Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics

One of the most common treatments for plantar fasciitis is the inclusion of orthotics in your footwear. Studies have shown that orthotics are actually more effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. If you have this painful foot condition, you can try out different types of shoe inserts to see if they help your pain. Plantar fasciitis is caused by flat feet, obesity, fallen arches, and over pronation of the foot, or rolling inward. These stresses cause tiny tears in the thick band of connective tissue that spans the bottom of the foot. The tears cause pain and inflammation, and shoe orthotics can sometimes help relieve the pain.

Heel Cups

Heel cups are specialized cushions that fit into your shoe and protect the heel. They are like small pillows for the area that most often hurts with plantar fasciitis. They are usually round in shape with a small hole in the center to relieve the pressure on the area where the plantar fascia inserts into the bottom of the heel bone. The added height on the heel also helps take some of the pressure off the connective tissue of the foot. However, this type of orthotic is not always helpful in treating plantar fasciitis. It can provide temporary relief, but for the best pain relief, you need a more intricate orthotic.

Pre-Fabricated Orthotics

Pre-fabricated, or over the counter, orthotics help relieve plantar fasciitis pain more effectively than heel cups. These orthotics are usually arch supports and can help keep the foot from over pronating. The ability of these inserts to actually support the arch well is variable depending on how the orthotic is designed and what it is made of. You should look for dense material that is capable of supporting the arch, yet the material should also be soft enough to prevent straining the foot. The added benefit of this type of orthotic is that it is cheap when compared to a custom insert. You can find these orthotics at the grocery store or pharmacy, and they can sometimes provide all the relief you need. For a more stubborn case of plantar fasciitis, you may need to see a doctor to order a custom orthotic.

Custom Orthotics

For the most painful and treatment resistant plantar fasciitis, you will need to see a podiatrist and possibly an orthotics professional to get a custom insert. The process involves taking a plaster cast of your foot and constructing the supportive material from the negative impression. Most of the time, these orthotics are three quarters the length of the foot and provide stable arch support. Many people that treat their plantar fasciitis with custom orthotics find that they are the solution to their long fight against foot and heel pain. Unfortunately, these orthotics can cost up to $300, and many insurance companies do not cover them. For those that suffer with plantar fasciitis pain, though, it might be worth spending the money to get a support that is made specifically for your foot by a professional.

Start your heel pain treatment immediately

There are many factors the cause heel pain and plantar fasciitis. It is important to identify what are the factors (like body weight, shoes, muscle tightness ect..) that can cause your heel pain. Unfortunately no 2 people are the same so what has worked for some will not work for others. Fortunately we have put together an ebook that can assess your risk factors and guide you through your plantar heel pain and plantar fasciitis treatment today.

Start your heel pain treatment today.