Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spur syndrome is a common condition that afflicts a great deal of society. Shoe inserts, orthotics or insoles are a simple way to reduce the pain caused by plantar fascitis or heel spur syndrome. What you are looking for in an orthotic or insole when you have plantar fasciitis is an orthotic that helps reduce stress impacted on the plantar fascia. One of the causes of plantar fasciitis is recurrent trauma impacted on the plantar fascia which results in micro tears of the plantar fascia. The other trait you want is solid arch support. The plantar fascia runs the course of the arch and any arch support will help reduce stress and strain on the plantar fascia. Below I have listed the six best inserts or orthotics that can be used to treat and cure plantar fascitis. All these inserts or orthotics for plantar fasciitis are available over the internet.
4. Dr. Scholl’s Arch Pain Relief Orthotic– This is probably the best padded toe comfort orthotic on the market. While it may lack in functional biomechanical control for the plantar fascial sufferer, it makes that up with a gel foam padding that helps cushion the plantar fascia against the ground forces. If you think the primary reason for your plantar fasciitis is recurrent trauma on the plantar fasica, this insole reduces stress and strain on the facia as well as any other on the market. Also, it is one of the most inexpensive orthotics on the market.
3. Spenco Orthotics– The Spenco brand is one of the most trusted orthotic brands in the business and has been around a long time. Their orthotics do a nice job of balancing the comfort needs of an orthotic with the rigid biomechanical control that is neccessary. They tend to lean to comfort over biomechanical control. They are still a good brand that some podiatrists,( but not this one) would choose. I actually feel their orthotics are superior to Dr. Scholl’s when it comes to stress reduction. They have patent technology. Wearing one of their orthotics feels like you are walking on a mattress. If you have a job where you stand for long periods of time contributing to your plantar fasciitis I would highly consider this orthotic.
2. Powerstep– These are the elite and best over the counter orthotics in the country in my opinion. The balance of function and comfort come together to provide relief from the plantar fascial sufferer. These orthotics’ sleak design with absorbable padding can bring relief to even the most stubborn case of plantar fasciitis. I personally believe Powerstep has done the best job of combining both function and comfort in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. You have a polypropilene shell to help support your arch, with an overlying poron top cover to help reduce stress and strain on the plantar fascia.
1. Arch Crafters Custom fit orthotic– These are different than the last few in that they are more expensive. Additionally, you have to make a cast of your foot in a foam box and then send the box to the company. The company thent creates an orthotic specially designed to meet the needs of your foot. I would personally try one of the three orthotics listed above before using this orthotic. However, this is truly the best orthotic that can be bought over the counter for plantar fasciitis. If you believe that your plantar fasciitis is the result of faulty biomechanics in your foot, this is probably the orthotic to try. However, I would try Powerstep first, before I spent money on this orthotic. Powerstep is more affordable and will be successful in the vast majority of cases.