Can Orthotics Correct Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia — a thick, web-like ligament connecting your heel bone to your toes — becomes inflamed or irritated.

Our team of pain management specialists at NYC Pain MD uses their extensive medical expertise and training to recommend the best possible nonsurgical treatments for pain.

Plantar fasciitis, like most chronic pain conditions, typically requires a multifaceted treatment approach, ranging from custom orthotics to advanced solutions like SoftWave®  regenerative tissue therapy.

Read insights from our team regarding plantar fasciitis and the role orthotics play in solving this painful and sometimes debilitating condition.

Understanding plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia ligament forms the arch of your foot and helps absorb shock as you walk, run, jump, or stand.

Plantar fasciitis develops when excessive stress or strain damages the ligament, leading to inflammation and tiny tears. The discomfort, typically at its worst with your first step in the morning, often lessens after you walk around.

But the pain typically returns after you sit for a while and then take a step. The symptoms may also worsen significantly with prolonged standing or intense physical activity.

Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause increased foot pain and decreased mobility.

 Additionally, favoring the foot to avoid pain throws off your gait, which can eventually cause problems in your ankles, knees, hips, and back.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis

While there isn’t always a single cause, several risk factors and activities can contribute to the condition:

• High-impact activities like running, jumping, or dancing
• Flat feet, which lack adequate arch support
• Inappropriate footwear
• Overly high arches, which place extra tension on the plantar fascia
• Tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles, which can restrict proper foot movement
• Atypical gait pattern (i.e., limping or shuffling when you walk)
• Excess body weight
• Age, most common between 40 and 60

Work activities that require prolonged standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces, also increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Treating plantar fasciitis with orthotics and other therapies

Your NYC Pain MD specialist may recommend a variety of conservative measures to treat plantar fasciitis:

• Physical therapy, including massage or ultrasound treatments
• Calf and plantar fascia-specific exercises to improve flexibility
• Night splints
• Supportive footwear
• Oral anti-inflammatory medicines
• Steroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to reduce inflammation and pain
• Walking boot for severe cases

You may also benefit from orthotics. These custom-fit shoe inserts assist by providing arch support, cushioning to reduce pressure on the heel, and alignment correction that encourages proper foot mechanics.

Designed specifically for your feet, custom orthotics are especially effective for those with unique foot structures, such as high arches or flat feet.

SoftWave® therapy, a game-changer for chronic cases

SoftWave regenerative tissue therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the plantar fascia for those who don't find relief through traditional methods.

The sound waves create microtrauma in the affected tissue, prompting increased blood flow and activating the body's natural repair processes.

After a few sessions, this painless, in-office treatment can reduce pain and improve foot function. It’s noninvasive and quick, with no downtime after the treatment.

Schedule an evaluation at NYC Pain MD today. Call one of our offices or request an appointment online for chronic pain relief and improved mobility without surgery. We have locations in Manhattan’s Financial District and in Astoria, New York.