Heel Pain Remedy: Shockwave Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis Treatment (Singapore)

If you’re experiencing heel pain, don’t worry.

It’s actually a pretty common condition that can be caused by a number of different things. Some of the most common culprits include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, or stress fractures. Luckily, there are plenty of treatment options available depending on what’s causing your pain. So if you’re feeling uncomfortable, just know that you’re not alone and there’s plenty of help out there!

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain) Treatment using Shockwave Therapy by Singapore Podiatrist

Gold Standard Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)?

What is Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, also known as heel pain, is the most common foot problem we see in Singapore. The plantar fascia is a connective tissue that connects your heel bone, runs into the foot arch, and extends to your big toe. Its main job is to support the foot arch by providing flexibility, stability, and shock absorption with every step you take.

When too much stress or strain is placed on the plantar fascia, it can become irritated or inflamed, and sometimes small tears may develop, causing pain and discomfort.

Certain busy professionals are especially prone to plantar fasciitis — such as doctors, nurses, chefs, teachers, sports enthusiasts, tradespeople, or anyone who spends long hours on their feet.

Heel Pain Causes

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot — becomes irritated or inflamed. Common causes include:

Overuse or repetitive stress

Activities such as running, walking long distances, or standing for extended periods put extra strain on the plantar fascia.

Wearing the wrong footwear for long hours

Examples include wearing slippers for long shopping trips or dress shoes during hiking. These can increase pressure and cause irritation.

Carrying excessive weight

This includes pregnancy, carrying heavy school bags, operating heavy machinery, or lugging loaded office bags, all of which add extra load on your feet.

New social activities

Joining events like corporate marathons, health hub Zumba classes, dynamic yoga, or jumping exercises without proper warm-up or cool-down can trigger plantar fasciitis.

Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon

Limited flexibility in these muscles increases tension on the plantar fascia.

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Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can vary, as the discomfort often extends from the heel into the arch and even toward the big toe. Here are some common signs to look out for:

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Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

These are the treatment options available at Feet First Podiatry. The table presents it’s benefits, efficacy and the cost.

Treatment Options Benefits Efficacy Cost
Shockwave Therapy ● Pain relief
● Fast acting
High $250 (4000 shocks)
$450 (8000 shocks)
Super Inductive System ● Muscle Recovery
● Relaxing session
High $190/site
$350/2x sites
3D-Printed Orthotics ● Custom made arch and heel support to your feet High Scanning $90
Orthotics $628
Laser ● Penetrates very well into small areas
● Painless
Moderate $220
Dry Needling ● Reset the pain pathway Moderate Included in consultation
Strapping ● Support foot structure 3–7 days Moderate Included in consultation
Stretching
Strengthening Program
● Useful tips for long term solution Low to Moderate Included in consultation

Shockwave Therapy In Singapore

What is shockwave therapy

Benefits of shockwave treatment for plantar fasciitis

Shockwave therapy, known as ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy), is the latest non-invasive treatment option for plantar fasciitis (heel pain). It is currently one of the most effective treatments when conservative options, such as stretching, strapping, and insoles have failed to provide pain relief.

The models and types of machines vary from clinic to clinic, and outcomes depend heavily on the doctor’s or clinician’s experience in operating the equipment as well as their knowledge of foot anatomy, which together contribute to achieving the best possible treatment outcome.

Shockwave therapy is measured by the number of “shocks” (pulses) delivered to the affected foot. It typically ranges from 2,000 to a maximum of 8,000 shocks per session, per foot. Some clinics may charge excessively but provide only a limited number of shocks per treatment.

At Feet First Podiatry, we are the most affordable podiatry clinic offering fixed prices:

  • $250 for 4,000 shocks, (one foot)
  • $450 for 8,000 shocks. (two feet)

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

    1. Pain Relief
      Shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain by desensitising nerve endings in the heel area, helping you regain and restore foot function and comfort.
    2. Stimulates Healing
      Shockwave therapy promotes self-healing by inducing microtrauma that encourages a) blood flow, b) collagen production, and c) tissue regeneration at the heel.
    3. Non-Invasive & Safe
      Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that requires NO incision and NO anaesthesia. It carries a very low risk of complications or side effects.
    4. No Downtime
      Shockwave therapy can often be performed during a work lunch break, or after school or sports activities, as there is no downtime. This means you can resume your daily activities or favourite hobbies soon after treatment, with minimal disruption to your routine.

