08/01/2025
Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot pain we see in the surgery and most often we use orthotic insoles to help patients back on their feet. Insoles are not for everyone however, so we can offer laser treatment instead.
Orthotic insoles can be highly effective in managing and alleviating the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis (PF), a common condition that causes heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. Here’s how orthotic insoles can help:
1. Arch Support:
Orthotic insoles are designed to provide support to the arches of the feet. For people with plantar fasciitis, particularly those with flat feet or high arches, proper arch support helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Arch support helps redistribute the weight more evenly across the foot, taking some pressure off the affected area.
2. Cushioning and Shock Absorption:
Insoles with cushioning materials, like gel or foam, absorb the impact of walking and standing, which helps reduce pressure on the heel and the inflamed fascia.
This shock absorption minimizes the irritation to the plantar fascia and helps reduce pain during movement.
3. Foot Alignment and Biomechanics:
Orthotics can correct misalignments in foot mechanics, such as overpronation (when the foot rolls inward too much) or supination (when the foot rolls outward).
By promoting proper foot alignment, orthotic insoles can help prevent excessive strain on the plantar fascia, aiding in long-term recovery.
4. Pressure Distribution:
Insoles are designed to distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, which can help prevent overloading of specific areas, such as the heel, which is often affected in plantar fasciitis.
This more even pressure reduces the likelihood of further injury or inflammation.
5. Relief from Heel Pain:
A specific type of orthotic insole known as a heel cup can help to relieve heel pain. The heel cup cradles the heel and helps to cushion it, preventing direct pressure on the painful area.
Some insoles may include heel raises or soft padding under the arch to help ease the strain on the fascia.
6. Long-Term Foot Health:
Using orthotic insoles regularly can improve overall foot health, promote better walking posture, and reduce the recurrence of plantar fasciitis.
It may also aid in preventing further injuries by reducing the risk of abnormal foot motion or stress on the plantar fascia.
7. Customization:
In some cases, custom orthotics may be recommended by a healthcare provider. These are made specifically for an individual’s feet, offering a more tailored solution to their specific foot structure and gait.
Customized insoles can provide superior relief compared to over-the-counter options, especially in cases of chronic or severe plantar fasciitis.
In combination with other treatments like laser, stretching, physical therapy, or wearing supportive shoes, orthotic insoles can significantly improve symptoms and help prevent future flare-ups of plantar fasciitis.
