Q1: I have heel pain for months despite physiotherapy and stretching. Should I do an MRI?
Yes. Chronic heel pain may be caused by partial plantar fascia or Achilles tendon tears, tarsal tunnel nerve entrapment, stress fractures, or early arthritis. X-rays and ultrasound often miss these injuries. MRI provides radiation-free, high-resolution images of bones, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues, helping doctors pinpoint the exact cause. Delaying MRI risks prolonged pain and ineffective therapy.

Q2: Can physiotherapy or orthotics replace MRI for heel pain?
No. Physiotherapy, orthotics, massage, or anti-inflammatories may ease symptoms temporarily but cannot confirm or exclude serious underlying injuries. Only MRI can reveal hidden tendon tears, nerve compression, or stress fractures, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for persistent heel pain?
Ignoring chronic heel pain may allow tendon injuries or stress fractures to worsen, increasing the risk of rupture, chronic inflammation, nerve damage, or permanent functional limitations. Early MRI ensures timely and targeted treatment.

Q4: Why is MRI better than X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for heel pain?
X-rays detect only bone abnormalities, CT is limited for soft tissues, and ultrasound may miss deep tendon or ligament injuries. MRI visualizes all relevant structures clearly, without radiation, enabling accurate diagnosis of tendon, ligament, cartilage, and nerve issues.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable heel MRI in Singapore?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, done within 1 working day, with non-surgical treatment options to help you recover safely and return to daily activities or sports.