What to expect after shockwave therapy treatment ?

Plenty of rest is advised, and minimal to no heavy weight-bearing activities are recommended if possible. This provides a window for your feet to fully rest and self-heal, allowing the benefits of the shockwave therapy session, such as increased blood flow, collagen production, and tissue regeneration to take effect.

Pain relief usually occurs shortly after treatment, but for some people, it may take up to two days to fully experience the benefits.

Typically, shockwave therapy is performed on a weekly basis, or at most every two weeks, until the pain is fully relieved. For mild cases, treatment usually requires 3–5 sessions, spaced 10 days apart. For severe cases, up to 8 sessions on a weekly basis may be needed.

Shockwave therapy provides a “reset” option, delivering significant pain relief so you can regain your normal routine. At the same time, it’s important to investigate the activities that may have triggered your plantar fasciitis and consider lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence.

For example:

  • Place a yoga mat at the cooking station to reduce strain while standing.
  • Consider online grocery shopping rather than visiting a physical store.
  • Sit down while doing laundry or ironing to reduce load on your feet.
Severity Recommended Sessions Session Spacing Cost
Mild 3 to 5 sessions 10 days apart $250 for 4,000 shocks (one foot)
Severe 5 to 8 sessions Weekly $450 for 8,000 shocks (two feet)

How to Cure Plantar Fasciitis in One Week?

Contact Us Today To Experience the Power of Shockwave Therapy!

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Other Heel Pain Treatments In Singapore

Do you have any other treatment options besides shockwave therapy to help my plantar fasciitis go away faster?

At Feet First Podiatry, we understand that time is precious, especially in Singapore. That’s why we are excited to introduce our Super Inductive System (SIS)—a muscle recovery machine that helps relieve muscle tension in your feet and calf muscles.

It is completely pain-free and takes only 12 minutes per session while you relax on our comfortable treatment bed. SIS muscle recovery is designed for those who have very tight muscles and are unable to perform regular stretching.

With both shockwave therapy and the SIS muscle recovery machine, Feet First Podiatry has you covered.

Feature Shockwave Therapy (Pain Relief) Super Inductive System (Muscle Recovery)
Mechanism ● Increased blood flow
● collagen synthesis
● tissue regeneration
● Reduce muscle tension
● Muscle strengthening
● Muscle relaxation
● Increase joint mobilisation
Target Area Plantar fascia (heel) Muscles in the foot and calfs
Duration 15 – 20 minutes 12 minutes
Pain Level Mild discomfort No pain
Recommended sessions 3 to 8 session
(or until no pain)
As needed, can be combined with shockwave therapy
Ideal for Localised heel pain with tissue inflammation Tight calf or foot muscle, unable to perform regular stretching
Effectiveness 70-88% success rate 96% in pain reduction

Other Home Remedies

Home Remedy Description Frequency
Calf Stretches Stand facing a wall, keep heel on the ground, hold stretch for 30 seconds. ● 3 times a day
Heel Drop on Platform Stand on a platform or step, slowly lower heel until it touches the ground, hold for 1 minute. ● 10 times a day
Foot Arch Strengthening Stand on the affected foot, rise onto tiptoe and lower back to the ground. ● As many times as possible within 3 minutes, twice a day
Frozen Water Bottle Rol Place a frozen water bottle under your foot, roll it back and forth. ● 15 minutes a day
Supportive Shoes with Arch Support Wear shoes with good arch support to reduce pressure on the foot. ● All day, whenever walking or standing

