Plantar fasciosis, commonly but improperly referred to as plantar fasciitis, is a common condition that affects the foot, causing pain and discomfort in the heel and arch area. It’s characterized by the thickening or micro-tearing of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Often times there is also inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues such as intrinsic muscles. While several treatment options are available for the condition, one potential solution that often helps relieve pain and symptoms is custom-calibrated foot orthotics.
How Orthotics Help Treat Plantar Fasciosis and Plantar Fasciitis
Custom foot orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts tailored to meet the unique needs of your feet. While orthotics aren’t always a stand-alone cure for the condition, they most often offer significant relief by reducing pain and promoting proper foot function in the following ways:
- Redistribute pressure and stress. This helps relieve the strain on the plantar fascia. Orthotics also provide arch support, which helps to stabilize the foot and further reduce tension on the fascia.
- Improve biomechanical abnormalities. Orthotics can significantly relieve functional overpronation (when the foot leans inward) or help stabilize or minimize excessive rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot motion which are common contributors to plantar fasciosis/fasciitis.
- Improve posture. They can improve foot and ankle alignment, promoting proper gait and reducing strain to the plantar fascial band.
Benefits of Custom Calibrated Foot Orthotics
One of the key advantages of using orthotics for plantar fasciosis is they’re a non-surgical and medication-free treatment option. While surgery may be necessary in severe cases, most individuals can find relief through conservative yet non-invasive solutions, such as orthotics.
Another benefit of using orthotics is they’re a safe choice, as there are no side effects or risks associated with their use.
Orthotics are also affordable compared to other treatment options. They are much less costly than surgical intervention. In addition, getting the correct orthotic from your doctor the first time is less expensive than purchasing several incorrect products that don't resolve your condition.
How to Know if Orthotics Can Work for You
If you have heel pain that’s worse in the morning or when standing after prolonged periods of rest, it’s advisable to consult with Dr. Joel Foster. He can evaluate your condition and determine if orthotics might be a suitable treatment option for you.
During the appointment, Dr. Joel Foster will assesses your foot structure, shoe wear, and any contributing factors that may be causing or worsening your plantar fascial condition. He may also recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or an ultrasound, to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
Based on the evaluation and findings, Dr. Foster will determine what type of orthotics can benefit your condition. He will help you decide whether custom orthotics are necessary or if over-the-counter options may suffice.
Types of Custom Orthotics
When treating plantar fasciosis, there are various types of custom orthotics that may be recommended based on your specific needs and foot structure. Dr. Joel Foster offers customizable and custom-calibrated foot orthotics at his Lee’s Summit office. Both options can help ease the pain of plantar fasciosis and can be an affordable option to consider. Here are the differences:
- Customizable orthotics. These pre-fabricated inserts are heat-molded directly to your feet in our office for a customized fit. They’re less expensive than fully customized solutions and are made the same day you come in.
- Custom orthotics. These are created from a cast of your feet in its properly aligned position. They provide a truly custom and calibrated product based on your foot shape, foot flexibility and body weight.