Unlocking Relief from Plantar Fasciitis: Why Orthotics Are the Real Solution
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot and heel pain, affecting people from all walks of life—pun intended! At BxClinic, we help people suffering with heel pain every day, we know how frustrating it can be to find effective and lasting relief with all the conflicting advice available on the internet! While there are many treatments on the market, not all of them are created equal. A recent study sheds light on what truly works—and what might be more hype than help.
Here’s the bottom line: customised prescription orthotic insoles paired with expert advice are the gold standard for resolving plantar fasciitis. But let’s break it down and explore what other treatments like extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) bring to the table.
ECSWT: A Tool for Pain Management
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) has been touted as a potential game-changer for pain relief, especially in chronic cases of plantar fasciitis. This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. Sounds promising, right?
The recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined ECSWT alongside other approaches like sham (placebo) ECSWT, standardised exercise programs, and advice with orthotics. Here’s what they found:
After six months, there were no significant differences in pain relief between the groups who had ECSWT, sham ECSWT, or even supervised exercise programs.
The one constant across all groups? Customised prescription orthotics and proper advice, which proved to be the essential element in managing plantar fasciitis.
The Takeaway: Orthotics Are Key
While ECSWT can help with short-term pain management, it’s not the silver bullet for plantar fasciitis. What really works is a personalised approach, dealing with what caused your heel pain in the first place centred on your lifestyle and often including prescription orthotics. These devices are custom-designed to support your feet, relieve stress on the plantar fascia, and address the root cause of the issue—not just the symptoms.
At BxClinic, we pair state-of-the-art 3D printed orthotics with professional guidance, built on over 28 years experience, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re an athlete, someone on their feet all day, or simply looking to move without pain, this combination is the foundation of effective treatment.
Why Choose Orthotics Over Quick Fixes?
It’s easy to get caught up in treatments that promise fast relief, but plantar fasciitis requires a thoughtful, long-term approach. Customised orthotics:
Address the Cause: By supporting the foot’s natural structure and movements, orthotics reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Are Proven Effective: Studies show they’re a consistent and reliable solution for pain management.
Complement Your Lifestyle: Whether you’re active or recovering, orthotics adapt to your daily activities. And you don’t need to keep coming back for repeat appointments.
Cost effective: once you have your orthotic custom built for you it will last you up to 10 years, helping you keep you pain free long after other treatments may have warn off.
Trust the Experts at BxClinic
At BxClinic, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From your initial assessment to creating the perfect orthotic solution, we focus on delivering lasting results. While ECSWT and other interventions may play a role in certain cases, prescription orthotics and tailored advice remain the cornerstone of recovery.
Don’t let plantar fasciitis slow you down. Contact us today on 01603 327999 or book your appointment online to take the first step toward pain-free living!
For more information about which type of heel pain you have and how to manage it head to this page.
Reference article
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/58/16/910?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0u9YpuikKkjT6IiiaztkkWr2BaeQyNsgIeV-gecR31dDcAtR0kelOS7Fo_aem_29G1ibkRHIUT5xW38GlHmw