Choosing between Shockwave Therapy, SIS or Home Remedies

Treatment Options Shockwave Therapy (Pain Relief) Super Inductive System (Muscle Recovery) Home Remedies
Description ● Promotes healing of the plantar fascia
● Reduces pain quickly
● Stimulates blood flow and collagen production
● Relaxes tight muscles
● Improves circulation
● Reduces pain
● Quick, pain-free sessions
● Improves flexibility
● Helps manage pain
● Supports mild cases
● Inexpensive
Pros ✔ Clinically proven;
✔ fast pain relief;
✔ non-invasive.
✔ Pain-free;
✔ quick; good for tight calf muscles.
✔ Free or low-cost;
✔ can be done at home;
✔ helps mild cases.
Cons Requires clinic visits; moderate cost. Additional cost. Takes time; less effective for severe pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options – Shockwave Therapy vs SIS

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Why Visit Our Podiatrist For Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment in Singapore

At Feet First Podiatry, we believe in offering evidence-based, results-driven care for plantar fasciitis and heel pain. We take the time to tailor each treatment plan just for you.

Why Choose Us?

  • Fixed, Transparent Pricing — No complicated packages or surprise bills. You only pay for what you need, with clear, upfront costs.
    All-in-One Care — From the latest shockwave therapy to our Super Inductive System (SIS) muscle recovery machine, we bring together the best treatments for faster pain relief and recovery.
  • Experienced Hands — Every treatment is delivered by our licensed and experienced podiatrists, who know feet inside and out.
  • No Package Selling — We don’t believe in locking you into packages you might not need. We focus on what works best for you, session by session.
  • Comfort and Convenience — Our clinic is designed to be welcoming and easy to get to, with a focus on your comfort every step of the way.

 

At Feet First Podiatry, we’re here to help you get back on your feet, pain-free and ready to enjoy life again.

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Client Reviews

Evelyn Tan
was recommended to tiffany by my surgeon for chronic heel pain and i can never be more thankful to have met her.

tiffany is very experienced and her patience in explaining medical terms and exercises in simple terms was a huge plus. randall, her clinic manager, is also a gem; always warm, friendly & welcoming.

my heel pain has improved tremendously since i started visiting tiffany for treatment. i would definitely recommend tiffany to anyone who has issues with their feet/foot and looking for a genuine professional to resolve your issue! definitely worth more than a 5 star review! ❤️
Alice Teo
I had a fantastic experience at Feet First Podiatry Clinic! The podiatrist, Tiffany, was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire visit. They took the time to explain everything clearly and offered a treatment plan that was both effective and easy to follow. Within just a few weeks, I noticed a huge improvement. The staff was friendly and professional, and the clinic itself was clean and well-organized. Highly recommend to anyone looking for quality podiatry care!
Eileen Liew
First visited Feet First Podiatry on 12th Dec 2024 for a toe injury. They have the friendliest manager & the best environment! Felt welcomed from the first step in & was well taken care of by Dr. Tiffany.

Had my treatment for the entire month and throughout, Dr Tiffany was very attentive to how I felt and my progress of recovery. She suggested treatment plans and lifestyle changes that I can make so that my recovery can be whole.

I appreciate the time taken by both Manager Ran & Dr Tiffany in making me feel not just comfortable but also homely! Most importantly the effects of treatments was great and I am now back to my weekly runs! 🫶🏼
H
Walked in with a lot of pain in my toe, and walked out feeling much better. Randall the manager was very friendly and reassuring, and Dr Tiffany was patient, understanding and knowledgeable. Most of all, I really appreciated the constant reassurance as I was rather nervous about the impending pain. Thank you, team!
Rasidah Caudal
Tiffany , the senior principal podiatrist is amazing.. Just with one treatment, she helps me a lot with my heel pain. She is very patient at listening to my problems and when explaining about the Shock wave therapy.

I love the after care treatment too.

I was given some exercises through an app which has very simple videos for me to follow so that I can continue to self treat my heel pain.

