Heel Pain

Recent-onset heel pain is when you first start feeling pain or discomfort in the bottom of your foot, usually lasting less than 6-8 weeks. This pain often comes from inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the ball of your foot to your heel.

During this early stage, it’s easier to manage because the main goal is to reduce the inflammation. In Singapore, however, by the time people see a foot specialist, their condition might be more severe. Often, the inflammation has already turned into a chronic issue, and the original pain might have become much worse, or even led to a tear in the plantar fascia. When the condition has become chronic, treating the inflammation might not be as effective.

Sometimes, what people call “plantar fasciitis” isn’t really an inflammation issue. Instead, it’s often due to long-term damage and weakening of the plantar fascia, the tissue along the bottom of your foot. This damage can lead to a heel spur, which shows up on X-rays as a bony growth on the heel. This is why you might hear the term “heel spur syndrome.”

In chronic cases, the plantar fascia can develop calcifications or hardening, but a heel spur itself doesn’t always cause pain. Some people have heel spurs without any pain, while others with pain may not have spurs at all. The spur is a sign of ongoing stress and damage to the plantar fascia.

A heel spur indicates that the plantar fasciitis has been around for a while. However, removing the heel spur surgically isn’t always necessary or the best solution. There are non-surgical treatments available that can help manage chronic heel pain effectively.

If you’ve had severe heel pain for a long time, it can change the way you walk. Some people start tip-toeing to avoid pain or become less active. This can lead to a drop in fitness and even cause other problems. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help reduce heel pain and prevent other issues. If left untreated, heel pain can seriously impact your ability to walk and your daily life.

Sometimes, resting and trying home remedies can help ease heel pain. However, this doesn’t tackle the underlying issue. Many people experience recurring heel pain that gets worse over time, making it harder to manage each time it flares up.

At NoFrills Podiatry, we focus on practical solutions to address the root cause of your pain. We use advanced technology and custom-made orthotic insoles tailored to your specific needs.

It’s best to see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and to explore effective non-surgical treatments.

There are several effective non-surgical treatments for heel pain, such as custom foot insoles, shockwave therapy, electromagnetic stimulation, sports taping, and targeted stretching exercises. With proper care and commitment to these treatments, most people experience significant improvement.

Surgery might be suggested if the pain is severe and doesn’t improve with these non-surgical methods. Our podiatrists work with experienced orthopedic surgeons who specialize in foot and ankle surgeries. They also assist with post-surgery recovery, including wound care, custom insoles, and special footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions