This device or software is intended for use only for general wellbeing purposes or to encourage or maintain a healthy lifestyle, and is not intended to be used for any medical purpose (such as the detection, diagnosis, monitoring, management or treatment of any medical condition or disease or contraception. Any health-related information provided by this device or software should not be treated as medical advice. Please consult a physician for any medical advice required.
In a medical emergency call 995 or visit the nearest Accident & Emergency department. Use of this symptom checker shall be at your sole discretion and risk. Parkway Group Healthcare Pte Ltd and its affiliates (including Parkway Shenton Pte Ltd) do not accept any responsibility for any reliance by you on the information provided.
The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes and supports the arch of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis (pronounced fas-ee-eye-tus) is a swelling of this ligament. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can occur in one or both feet.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis (foot pain)?
Pain at the bottom of your foot, near the heel area. The condition typically starts with gradual, mild pain felt at your heel bone.
'First step pain', which is pain that occurs when you take your first steps upon waking up in the morning or after a long period of rest. This is also the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis.
Swelling and pain due to tiny tears from repeated strains on the ligament.
The pain may subside during exercise but recur after a period of rest and you could experience difficulty raising your toes off the floor.
What are the causes of plantar fasciitis (foot pain)?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by strain to the plantar fascia under the foot, which could be caused by a degenerative condition or a previous injury.
What are the risk factors of plantar fasciitis (foot pain)?
Plantar fasciitis (foot pain) is more likely to affect women, and people aged 40 – 60. Other risk factors include:
Obesity
Flat feet or high arches
Tight Achilles tendons
Frequent use of high heels
Long hours of standing daily
Using shoes with poor support
Exercising on hard surfaces
Recent increase in running, walking or standing
What are the complications and related diseases of plantar fasciitis (foot pain)?
Leaving plantar fasciitis untreated may result in chronic heel pain that affects your regular activities.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you should avoid physical activity during an acute injury.
If you have chronic heel pain, you can do light exercises while wearing supportive footwear.
Stretching your calf muscles daily helps if you wear high heels.
Heel pain not only limits your everyday activities, but may also point to an orthopaedic condition. Find out which are the common conditions that may cause heel pain and what are the symptoms to look out for.
Need help?
For appointment bookings, please Whatsapp +65 8198 7777
For clinic or corporate matters, please call +65 6227 7777