I highly recommend anyone who needs a podiatrist to come to Feet First!
KF Lim
My hubby has bad heel pain and we were referred to visit this Singapore podiatry clinic & consult with a senior podiatrist - Tiffany. Tiffany is very patient to explain what caused my hubby's heel pain and gave him immediate treatment to relieve his pain. After just one visit, his foot condition improves and is now recovered without need for oral medicine. We are so glad that we have gone to visit an experienced foot doctor like Tiffany who really knows what she is doing, unlike other GPs who just gave pain-killers instead of treating the root of the problems. Highly recommend this foot clinic to anyone that has plantar fasciitis or other feet problems.
Sandy Goh
I recently visited Tiffany for my chronic pain of my right sole and was thoroughly impressed. Tiffany were extremely knowledgeable about my condition and took the time to answer all my questions. The treatment was painless and effective, and I'm already feeling much better. The staff was also friendly and helpful, and the clinic was clean and comfortable. I highly recommend Tiffany to anyone looking for a great podiatrist!
Jackie Lai
I visited Feet First Podiatry Clinic today and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and professionalism I received. Podiatrist Tiffany was thorough in examining my foot issue, taking the time to explain the diagnosis in a clear and understandable manner.

What really stood out was their genuine concern for my well-being and their tailored approach to treatment. The procedure was smooth, and I left feeling confident in my recovery plan. I highly recommend Podiatrist Tiffany from Feet First Podiatry for anyone seeking help to nurse their feet.

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your appointment?

Schedule your appointment today and experience the Feet First Podiatry difference. We ensure a stress-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Feet First Podiatry, we are proud to offer both shockwave therapy and the super inducting system (SIS)/muscle recovery, a powerful combination designed to provide instant pain relief.

For plantar fasciitis treatment, we use shockwave therapy to target the inflamed site, helping to reduce pain and stimulate healing. This is followed by our SIS muscle recovery machine, which works to relax deep muscle tension, improve muscle strength, and support joint mobility.

Most of our patients experience significant relief within three sessions, and every treatment plan is carefully guided and monitored by our podiatrist at each consultation.

No packages. No upselling. Just honest care and evidence-based treatment to get you moving comfortably again.

The fastest and most effective way to relieve heel pain is to rest, stop all activities, and apply ice regularly. However, we understand that this is a big ask for most people in Singapore with busy lifestyles.

That’s where our unique combination of shockwave therapy and the super inducting system (SIS) muscle recovery machine comes in handy. This treatment pairing is especially effective for individuals with plantar fasciitis who need quick relief without putting life on hold.

The dual approach helps reset your baseline by instantly reducing pain and discomfort, so you can feel better after each session and get back to your routine. Most of our patients notice a significant improvement within 3 to 4 sessions.

At the end of each visit, our podiatrist will provide personalised stretching and strengthening exercises, along with footwear recommendations — all aimed at keeping the pain away for good.

No packages. No pressure. Just honest, effective treatment to help you walk pain-free, faster.

Ignoring plantar fasciitis and continuing with heavy foot-loading over time can lead to a sudden increase in pain and start affecting your daily activities like walking or standing.

In a clinical setting, when plantar fasciitis is left untreated, it often results in:

  1. Longer treatment time – the condition becomes more stubborn and requires more sessions to resolve.
  2. Compensation issues – the other foot or limb may start taking on extra load, leading to new pain or problems elsewhere.
  3. Reduced mobility – making it harder to participate in activities that involve footwork, such as sports, family outings, or even routine errands.

Don’t wait for it to get worse. The sooner you treat it, the faster you can get back on your feet, pain-free.

Yes, it really does. 

Shockwave therapy (also known as ESWT – Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments available for plantar fasciitis today. It’s designed to target the inflamed tissue directly, promoting natural healing and reducing pain quickly. 

Over the past decade, studies from countries like the USA, Australia, the UK and Singapore have shown a 70–88% success rate in treating plantar fasciitis using shockwave therapy.

At Feet First Podiatry, we’ve seen consistent results with most patients feeling significant improvement within 3 to 4 sessions. For more complex cases, it can take up to 7 sessions. We also combine this with our Super Inducting System (SIS)/muscle recovery machine to enhance healing and provide faster relief.

