Comparison Of Medial Arch-Supporting Insoles And Heel Pads In The Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the insertion point of the plantar fascia over the medial tubercle of the calcaneus. Foot orthotics are used to treat plantar fasciitis. Heel pads medialise the centre of force, whereas medial arch supporting insoles lateralise the force. We assessed the clinical results of the treatment of plantar fasciitis with silicone heel pads and medial arch-supported silicone insoles.

We retrospectively reviewed 75 patients with heel pain. A total of 35 patients in the first group were treated with medial arch supporting insoles, and 40 patients in the second group were treated with heel pads. The patients were evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) at the first and last examinations.

The mean VAS score in the first group was 8.6±1,2 (6-10); the FAAM daily activity score was 66.2±16 (41.2-95.0), and the sporting activity score was 45.4±24,4 (0.1-81) before treatment. At the last follow-up in this group, the mean VAS score was 5.3±1,5 (0-9); the FAAM daily activity score was 83,0±15,1 (55,9-100), and the sporting activity score was 73,5±26,2 (25-100). The mean VAS score in the second group was 8,6±0,9 (7-10); the FAAM daily activity score was 66.4±17 (41.4-95.2), and the sporting activity score was 45.8±24,2 (0.8-81, 3) before the treatment. At the last follow-up in this group, the mean VAS score was 5.5±1,2 (0-9); the FAAM daily activity score was 83.4±14,9 (60, 2-100), and the sporting activity score was 73.8±26 (28-100).

There was no significant difference in the clinical results of both groups. The force distribution by the use of silicone heel pads and medial arch-supported silicone insoles had no effect on the clinical results of the treatment of plantar fasciitis.