Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options Singapore: A Complete Guide
Introduction
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in Singapore. It affects people across all age groups, from active runners to office workers who spend long hours on their feet. If left untreated, the pain can become chronic and limit daily activities.
In this article, we’ll explore the best plantar fasciitis treatment options Singapore has to offer — from simple lifestyle changes and insoles to advanced medical procedures. Whether you’re considering custom orthotics, physiotherapy, or shockwave therapy, this guide compares different approaches so you can make an informed decision.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) running along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. This condition often causes:
- Sharp heel pain in the morning or after rest
- Discomfort during long walks or standing
- Stiffness in the foot arch
Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, prolonged standing, and wearing unsupportive shoes.
Common Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options in Singapore
1. Rest, Ice, and Stretching
- Best for: Mild cases
- Approach: Reduce activity, apply ice packs, and perform calf and arch stretches.
- Pros: Low-cost, non-invasive
- Cons: Relief is often temporary without addressing root causes.
2. Insoles and Custom Orthotics
- Over-the-counter insoles: Provide basic cushioning and arch support.
- Custom orthotics: Designed to fit your foot shape and correct biomechanical issues.
Why choose custom orthotics?
- Tailored support for your foot arch
- Better alignment and pressure distribution
- Long-term relief compared to generic insoles
3. Physiotherapy
- Treatment focus: Stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy
- Add-ons: Ultrasound therapy, taping techniques
- Pros: Addresses root causes and prevents recurrence
- Cons: Requires multiple sessions
4. Shockwave Therapy
- How it works: Uses sound waves to stimulate healing of the plantar fascia
- Duration: Typically 3–5 sessions
- Pros: Non-surgical and effective for chronic pain
- Cons: May cause temporary soreness, costlier than physiotherapy
5. Steroid Injections
- Use case: Severe heel pain unresponsive to conservative treatments
- Pros: Quick pain relief
- Cons: Temporary, with risk of side effects if overused
6. Surgery (Rare Cases)
- Last resort: For patients with persistent pain after 6–12 months of other treatments
- Procedure: Release of plantar fascia tension
- Cons: Risks of surgery, long recovery period
Compare Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options in Singapore
| Treatment | Pricing (SGD) | Service | Effectiveness | Reviews | Accessibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insoles (OTC) | $30 – $100 | Retail purchase | Moderate | Mixed | Easily available at sports shops | Mild pain |
| Custom Orthotics | $250 – $600 | Foot scan & personalised fit | High | Very positive | Specialist shops & podiatrists | Moderate–chronic cases |
| Physiotherapy | $80 – $150/session | Tailored exercises & therapy | High | Positive | Widely available in SG clinics | Moderate pain |
| Shockwave Therapy | $200 – $400/session | Non-invasive pain relief | Very high | Positive | Specialist clinics only | Chronic pain |
| Steroid Injections | $300 – $600 | Quick medical intervention | Short-term | Mixed | Requires doctor’s prescription | Severe pain |
| Surgery | $4,000 – $8,000 | Surgical release | Variable | Rarely needed | Specialist hospitals | Last resort |
Choosing the Right Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
When deciding on the best treatment, consider:
- Severity of heel pain (mild vs. chronic)
- Budget and insurance coverage
- Lifestyle demands (active vs. sedentary)
- Long-term vs. short-term relief
For most Singapore patients, a combination of custom orthotics, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes provides the most sustainable results.
Internal & External Resources
- FeetCare Singapore: Custom Insoles – Learn how custom insoles can reduce heel pain.
- Ministry of Health Singapore – Approved Allied Health Clinics
- HealthHub SG – Foot Pain Management
FAQs: Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Singapore
Q1: How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?
Recovery can take 3–6 months with consistent treatment. Severe cases may take up to a year.
Q2: Do insoles really help with plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Proper insoles or custom orthotics provide arch support, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Q3: Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes, it’s a widely used non-invasive treatment in Singapore with minimal side effects.
Q4: Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest and stretching, but most people need structured treatment for long-term relief.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Plantar fasciitis can significantly impact your daily life, but with the right treatment, recovery is achievable. From simple insoles to advanced options like shockwave therapy or custom orthotics, Singapore offers a wide range of effective solutions.
👉 If you’re struggling with persistent heel pain, book a consultation with a specialist clinic in Singapore today. Explore how custom orthotics and physiotherapy can help you get back on your feet — pain-free.
