Heel Pain Treatment in Singapore

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Heel Pain Treatment in Singapore

Introduction to Heel Pain

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 treatment

What is Heel Pain?

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:

  • Plantar Fasciitis – An inflammation of the plantar fascia, and often result in pain at the bottom of the heel (especially the first step in the morning)
  • Achilles Tendinitis – An inflammation of the Achilles tendon, causing pain and swelling at the back of the heel
  • Heel Spurs – A result of calcium deposition at the heel, particularly at the attachment of the plantar fascia and Achilles Tendon
  • Retrocalcaneal Bursitis – An inflammation of a fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the heel
  • Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment – A nerve compression condition that causes numbness, burning, or tingling under the heel
  • Calcaneus Stress Fracture – A hairline crack of the heel bone usually seen in Athletes
  • Sever’s Disease – An inflammation of the growth plate of the heel, which occurs only in active children between age 8 to 14

Symptoms of Heel Pain

Common symptoms of heel pain may include:

  • Sharp pain, dull ache, or stiffness in the heel
  • Redness and swelling if there is active inflammation
  • Pain is worse in certain movements, such as moving your ankle upwards or downwards
  • Numbness, burning, or tingling sensation, if present, will typically suggest a nerve-related problem.

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.

Causes of Heel Pain. An infographic created by Straits Podiatry in Singapore to show the common causes of heel pain.

Causes of Heel Pain

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:

  • Mechanical Causes: Poor choice of footwear, walking gait, tight hamstrings or calf muscles, or poor foot structure (flat feet or high arch)
  • Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, an occupation requiring long hours on feet, a sudden increase in activity, or picking up new sports
  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Arthritis, spinal nerve issues, or infections

Diagnosis of Heel Pain

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective heel pain treatment in Singapore. Generally, your podiatrist or medical professional may perform:

  • Physical examination – To determine the location of injury and structures affected
  • Diagnostic ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI – To visualise the extent of injury
  • Gait analysis – To identify any potential mechanical root cause

Heel pain treatment in Singapore. Photo showing podiatrist at Straits podiatry providing treatment for heel pain to a patient in Singapore.

Heel Pain Treatment Options in Singapore

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:

  • RICE: Rest, icing, compression, and elevation
  • Over-the-Counter Medication: Some anti-inflammatory medications may provide short-term relief
  • Shockwave TherapyFocused shockwave therapy and radial pressure wave therapy can help stimulate blood flow for natural recovery
  • Customised InsolesCustom-made foot insoles can help alleviate stress and reduce pain
  • Physical Therapy: Perform exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles
  • Surgical Options: In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

Why is Heel Pain Common in Singapore?

Heel pain is increasingly prevalent in Singapore due to:

  • Our urban lifestyle requires extensive walking on hard surfaces
  • Long working hours resulting in long hours of standing or walking
  • Popularisation of fashion footwear that lacks proper foot and heel support
  • Our culture of walking barefoot at home
  • Lack of awareness and guidance on selecting the right shoes

Heel Pain Management at Straits Podiatry

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.

 

Related Article

  1. Anatomy of the Heel: Understanding the Complex Structure
  2. The Role of Shockwave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
  3. Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Heel Pain in Singapore’s Urban Environment

Do You Have A Question? Ask Us...

FAQ

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.