Shockwave therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment that most patients tolerate really well. But just like any treatment, you might experience some mild side effects, which usually go away within a couple of days.

Common ones include:

  • Mild soreness or aching around the heel or arch (like after a good workout)
  • Tenderness when you touch the area

These side effects are normal and generally fade within 1 to 2 days. If anything feels off or lasts longer, just let us know. At Feet First Podiatry, we carefully monitor your treatment, adjust the machine settings to suit you, and check in regularly so you get the best results with the least discomfort.

Shockwave therapy is usually done every 10 to 14 days, depending on your pain and how your foot is healing. For mild to moderate plantar fasciitis, most people need about 3 to 5 sessions spaced around 10 days apart. For more stubborn cases, it can take up to 8 weekly sessions.

At Feet First Podiatry, we customise your treatment plan and monitor your progress closely, making sure you get the right care without any unnecessary sessions.

Shockwave therapy sessions are usually scheduled about 1 to 2 weeks apart. This allows your foot enough time to heal and respond to each treatment. Most patients come in every 7 to 14 days, depending on how their pain is and how well they’re recovering.

Most people may feel a mild pulsing sensation during shockwave therapy and it is not exactly painful. At our clinic, the shockwave machine comes with an AI program tailored for different conditions, plus manual tuning to adjust to your comfort. In most cases, patients describe the sensation as deep pressure rather than sharp pain, and it usually settles down once the session is over.

Shockwave therapy is very safe with minimal side effects. Some people may feel slight redness or tenderness after the session. These usually settle within a day or two. No downtime, no medication and a safe, targeted treatment to get you moving again.

Most clinics offering shockwave therapy in Singapore charge between $150 to $500 per session, but many don’t specify how many shocks are delivered. At Feet First Podiatry, we ensure you receive at least 4,000 shocks per session for $250, or 8,000 shocks for $450 if both feet are treated.

The success of your treatment doesn’t just rely on the machine, instead it depends on how experienced and anatomically trained your healthcare provider is, and how many shocks are delivered per session.

It really depends on how your body responds and how long the plantar fasciitis has been bothering you. At Feet First Podiatry, we typically see great results in 3 to 4 sessions for mild to moderate heel pain, spaced about 7 to 10 days apart.

For more persistent or severe cases, it may take up to 7 or 8 sessions for full recovery. Your progress is closely monitored by our podiatrist at every visit to ensure the treatment stays targeted and effective.

When treating plantar fasciitis, we provide a curated list of recommended footwear, personally selected by our podiatrist. In general, we suggest shoes that have a firm heel counter, good arch support, and a stable, flat outer sole.

For athletes or individuals who spend long hours on their feet, extra support may be necessary such as 3D-printed, podiatrist-designed full custom orthotics.

At Feet First Podiatry, we offer a full range of treatment options for various foot conditions and lower limb problems, all tailored to get you moving pain-free again.

No.

Heel pain is usually not caused by uric acid buildup. 

Gout, which is related to uric acid, typically affects the big toe joint, not the heel.

Yes, heel pain can improve on its own, as long as you stop the activities that are putting stress on your feet. For example, travelling, pregnancy, carrying heavy weight temporarily, or taking part in social-event marathons.

You will know plantar fasciitis is healing when you no longer feel that sharp pain with your first step out of bed in the morning. Your calf muscles will feel more relaxed, and the pain’s intensity and how often it comes will reduce significantly. You might also notice less stiffness and tenderness around your heel.

Rest will be your best friend, and your feet will definitely thank you for it.

Toe Towel Stretch

Sit with legs extended.

Loop a towel around the ball of your foot.

Gently pull the towel toward you while keeping the knee straight.

Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times per foot.

Toe Towel Stretch

Calf Stretch

Stand barefoot.

Slowly lift the arch of your foot without curling your toes.

Hold for 5 seconds, then release.

Repeat 10–15 times per foot.

Calf Stretch