Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Insoles or orthotics are a supportive, corrective device, often used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

They are ergonomically constructed from materials which help to distribute the weight more evenly through the foot and aid shock absorption.

Professionals use orthotics in the treatment of plantar fasciitis when the cause is due to faulty biomechanics or abnormalities of the foot, including high medial arch (pes cavus), flat foot (pes planus), arthritic joints and where previous injury may have damaged the supporting ligaments of the foot.

Over pronation
One of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis is over pronation of the foot when walking.
The medial arch of the foot collapses causing the heel to roll inwards, placing tension on the achilles tendon and the fascia under the foot.

This in turn causes the plantar fascia to become overstretched and may even start to pull it away from its attachment under the heel.

Insoles that support the arch on the inner side of the foot, can help to limit excessive pronation and relieve the stress on the plantar fascia and achilles tendon.

Ready to wear orthotics

Ready to wear orthotics are available to help ease plantar fasciitis pain.  These special insoles are available in a range of materials and their aim is to support the arch of the foot and help the foot to function in a more normal position.
These orthotic insoles will not be suitable for everybody but are a good place to start if the condition is mild.

Custom build orthotics

In some cases or for more severe symptoms and long term conditions, ready to wear insoles may not be effective. They may not provide enough arch support and you may require more specialised correction to alter faulty biomechanics.

It is vitally important that the orthotics are custom built to suit your requirements by a professional trained in biomechanics and gait analysis.

Heel Cushions

In some cases of heel pain, especially where the pain is caused by standing for long periods or hard sports shoes, such as football or rugby boots.  A simple heel cushion can solve the problem.

These come in a wide variety of forms and are usually made of a silicone type material, which helps absorb shock to the fat pad of the heel.

When a heel spur is present, insoles are usually required with specially adapted heels, to provide cushioning to the area and support to the surrounding fat pad of the heel.

It is important to note that not all foot pain is due to plantar fasciitis and specialist help should always be sought for pain lasting more than a few weeks.