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Are you struggling with heel pain in Singapore? You’re not alone. An estimated 10 to 15% of cases of foot problems are related to heel pain1. It is also the most common foot problem that most people tend to ignore at its early stage and can severely impact your life. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to provide you with all the information you need to understand, diagnose, and manage heel pain effectively. If you need help with your condition, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Heel pain is a discomfort, sharp stabbing sensation, or an ache in the heel area. It can occur either at the bottom (plantar heel) or the back of the heel (posterior heel). It is often caused by walking or standing for extended periods.
Many conditions can cause heel pain, such as:
Common symptoms of heel pain may include:
The symptoms vary according to the condition you are currently suffering from. Explaining your symptoms clearly can, therefore, help to guide your podiatrist or medical professionals in the diagnosis.
The cause of heel pain is usually multi-factorial most of the time. However, understanding the root cause is extremely crucial for effective heel pain treatment. Identifying the root causes can also help prevent any future recurrence. Generally, the causes range from:
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective heel pain treatment in Singapore. Generally, your podiatrist or medical professional may perform:
Various heel pain treatment options are available depending on the cause and severity of your condition. The common heel pain treatment options in Singapore include:
Heel pain is increasingly prevalent in Singapore due to:
At Straits Podiatry, we have a team of expert podiatrists dedicated to providing the best assistance to your heel pain problems. We understand each patient has their own needs and goals, and we will customise our heel pain treatment plan tailored to you. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, we can assure you that your positive experience is our priority.
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The duration of pain can vary widely depending on the diagnosis, its cause, its degree of severity, and the effectiveness of heel pain treatment. Some people may experience relief within a few weeks, while others may suffer for months or even years if not properly treated. The best advice we can give is to seek help early so that you can get effective relief sooner.
While heel pain is usually not life-threatening, neglecting the condition can lead to more serious issues like chronic pain and difficulty walking. The constant pain can have a negative impact on your lifestyle and affect your mood too. In extremely rare cases, bone tumours may be the cause of the pain, and would require further investigation before treatment.
The best heel pain treatment depends on the diagnosis and underlying cause. By experience, the most common reason for ineffective treatment is incorrect diagnosis. Generally, common heel pain treatments such as ice packs and rest, pain medications, shockwave therapy, customised insoles, and physical therapy should usually work depending on severity.
It is advisable to consult a podiatrist or an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist for problems with your heel. They are trained extensively to manage most foot and ankle problems, but the plan may differ. Podiatrists focus on non-surgical options, whereas orthopaedic specialists provide injections or surgical opinions.
No, heel pain is just a general term to describe discomfort or aches in the heel area, but it is not a diagnosis. Plantar fasciitis is a medical condition that indicates inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. There are many other conditions that can cause heel pain such as Achilles tendinitis, heel spur, retrocalcaneal bursitis, or Baxter’s nerve entrapment
Generally, we recommend shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and a slightly raised heel pitch. Sports shoes would be ideal due to their high level of support. However, the exact type of shoes that we recommend will depend on your foot type. You can refer to our article “How To Choose The Right Shoes For My Feet?” to understand more about shoes.
Straits Podiatry (Buona Vista),
31 Rochester Drive,
#02-01 (Hotel Block),
Singapore 138637
Straits Podiatry (Katong),
i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Rd,
#03-01/02/03/04/28,
Singapore, 428802.