Precision Support: Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis—characterized by sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest—is one of the most common foot complaints we treat at Bondi Podiatry. While stretching and strengthening exercises are key components of care, custom orthotics play a pivotal role in addressing the underlying mechanical causes and speeding your recovery. Here’s how orthotics can specifically target plantar fasciitis and get you back to enjoying Bondi’s sands and surf without that dreaded first-step pain.

Understanding the Biomechanics of Plantar Fasciitis

Your plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from your heel bone to the balls of your feet, acting like a shock-absorbing bowstring. When that tissue is overloaded—due to high arches, flat feet, overpronation, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity—it becomes inflamed and begins to tear microscopically at its insertion on the heel bone.

Custom orthotics mitigate these stresses by:

• Supporting the Medial Longitudinal Arch to reduce tensile strain on the plantar fascia.

• Redistributing Ground-Reaction Forces away from the heel, cushioning impact during heel strike.

• Controlling Pronation to prevent excessive inward roll of the foot, which lengthens the fascia.

Design Features of a Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic

1. Deep Heel Cup
   A well-contoured heel cup stabilizes the rearfoot, centralizing load and preventing unwanted shearing motions that aggravate the fascia.

2. Medial Arch Wedge or Flange
   By supporting the arch more aggressively, the wedge lifts the fascia off the calcaneus, reducing tension during stance and push-off.

3. Semi-Rigid Shell
   A firm yet slightly flexible shell (often polypropylene) maintains structural support under load without feeling overly “hard.” This balances stability with enough give to absorb shock.

4. Cushioned Heel Layer
   A shock-absorbing top cover—typically EVA or PU foam—attenuates impact forces up to 30–40% at heel strike, giving your inflamed tissue a gentler landing.

5. Customized Posting
   If you exhibit significant pronation or supination, we add tailored wedges (“posts”) under the shell to fine-tune your foot’s orientation and gait cycle.

Integrating Orthotics into Your Rehab Plan

• Night Splints & Stretching: Orthotics work best alongside calf stretches, plantar fascia mobilization, and nocturnal splints if prescribed.

• Graded Return to Activity: Use orthotics in all weight-bearing activities—training shoes, casual sneakers, even work boots—to maintain consistent support as you gradually ramp up mileage.

• Exercise

• Shockwave Therapy

• Regular Follow-Ups: We reassess tissue tolerance and orthotic fit at 4–6 weeks, adjusting cushion density or shell stiffness based on your pain scores and gait data.

Choosing Bondi Podiatry for Your Orthotic Care

At Bondi Podiatry, every orthotic begins with a thorough biomechanical assessment—including high-speed video gait analysis and 3D foot scanning—ensuring we pinpoint the exact factors driving your plantar fasciitis. Our in-house lab works closely with you to tweak orthotic parameters until you experience consistent relief.

Take the First Step: Don’t let plantar fasciitis keep you from Bondi’s beautiful shoreline. Book a comprehensive orthotic assessment today, and let our expert team craft the precise support your feet—and your lifestyle—demand.