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Am I living in the dark ages to think that orthotics are the only way to go as a long-term treatment of plantar fasciitis?!?! Because basically I need to support that arch (and correct all other biomechanical anomalies), otherwise that little muscle is still going to "pull"...

I cannot think of other effective ways of doing this?! Doing or sending for remedial therapy is just going to relieve symptoms and cause minimal healing only...

Please offer me (this young, inexperienced podiatrist) some advice... :boohoo:

 

Hi JaY

I think if you search the various threads regards Plantar Fasciitis / Fasciosis on this site it will go a long way towards answering your question.

From my perspective I will use any treatment modality that addresses the underlying issue, which may mean using an orthosis; simply soft tissue work alone; combine the two; may throw in some joint mobilisation. Others here will likely use acupuncture as well as may be an orthosis.

I think that determining what you think is the primary underlying cause of the PF will go some way to dictating your starting point and where to go from there.

 

Thank you Ian :empathy:

 

I tell patients custom orthotics treat the cause of plantar fasciitis and is the only thing that can. That being said, studies show orthotics cure fasciitis/fasciosis 80% of the time. Achilles tendon stretching is #1 treatment. Icing, nsaids, stiff midsole tennis shoe with good heel counter, Steroid injections, rest all help too. It's usually a few things at once I find, takes 2-3 visits to resolve any fasciitis. giving custom orthotics and a few office visits pay as much as one surgery for it. I try everything before surgery for heel pain, usually just 10% of patient's need shockwave or epf with me.