Plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar fascia happens when the plantar fascia suffers very small tears at its insertion into the heel bone, or along its length. With incorrect foot mechanics, overutilization or other catalysts, the pressure applied to the plantar fascia during walking and running and the transfer of body weight from one foot to the other can drag the fascia from its attachment to the heel and develop microscopic tears.

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can develop into a chronic problem.

Wearing an orthotic device or special plantar fasciitis insole is an effective way of reducing plantar fasciitis symptoms and assist the condition to heal. Insoles and orthotics are effective because they flex during running and walking, giving just the correct amount of support for the damaged heel as your weight shifts without interfering with shoe's fit.

Many people suffering from plantar fasciitis make do with a basic padded shoe insert from the local store to help managing the pain. The problem with this is that many common shoe inserts are designed only to provide additional padding to a shoe, and nothing else. Mere cushioning is not sufficient to support the damaged heel and providing protection to the injured plantar fascia which is needed to protect the damage and swelling in the tissue.

Plantar fasciitis insoles help to correct any misalignment in your foot, reducing pain and even correcting the posture problems that led to the plantar fasciitis in the beginning. Patients have commented that after wearing plantar fasciitis orthotics, their feet feel more supple and report standing, walking, and even jogging much less painful and after a period of time, pain free.

Insoles or orthotics provide a good cost-effective treatment compared to purchasing various different pairs of plantar fasciitis shoes. One set of insoles can be taken from the shoe and put into another pair.

In one plantar fasciitis study, nearly thirty per cent. of patients reported orthotics as the best treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Identifying plantar fasciitis early and a structured treatment system are key for healing plantar fasciitis. If treatment is delayed or inadequate in the early stages of plantar fasciitis, the condition can take up to eighteen months or more to be fully treated. Nevertheless by following a properly detailed treatment plan and mixing many of the individual treatment methods available, luckily in the majority of cases, non-surgical treatment leads to a complete cure. Only in the most extreme cases is surgery necessary.

It may take many months for symptoms to disappear and the plantar fascia to be completely healed. Remember that a torn ligament (even microscopic tears) only occurs following continual and long-term stress and to reverse this, extended treatment is necessary. In addition, the longer plantar fasciitis has existed and the worse the heel pain, the longer the treatment will be required for.