How Custom Orthotics Help Plantar Fasciitis Pain

About 10% of working Americans aged 25- 65 complain of heel pain from plantar fasciitis. If you’re unable to put weight on your heel because of the pain, you can find the diagnostic care and treatments you need at New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine.

Our pain management specialist Jose De La Torre, MD, offers physical exams to assess the alignment of your feet. Dr. De La Torre may also use X-rays or other imaging tests to confirm plantar fasciitis and rule out stress fractures and other causes of heel pain.

We focus on the least invasive treatments to relieve pain and get you back to your usual routine. One treatment strategy that can effectively prevent plantar fasciitis from getting worse is the use of custom orthotics.

An overview of plantar fasciitis

The thick band of tissue on the underside of your foot is called the plantar fascia, and it connects your heel bone to your toes.

Overexertion or trauma can irritate the tissue and trigger inflammation. Stretching the plantar fascia too far while jogging or playing sports can also cause small tears in the tissue that lead to heel pain.

Pain in your heel may start out as mild and occasional. As plantar fasciitis progresses, you may not be able to tolerate walking barefoot because of intense pain.

Without treatment, irritated or inflamed plantar fascia tissue can tear or rupture, a serious issue that typically requires surgery to repair.

What to know about custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are designed based on molds of your feet. The custom-made devices fit the natural curves of each foot to maximize your treatment results.

Orthotics are easily inserted into your shoes and include styles like:

• Foot cushions
• Arch supports
• Insoles
• Heel liners

Made from durable materials like plastic and foam, orthotics are strong enough to prevent unnecessary movement in your feet but remain flexible enough to be comfortable and cushion the underside of your foot. Some orthotics also offer extra support for your ankle.

Though shoe inserts are available over-the-counter, they don’t offer the same level of support that a custom orthotic can.

When to consider custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis symptom relief

New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine offers several treatment options for adults with plantar fasciitis-related heel pain. 

Initially, Dr. De La Torre may prescribe medications to calm inflammation in the plantar fascia. He may also suggest activity modification if you have small tears in the tissue that need time to heal.

You can start using custom orthotics to support your feet during everyday activities. Dr. De La Torre connects you with a local podiatrist to get your orthotics made and continues to monitor your pain levels during follow-up appointments.

It’s important that you follow medical guidance for using your custom orthotics correctly to ensure your feet and ankles have the support they need. Pain may not go away immediately, but over time, the orthotics can reduce the pressure on your heels and foot arches to prevent additional plantar fasciitis complications.

Call New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for heel pain, or use the online feature to book an appointment.