Role of soft orthosis in treating plantar fasciitis. Suggestion from the field.

Abstract

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory reaction that usually occurs at the insertion of the fascia on the calcaneus and is the most common cause of heel pain in runners.1 The fascia helps to support the plantar surface of the foot and can become irritated or torn if repetitive stress is applied. This syndrome, caused by overuse, usually manifests itself as pain with the first few steps in the morning, pain during running, and point tenderness over the origin of the fascia. When we see these patients, the condition is usually chronic because these athletes tried to “run through” the problem. In addition to the usual treatment modalities of whirlpool, ultrasound, deep friction massage, and stretching, we provide our patients with an easily constructed soft orthosis. The soft orthosis consists of 0.25-in* soft cast felt and 0.25-in adhesive-backed foam.…