Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting an estimated 10% of people during their lifetime. It involves degeneration and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. The hallmark symptom is sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning. At DR+, our GPs with specialised training in pain management provide a thorough assessment of plantar fasciitis to identify the root cause of heel pain and create a personalised, non-surgical treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain. The thick, web-like ligament known as the plantar fascia supports the foot’s arch and relieves strain when you run or walk. Tiny tears may form in this tissue as a result of strain or overuse, causing pain and inflammation in the foot’s arch and heel. 

At DR+, every plantar fasciitis consultation follows the Painostic® methodology: a structured assessment to identify the root cause, not just manage the symptom.

Clinical Examination

Doctor will palpate the medial calcaneal tuberosity for point tenderness, assess ankle dorsiflexion range, evaluate foot arch type (flat or high), and rule out other heel pain causes such as Achilles tendon insertion, sinus tarsi syndrome, and heel pad atrophy.

Imaging

X-ray of the heel may show a calcaneal spur: a bony projection at the plantar fascia attachment. The spur itself is often not the pain source but indicates chronic plantar fascia stress. Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) at DR+ measures plantar fascia thickness and identifies areas of degeneration, guiding injection targeting.

Our doctors are experienced in assessing musculoskeletal and foot pain, helping patients identify the underlying cause of heel discomfort and guiding appropriate treatment or referral when necessary. All DR+ doctors undergo additional training through the Singapore Paincare Academy, where they develop skills in performing specialised therapies and procedures aimed at relieving plantar fasciitis pain and improving foot function. This structured training allows our doctors to provide targeted, evidence-based care for patients experiencing plantar fasciitis while ensuring appropriate referral when more complex specialist management is required.

Plantar fasciitis prevention depends on good foot health, proper footwear, and attentiveness to activity amount. The following are plantar fasciitis prevention strategies that works best: 

• Wear supportive shoes with adequate arch support to prevent plantar fasciitis. 

• Maintain normal body weight to reduce stress and pressure on the feet. 

• Regular stretching, especially strengthening the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, to prevent fascia from becoming overly tight. 

• Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping to maintain activity without additional stress. 

• Use orthotics or insoles for additional arch support in flat feet or high arches. 

• Strengthen foot and ankle muscles to improve stability and reduce injury risk.