Mini Blog - Condition: Plantar Fasciitis

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: A Clinician’s Perspective

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common - and unnecessarily persistent - condition of the lower limb. The pain can be severe, but the solution is straightforward when the true cause is understood. Here’s the key: it isn’t about cushioning.

What’s really going on?

The underlying cause of Plantar Fasciitis is overpronation, the excessive inward rolling of the foot during gait. This collapses the arch and overstretches the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Microtears develop, inflammation sets in, and heel pain follows - typically at its worst with the first few steps of the day.

Still wondering “Why me?”

You’re not alone. This condition is extremely common, and it’s no mystery why. Human feet evolved for soft terrain - not concrete. Add in poorly structured footwear with inadequate support and the outcome is almost inevitable.

Why cushioning doesn’t work

Cushioning may feel good temporarily, but it’s trying to treat the symptoms, not the cause. Effective treatment comes from restoring natural foot biomechanics. A well-designed orthotic insole supports the arch, controlling pronation, and the deep heel cup repositions the heel’s natural fatty padding.

Conclusion

This is the clinical reality: correct the biomechanics and the pain resolves - without endless rest (which is basically just inactivity), injections, or gimmicks.

Insoles that cannot explain how they improve foot biomechanics when treating Plantar Fasciitis are highly likely to be ineffective.

Make sure that insoles have some clinical credentials and are recommended (and used) by podiatrists!