Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Singapore
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing heel pain that can make walking or standing uncomfortable. This condition often requires early intervention to prevent chronic pain and maintain mobility. By seeking treatment from a plantar fasciitis specialist in Singapore, you can receive an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in your heel and arch. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue supporting your foot’s arch, becomes irritated and inflamed. This inflammation leads to pain and stiffness, especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of rest.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
If you have plantar fasciitis, you might experience these symptoms:
Heel pain:
This is the most common symptom, often felt as a sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in your heel. It’s usually worse in the morning, after resting, or after exercise. The location of the pain can vary; some people feel it primarily in the heel, while others experience it more in the arch of the foot.
Tenderness:
The bottom of your heel may feel tender to the touch, especially along the inside edge.
Stiffness:
Your heel and arch might feel stiff, making it difficult to bend your foot upwards.
Other symptoms:
n some cases, you might also experience numbness or tingling in your toes, which could potentially indicate nerve compression.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis:
Overuse:
Activities like running or dancing put repetitive stress on your feet.
Prolonged standing:
Occupations that require prolonged standing, such as teaching, nursing, or construction work, can increase your risk.
Improper footwear:
Shoes without good arch support, high heels, or worn-out shoes can worsen the condition.
Foot structure:
Having flat feet or high arches can affect how your weight is distributed, putting extra stress on the plantar fascia.
Excess weight:
Being overweight puts additional strain on your feet.
Wear-and-tear:
Degeneration of the plantar fascia itself can give rise to plantar fasciitis.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
To determine if you have plantar fasciitis, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation. This typically involves:
Clinical examination:
Your doctor will examine your foot and ankle, checking for areas of tenderness, assessing your range of motion, and observing your gait (how you walk). They may also ask you about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any relevant medical history.
Imaging tests:
While plantar fasciitis can often be diagnosed based on a clinical exam alone, imaging tests may be used to rule out other conditions or to get a clearer picture of the extent of the problem. These tests might include:
- X-rays: X-rays can help identify any bony abnormalities, such as heel spurs, that might be contributing to your pain. However, X-rays don’t show soft tissues like the plantar fascia itself.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound can visualise the plantar fascia and assess its thickness, as well as identify any tears or other damage. It can also show inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): In more painful or persistent cases, an MRI might be recommended to provide a more detailed view of the soft tissues in your foot and ankle. This can help identify other potential causes of your pain or rule out complications.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
In many cases, plantar fasciitis can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. These options include:
Stretching and Exercises:
This includes calf stretches to improve ankle flexibility, plantar fascia stretches to increase flexibility and reduce pain, and exercises like towel curls and marble pickups to strengthen foot muscles.
Orthotics:
This involves using custom orthotics or over-the-counter arch supports to provide support and cushioning for your feet, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Night splints can also be used to keep the plantar fascia stretched while you sleep.
Medications:
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Topical medications containing anti-inflammatory agents can also be applied to the affected area.
Other Non-Surgical Treatments:
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the plantar fascia, often used for chronic cases. Corticosteroid injections may provide pain relief but may prove to be a temporary solution sometimes.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
This includes modifying activities to avoid aggravating pain, wearing supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning, and managing weight to reduce stress on the feet.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections:
This treatment utilises the patient’s own platelet cells to stimulate healing in the damaged plantar fascia, improving pain and discomfort.
Radiofrequency Release:
This treatment utilises a long thin probe to create small holes in the plantar fascia to stimulate formation of new plantar fascia tissue.
Plantar fasciitis is one of those conditions where a minority of cases can prove to be quite difficult to treat, requiring several different treatment methods before the patient may find substantial relief. This is known as recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is one of those conditions where a minority of cases can prove to be quite difficult to treat, requiring several different treatment methods before the patient may find substantial relief. This is known as recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
When is Surgery Recommended?
While many cases of plantar fasciitis respond well to non-surgical treatments, surgery may be considered in certain situations. This typically includes:
- Persistent pain: If your heel pain persists for 6-12 months despite consistent non-surgical treatment, such as physiotherapy, orthotics, and medications, surgery might be an option.
- Severe cases: Surgery may be recommended if you have severe plantar fasciitis with significant damage to the plantar fascia, limiting your ability to perform daily activities.
There are several surgical treatments available. These include:
- Arthroscopic removal of heel spur through small incisions. This is effective in removing pain from constant tenting and damage to the plantar fascia.
- Plantar fascia release. This involves partially detaching the plantar fascia from the heel bone to relieve tension and pain.
- Decompression of Baxter nerve. This open surgery may be required in recalcitrant cases or cases where there is suggestion of nerve compression.
Following the surgery, recovery typically involves a period of rest, allowing the tissues to heal. You’ll then gradually increase your activity levels as advised by our doctor and physiotherapist. You might need to wear a walking boot or crutches for a few weeks to protect your foot while it heals. Physiotherapy will be essential to help you regain strength, flexibility, and full range of motion in your foot and ankle.
Plantar fascia surgery is generally effective in relieving pain and improving function, and like most orthopaedic surgeries, is considered very safe and the likelihood of risks are low. Nonetheless, it’s important to discuss these risks with your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore before making a decision.
Choosing the Right Specialist for Plantar Fasciitis
Finding the right specialist in Singapore for your plantar fasciitis can significantly impact your recovery journey. Here are some key factors to consider:
Experience and Expertise:
Look for a specialist with extensive experience in treating plantar fasciitis, including both non-surgical and surgical options.
Advanced Diagnostics and Treatments:
Choose a specialist who uses tools like ultrasound or MRI for accurate diagnosis and offers a range of non-invasive treatments.
Patient-Centred Care:
Opt for a specialist who listens to your concerns, understands your lifestyle, and develops a personalised treatment plan.
At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, our experienced foot and ankle specialists combine their expertise with advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities to help you achieve optimal pain relief and recovery from plantar fasciitis. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your personalised treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Singapore
What is the cost of plantar fasciitis treatment in Singapore?
The cost of plantar fasciitis treatment in Singapore varies based on the type and severity of your condition. Non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy are generally less costly than surgical treatment. At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, we offer transparent pricing and assist our patients with exploring their financial payment options, including insurance and Medisave.
How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?
Recovery time for plantar fasciitis varies depending on the severity and treatment approach. Non-surgical treatments may lead to improvement in 3 months, while full recovery can take up to a year. Recovery from surgery usually takes several weeks to a few months with physiotherapy.
Can plantar fasciitis be treated without surgery?
Yes, many cases respond well to non-surgical options like stretching, orthotics, medications, shockwave therapy, and injections. Surgery is usually considered only if these fail to provide relief after 6-12 months.
What are the best shoes for managing plantar fasciitis?
Choose shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and low or flat heels. Ensure a proper fit and avoid flat shoes with no arch support, flip-flops, or worn-out shoes, as these can worsen pain.
Is plantar fasciitis treatment Medisave or insurance claimable?
Medisave can generally be used for surgical procedures like heel spur removal or plantar fascia release. Insurance coverage varies depending on your policy. Check with your insurer and our clinic for details about coverage and claims.