Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition of the foot, and if not effectively treated, it can be disabling. The painful symptoms of this condition are caused by the over-stretching or inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a tough band of connective tissue that is located on the bottom of your foot. While anti-inflammatory medications can help manage your symptoms, your orthopedist may recommend custom orthotics, which may further help treat your plantar fasciitis. 

Reduces Risk For Further Stretching

Wearing orthotics inside your shoes helps prevent further stretching or damage to your plantar fascia. Wearing orthotics may even help reduce your risk for tearing your plantar fascia, which can cause excruciating pain, and may necessitate the need for foot surgery.

Talk to your doctor about which type of appliance is best suited for your individual situation. While some doctors may advise you to try over-the-counter orthotics, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, others may recommend that you have your appliances custom-made to help ensure a proper fit, optimal support, even weight distribution of your feet, and to also reduce foot movement and abnormal positioning when you are walking or when participating in sports. 

Effective Shock Absorption

Your custom-made shoe orthotics will be made to cradle your heels to help relieve pain and to help absorb the shock that is produced by walking and running. Absorbing the impact of these activities is less likely to further damage, stretch, or inflame your plantar fascia. It is important to note that while these shoe inserts can help speed healing of plantar fasciitis, ill-fitting orthotics can exacerbate your symptoms.

It is for this reason that your physician may recommend that you consider custom-made inserts instead of first trying over-the-counter products. Custom-made appliances are precisely measured to the exact dimensions of your feet, which gives you the best chance for a speedy recovery from your symptoms. Your doctor may advise you to get your feet measured again if you gain or lose a substantial amount of weight. Extreme fluctuations in your weight may necessitate the need for new inserts.

If you have plantar fasciitis or suffer from any other type of foot pain, make an appointment with your orthopedist to determine if you might be a candidate for custom-made shoe inserts or arch supports. Your doctor will perform a comprehensive podiatric examination, which will include a physical examination, and possibly, diagnostic imaging studies on your feet to determine the best treatment option for your particular situation. Contact an orthothics provider like Bio  Tech Prosthetics and Orthotics for more information.