Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints in Singapore, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you are an athlete, an active professional, or simply spend long hours on your feet, persistent heel pain can disrupt your daily life and mobility. While mild discomfort may settle with rest, persistent heel pain often signals an underlying problem that needs targeted treatment.
With the right diagnosis and care, most people can make a full recovery and prevent the pain from coming back. At MyFootDr Singapore, our experienced podiatrists provide evidence-based diagnosis and personalised treatment to help you walk comfortably again.
What Is Heel Pain?
Heel pain is discomfort or soreness felt in the underside or back of the heel. It is a common foot complaint that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It often begins as a mild, occasional discomfort but may gradually progress into persistent pain that interferes with daily activities. For some, the discomfort develops after spending long hours standing or walking. For others, it may appear without any clear cause, yet steadily worsen over time.
Common Causes & Types of Heel Pain
Heel pain can result from a variety of causes, including medical conditions and everyday lifestyle habits. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, heel bursitis, and overuse injuries. Environmental and lifestyle factors such as prolonged standing, walking on hard or uneven surfaces, wearing worn-out or unsupportive shoes, or even spending excessive time barefoot, can also increase strain on the heel and surrounding structures. Understanding the possible causes is the first step towards finding the right treatment for your heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
This occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot from the heel bone to the toes, becomes irritated or inflamed. This condition often leads to sharp heel pain when taking your first steps in the morning or after getting up from prolonged rest. As the day progresses, the discomfort may worsen, especially after extended periods of standing or walking.
Achilles Tendonitis
It’s when the tendon that links your calf muscles to your heel bone becomes irritated and swollen, usually caused by doing too much activity or repeating the same movements. It typically causes pain at the back of the heel, which may worsen after exercise. This condition is commonly associated with sports involving running and jumping.
Heel Bursitis
Inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs near the heel, often caused by pressure, friction, or repetitive movement. It can lead to swelling, tenderness, and discomfort around the heel joint. Types include retrocalcaneal bursitis (between the Achilles tendon and heel bone), subcutaneous calcaneal bursitis (between the skin and Achilles tendon), and sub-Achilles bursitis (beneath the Achilles tendon).
Stress Fractures
Tiny cracks in the heel bone that develop from repeated impact, overuse, or sudden increases in activity. They often cause persistent pain that worsens during weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, or jumping. This condition is common among athletes or individuals who engage in high-intensity or repetitive movements without adequate rest.
Sever’s Disease
A common cause of heel pain in active children aged 8–14, especially during growth spurts. It occurs when the heel’s growth plate becomes irritated, often due to sports involving running or jumping. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness when squeezed, and limping after activity.
When to Seek Help from a Podiatrist
If your heel pain persists despite rest, home remedies, or supportive footwear, it may be time to seek professional help. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause, provide targeted treatment, and prevent further complications. Early intervention often leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. Seek podiatry care if you experience:
- Heel pain lasting more than a week despite rest and home care
- Severe pain that worsens with activity or first steps in the morning
- Noticeable swelling, redness, or warmth in the heel
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the foot
- Pain accompanied by numbness, tingling, or stiffness
- History of injury or trauma to the heel
How Podiatrists Diagnose Heel Pain
At MyFootDr Singapore, our experienced podiatrists perform a comprehensive foot and ankle assessment to accurately identify the root cause of your heel pain. We combine advanced diagnostic technology with in-depth clinical expertise, ensuring we understand not only the immediate issue but also any underlying factors that may affect your overall foot and lower limb health.
Clinical Podiatry Assessments
Our podiatrists carry out a complete examination of your feet, ankles, and lower limbs, paired with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This allows us to detect any signs of poor foot or lower limb alignment, which can contribute to problems in the knees, hips, and even the lower back.
Video Gait Analysis
Using an advanced form of motion, we closely observe how you walk, run, and stand. This helps us identify subtle biomechanical issues that may be straining your heel and causing pain. This tool is invaluable in creating customised treatment plans, such as sports-specific orthotics, to improve movement efficiency and prevent future injuries.
Imaging and Specialised Diagnostic Tools
We utilise medical imaging tools such as ultrasound and X-ray to assess soft tissue and bone health. We also perform Doppler tests to check blood flow and biothesiometry to evaluate nerve function, particularly important for patients with diabetes or nerve-related conditions. This thorough approach allows us to detect complications early and provide timely treatment.
Effective Heel Pain Treatments at MyFootDr Singapore
We start by finding the exact cause of your heel pain, then choose the best treatment to help you move comfortably again. At MyFootDr Singapore, we combine advanced technology, years of podiatry expertise, and personalised care to effectively treat heel pain—often without the need for surgery.
Custom Foot Orthotics
Manufactured in-house using precise digital scans of your feet, these orthotics are tailored to your unique foot shape and biomechanics. They help correct alignment, relieve heel pressure, and improve posture. Most are ready the same day, so you can start walking more comfortably right away.
Shockwave Therapy
A proven, non-surgical treatment that uses sound wave pulses to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. This is particularly effective for stubborn heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Footwear Solutions
We offer a wide selection of medical-grade custom shoes, orthopaedic footwear, and orthotic sandals. These are designed to fit your foot perfectly while supporting your arch and reducing strain on the heel, ideal for daily comfort and long-term injury prevention.
Aged Footcare
Our specialised care for seniors focuses on treating tendon problems, posture-related pain, and other age-related foot concerns. This service helps older adults stay mobile, pain-free, and independent for longer.
Diabetic Footcare
Regular podiatric checks for nerve health and circulation, plus preventive treatments to avoid serious complications like ulcers or infections. Early intervention is key, and our diabetic care programme is designed to protect your feet for the long term.
Cryotherapy, Cosmetic Nail Restoration, and Foot Care
For nails damaged by foot fungus or trauma, our cosmetic nail restoration restores their natural appearance while allowing healthy growth. We also provide safe and effective removal of plantar warts, foot corns, and calluses, relieving pressure points that can contribute to heel pain and discomfort.
Choose MyFootDr Singapore for Your Heel Pain Treatment
If heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot inflammation, or other foot pain are affecting your daily life, MyFootDr Singapore could be the trusted solution you’ve been looking for. Instead of living with ongoing discomfort or relying on temporary fixes, our podiatrists provide personalised care backed by advanced technology, tailored to address the root cause of your heel pain.
Experience the freedom to walk, run, and move without pain. No matter your age or activity level, our podiatrist is here to keep you comfortably on your feet. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards better foot health!