Effect of different orthotic concepts as first line treatment of plantar fasciitis.

BACKGROUND Evaluation of the effectiveness of three different types of prefabricated foot orthotics in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. METHODS Prospective, randomized head-to-head trial in 30 adults (21 women, 9 men) with plantar fasciitis without any anatomic alterations. Three different prefabricated orthotics were tested (thin, non supportive orthotic (NO); soft supportive foam orthotic (FO); foam covered rigid self-supporting plastic orthotic (PO)). The follow up was 3 weeks. Main outcome measures were maximum and average pain (VAS), duration of pain per day, walking distance and subjective comfort. RESULTS There was no significant effect of NO on maximal pain and average pain. FO and PO had a significant effect on pain levels (p<0.05) whereas PO was superior concerning pain reduction and the time until the onset of effect (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PO are superior regarding pain reduction and pain free time when compared to FO. NO did not demonstrate a significant effect in the test setup used.