Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Heel Spur Removal
Heel spur surgery
Heel spur surgery is a procedure used to treat plantar fasciitis and any associated heel spurs that are causing pain or limiting mobility.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. This ligament plays a key role in supporting the arch of the foot. It is subjected to significant stress and strain during standing and even more during walking. Over time, the plantar fascia can become so tight that it pulls on the heel bone, sometimes resulting in the formation of a heel spur.
Plantar fasciitis often improves with rest and non-surgical management. However, if the pain persists or progresses to the development of a heel spur, heel spur surgery may become the most appropriate treatment option.
Heel spur surgery can be performed using a variety of approaches, depending on the location and severity of the spur and the surgeon’s preferred technique:
- Open surgery – a traditional approach where an incision is made to directly access and remove the heel spur.
- Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy – a minimally invasive technique using small incisions and a camera to release the plantar fascia and remove the spur.
- Percutaneous surgery – small puncture incisions are used to remove or reduce the heel spur with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
- Arthroscopic-assisted surgery – combines small incisions with a camera to remove the spur and treat any associated soft tissue issues.
In some cases, the surgeon may use a combination of these surgical techniques to achieve the best possible outcome.
Physiotherapy prior to heel spur surgery
To help reduce pain and potentially avoid surgery, Ace Physio Sports will develop a personalised exercise programme for plantar fasciitis that may include:
- Calf stretches – to improve flexibility in the calf muscles and reduce tension on the plantar fascia.
- Plantar fascia stretches – gentle stretching of the ligament along the sole of the foot to relieve tightness.
- Towel scrunches – exercises using the toes to scrunch a towel, helping strengthen foot muscles.
- Marble pickups – using the toes to pick up small objects, improving intrinsic foot strength.
- Heel raises – strengthening the calf muscles and supporting arch stability.
- Foot rolling – rolling the foot over a tennis ball or foam roller to massage and release tension in the plantar fascia.
If these conservative measures are unsuccessful and the foot continues to be painful, surgery may be considered as the next treatment option.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role after heel spur surgery, helping to reduce pain and swelling while supporting a safe and gradual return to weight-bearing and normal activity.
Symptoms after heel spur surgery
Since the heel bone serves as the attachment for the plantar fascia, fallen arches can sometimes occur following surgery. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience pain around the scar site, which can generally be managed with prescribed pain relief medications.
Physiotherapy after surgery
0–1 Weeks Post-Surgery Immediately after surgery, it is recommended to rest with your foot elevated and apply ice (cryotherapy) to help reduce swelling. While you may be able to walk on your foot, this should be limited to short periods, such as going to the toilet or getting food. During this time off your foot, our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports will provide a personalised exercise programme to maintain strength and range of motion in your other joints, including the hips and knees.
1–2 Weeks Post-Surgery During this period, our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports will encourage you to gradually get up and moving, but it is important to take it slow, as walking may still be painful. They will introduce exercises to restore movement in the joints of the foot and ankle, and teach techniques to support scar-site healing, such as self-massage.
2–3 Weeks Post-Surgery During this period, our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports will focus on refining your walking technique. By now, most of the pain should have subsided, making it possible to begin wearing supportive footwear again. If you previously used orthotics, it is recommended to resume wearing them as soon as they are comfortable—especially if you have only had heel spur removal surgery, as the underlying cause of plantar fasciitis may still be present.
3 Weeks and Beyond Once you are up and walking, our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports will focus on more complex daily activities, such as climbing stairs, driving, and navigating uneven terrain. We will work with you to create a personalised programme to address any remaining concerns and set short-term goals to guide your recovery and return to full function.
Summary
The plantar fascia, the main ligament that forms the arch beneath the foot, can sometimes become painful and inflamed, a condition known as plantar fasciitis. When the ligament pulls on its attachment at the heel bone, a heel spur may form. While non-surgical treatments are often very effective in relieving symptoms, surgery may be considered in severe cases. Surgical approaches vary, with some procedures designed to relieve tension in the plantar fascia and others to remove the bony heel spur. Physiotherapy plays a key role after surgery, helping to speed recovery and prevent recurrence of pain. Our physiotherapists can begin work immediately on the unaffected joints, and as pain allows, progress to restoring range of motion and strength in the affected joint, ensuring a safe return to full function in everyday activities.
Call Ace Physio Sports now at +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment. You can also visit acephysiosports.com to learn more about our services.
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