Choosing the Right Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics

Plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar fascia happens when the plantar fascia suffers very small tears at its insertion into the heel bone, or along its length. With poor biomechanics, excessive use or the presence of other triggers, the force on the plantar fascia during the process of walking and running and the shift of body weight from one foot to the other can twist the fascia from the heel and lead to microscopic tears.

Wearing an orthotic device or special plantar fasciitis insole is an great way of reducing plantar fasciitis pain and help the healing process. Orthotics and insoles are effective because they flex during walking or running, providing just the appropriate amount of pressure and support for the damaged heel as your weight shifts without interfering with the fit of the shoe.

A number of patients settle for a normal padded shoe insert from the drug store to relieve pain. The problem with this is that normal shoe inserts are designed only to provide added padding to a shoe, and nothing more. Basic cushioning is not enough to support the affected area and supporting the affected ligament which is essential to protect the damage and swelling in the tissue.

Plantar fasciitis insoles serve to straighten any misalignment in the patient's foot, cutting down the pain and even correcting the posture issues that contributed to the plantar fasciitis in the beginning. Patients have commented that after wearing plantar fasciitis orthotics, their feet feel more supple and find standing, walking, and even running much less painful and after some time, pain free.

Insoles or orthotics provide an effective cost-effective treatment as opposed to buying several different pairs of shoes. One set of insoles can be taken from the shoe and put into another set.

Early diagnosing and a structured treatment plan are important for curing the condition. If treatment is delayed or inadequate in the initial stages of plantar fasciitis, the condition can take up to eighteen months or more to be fully treated. Nevertheless by sticking to a properly detailed treatment plan and merging several of the individual treatments available, thankfully in the vast majority of cases, non-invasive treatment cures the condition. Only in the most extreme cases is surgery required.

Stephen Hexton has more than 30 years experience of plantar fasciitis treatment. For a comprehensive review of plantar fasciitis treatments including plantar fasciitis night splints, shoes and exercises, visit Our main Website