Will orthotic insoles help my plantar fasciitis?
Foot pain can have a huge impact on your quality of life. From restricting your mobility, to simply increasing your stress levels, living with ongoing painful foot conditions for long periods can seriously affect your overall health, your relationships, the opportunities you are able to take, and your happiness. But there could be a simple foot pain solution to help.
The Foot Solutions solution
At Foot Solutions we are the premier foot wellness retail organization. We are focused on improving health and relieving pain through expertly-fit custom orthotics and complementary foot analysis.
We have one focus: your feet and how to care for them. Whether you have foot pain or joint discomfort or you simply want to optimize your body’s stability and health, Foot Solutions has the answer. We are expert in the best ways to treat painful foot conditions. Everything we do is purposed to improve foot health and wellness, thereby reshaping and improving your quality of life.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is also known as plantar heel pain. It’s a common condition characterized by pain on the area of the foot known as the “plantar medial tubercle of the calcaneus”. This is an area on the heel.
Symptoms include pain first thing in the morning, reducing throughout the day. Long periods of inactivity followed by a resumption of weight bearing on the foot can also trigger plantar fasciitis pain.
Patients suffering from plantar fasciitis often begin to limp, and often our first indication that they may have the condition is when they come to us with heel pain problems.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is thought to have a range of contributing factors. Risk factors include:
- an age of 50+
- being overweight
- regularly putting excessive stress on the area, for instance athletes who practice activities that have a high impact on the feet, such as running.
- being a woman, as women usually have a thinner plantar fascia and therefore less protection in the area.
The heel has a fat pad that acts as a shock absorber for the foot. As we age, the size of the fat pad reduces, meaning the area is more susceptible to pain and tenderness. This can result in foot issues and you may require extra support to reduce pain.
How common is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a very common condition, suffered by 1 in 10 people in this country. Luckily this means we’ve had a lot of experience in treating plantar fasciitis, and will be able to help you find the foot solution you need.
Is there a way to treat plantar fasciitis?
Yes! While plantar fasciitis can be a troublesome condition, with the right treatments your podiatrist will be able to provide extra support and relieve your symptoms.
The key is to reduce the pressure on the plantar fasciitis area, and this is often done by using custom orthotic insoles and custom shoe inserts.
The right supportive insoles provide cushioning and provide relief by taking the pressure off. This in turn should reduce inflammation and allow the tissue to rest.
What are the right insoles to treat plantar fasciitis?
You will need specialist advice in order to find the correct support for your condition. There are many different types of shock absorption available, from heel cups to arch support, heel pads to more supportive shoes. Someone who is really suffering may require physical therapy or other treatments; it will largely depend on each individual case and so it is important to seek professional advice.
Plantar fasciitis insoles
Insoles, when properly tailored to the individual condition, can be a very effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. While each case will be different, here are some common features of plantar fasciitis insoles:
- Thick cushioning to lessen the compression of the plantar fascia.
- A deep heel cup to reduce pronation (arch lowering)
- Rigid arch support to direct tension and compression forces away from the heel
- A kinetic wedge insole modification. This makes space for the big toe to function properly when walking.
Are plantar fasciitis orthotics right for me?
At Foot Solutions, we tailor our treatments to each individual. From simple adjustments such as gel heel cups and cushioning, to more complex measures custom orthotics and custom shoe inserts, our friendly experts know the importance of getting your feet comfortable!
Plantar fasciitis insoles and orthotics might be just the solution to support you and bring relief from discomfort. Book a free appointment with our team today to find out if custom orthotics could help you.
Additional tips to help heal your plantar fascia
Once you have addressed your need for a custom orthotic, there is still more that you can do to treat your painful feet. Your foot pain can benefit from a range of treatment options in conjunction with your custom orthotics. Consider:
- Reducing high impact activities that increase pressure and compression on your feet
- Avoid barefoot walking – use your orthotics consistently
- Even if you are not wearing your full shoes, talk to your foot consultant about highly cushioned sandals or slippers that you could wear from first thing in the morning, to reduce even the smallest damage to your plantar fascia.
- Exercises can support your recovery. Calve stretches in particular can be useful; your Foot Solutions expert will be able to advise on the right number of reps to help your body.
- Regular icing of the foot, especially the heel, can provide swift relief from pain.
- Additional treatments may be proscribed for your condition. These can include foot mobilization therapy performed by a podiatrist.
Foot Solutions – we treat foot pain.
Whether you are suffering from inflammation, flat feet, or heel pain, at Foot Solutions we can help. From arch support to insoles, heel pads to cushioning, our experienced team of foot experts will diagnose your condition and help you find the best way to treat it.
Painful feet can affect your overall health in many ways. Misalignment at the feet because of an uncomfortable foot condition can lead to problems throughout the body, from pain in your ankle, calves, upper legs, to full blown back pain and consequent lack of mobility.
Get yourself sorted from the ground up, because it all begins with the feet. Call Foot Solutions today.
