporary pain suppression. 

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is considered only after at least 6 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment.

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF)

Performed under general anaesthesia, this procedure detaches part of the fascia from the heel bone. Due to risks, complications and downtime, we generally do not recommend this option. 

How Singapore Paincare Treats Plantar Fasciitis? 

At Singapore Paincare, our specialists use the proprietary Painostic® method, developed from years of clinical experience, to assess and treat plantar fasciitis. This in-house approach goes beyond standard assessment to accurately identify the underlying cause of your heel pain . Whether it stems from plantar fascia inflammation, biomechanical strain, overuse, or related foot and ankle conditions, and map out treatment pathways tailored specifically to your condition. 

We focus on the least invasive options first, including targeted injections and minimally invasive procedures to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the plantar fascia, often supported by medication, customised stretching programmes, footwear advice, and physical rehabilitation. Even in persistent or recurrent plantar fasciitis cases, this integrated approach helps relieve heel pain, restore walking comfort, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of recurrence. 

How Can I Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?

You can lessen the risk of having Plantar Fasciitis by: 

  • Doing regular stretches involving your feet, calves and Achilles tendon 
  • Taping your arches 
  • Getting plenty of rest 
  • Doing low-impact exercises like swimming 
  • Wearing proper footwear when exercising and doing sports 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Most mild plantar fasciitis cases improve within several weeks with proper stretching and treatment. Chronic or severe cases may take several months. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment in Singapore significantly shorten recovery time and prevent long-term degeneration.

No. Heel spurs are commonly seen on X-rays but are not the primary cause of plantar fasciitis pain. Removing the heel spur is usually unnecessary, as the pain comes from inflammation or tearing of the plantar fascia itself.

The best treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical treatments such as orthotics, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, Coreflex® injections, and PRP therapy are often effective. Minimally invasive treatments are preferred before considering surgery.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment can be effective for chronic plantar fasciitis, especially when there is tendon degeneration or partial tearing. PRP stimulates natural tissue repair and promotes longer-term healing rather than temporary pain relief.

Some mild cases may improve with rest and stretching. However, untreated plantar fasciitis can become chronic and last for months. Seeking early medical evaluation reduces the risk of prolonged pain and mobility limitations.

You should see a doctor if heel pain persists for more than a few weeks, worsens over time, affects your ability to walk, or does not improve with home remedies. Early treatment prevents further tissue damage and speeds recovery.

Surgery is rarely required and is usually considered only after at least 6 months of unsuccessful non-surgical treatment. Most plantar fasciitis patients in Singapore improve with conservative or minimally invasive therapies.

A Message About Plantar Fasciitis from Our Pain Specialist

 

Plantar fasciitis often starts as a sharp heel pain when you take your first steps in the morning. At first, it may seem mild. But over time, it can become severe enough to make you limp or avoid walking altogether. It may affect one or both feet, and the intensity of pain does not always reflect how serious the injury is. What begins as inflammation can progress to small tears in the plantar fascia if left untreated. 

Simple home remedies like rolling your foot on a ball or pressing into the sore area may give temporary relief. However, repeated or prolonged use can further irritate the tissue and delay healing. 

While many patients improve with physiotherapy and arch supports, about 30% continue to have persistent pain. In these cases, regenerative treatment such as Myospan PRP may help. Using platelet-rich plasma from your own blood, our Coreflex injection precisely targets the injured plantar fascia to calm inflammation and support natural healing. 

There is no surgical incision and typically no downtime. With guided rehabilitation after treatment, healing improves, walking becomes more comfortable, and you regain confidence in every step.