Heel Pain Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr Amaris Lim, MBBS, MMed (Fam Med), Grad Dip Sports Med – last reviewed August 2026

Heel pain can result from overuse, repetitive strain, or activity-related injury to the tendons and tissue supporting the foot and ankle. Our sports medicine physicians assess the underlying cause of your heel pain and offer targeted, non-surgical treatment options like shockwave therapy to help reduce pain and support recovery. Consultations are available at our Clementi and Geylang clinics.

What are the Common Causes of Heel Pain?

Plantar Fasciitis:

    • One of the most common causes of heel pain in adults 
    • Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot 
    • Causes pain at the bottom of the heel, often worst with first steps in the morning 
    • Often linked to prolonged standing, running, or unsupportive footwear

Achilles Tendinopathy:

    • Affects the Achilles tendon, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone 
    • Often caused by repetitive strain from running, jumping, or a sudden increase in activity 
    • Causes pain at the back of the heel or ankle, worsening with activity 

Heel pain can also stem from other conditions, such as heel stress fractures or inflammation and atrophy of the heel’s fat pad. Our sports medicine specialist will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the underlying cause of your heel pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your condition. 

Heel Pain Treatment Options We Offer

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT):

    • Delivers focused sound wave pulses to the affected tendon or tissue 
    • Promotes blood flow and stimulates the body’s natural repair process 
    • Used to treat both plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy 

Exercise Therapy & Footwear Recommendations:

Our sports medicine physician may also recommend a tailored stretching and exercise programme, along with guidance on suitable footwear and shoe insoles, to support recovery and reduce strain on the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. 

Who Should See a Physician for Heel Pain?

Consider a consultation if you’re experiencing: 

    • Persistent heel pain lasting more than a few weeks 
    • Heel pain following a sports injury or a sudden increase in activity 
    • Difficulty walking, running, or standing for long periods due to heel discomfort 

Clinic Locations in Singapore

Address: 3151 Commonwealth Ave W, #04-01 Grantral Mall @ Clementi, Singapore 129581

WhatsApp: 8683 8467

Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays 2:00pm–5:00pm 

Address: 494 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389452

WhatsApp: 8683 8467

Hours: Thursdays 1:30pm–4:30pm

Learn More About Our Treatments

Prefer a quick visual guide? Watch our videos to learn more about some of the treatments available at Frontier Healthcare.

Knee Injections

Watch our video for a quick overview of knee pain, when you should consider seeing a doctor, and the treatment options available.

ESWT

Learn more about Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and how it may help with certain musculoskeletal conditions.

Book a Heel Pain Consultation!

📱 WhatsApp: 8683 8467
📧 Email: Contact@frontierhealthcare.com.sg

Our Sports Medicine Service also treats a range of other joint, tendon, and sports-related conditions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Plantar fasciitis affects the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot and typically causes pain at the bottom of the heel, while Achilles tendinopathy affects the tendon at the back of the heel. Our Sports Medicine physician will assess your symptoms to determine the correct diagnosis.

Multiple clinical studies have shown that shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, with success rates ranging from 60% to 80%, particularly for patients with chronic symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatment like stretching, orthotics or rest. 

Clinical studies have shown that shockwave therapy helps to improve heel pain and stiffness associated with Achilles tendinopathy. However, its effectiveness is greater when combined with rehabilitation involving progressive loading exercises. 

Calf stretches help reduce the load on the plantar fascia and support recovery, while stretches that target the plantar fascia directly can also help ease pain. These are typically introduced as part of a structured exercise therapy programme tailored to your condition following assessment by our Sports Medicine physician. 

Heel raise exercises (rising onto your toes and slowly lowering your heels back down) apply progressive load to the Achilles tendon, helping to support healing and build its capacity to handle stress over time. Calf stretching exercises can also help by improving flexibility in the surrounding muscles and reducing the pulling force placed on the tendon. Our sports medicine physician can advise on the specific exercises most suitable for you following a proper assessment.

Shockwave therapy is generally well-tolerated. Common effects include mild pain, redness, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site, which usually resolve within a few days. Serious complications are rare. Your physician will discuss what to expect and any relevant precautions during your consultation.