Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people of all activity levels. It can start as mild discomfort and progress to severe, persistent pain that impacts work, exercise, and everyday movement.
At Adelaide Heel Pain Clinic, we’ve seen that real, lasting relief doesn’t come from one quick fix. Instead, it comes from a combined approach—using custom orthotics to correct the underlying mechanics, and targeted therapies to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot. When it’s overstretched or strained, tiny tears can develop, leading to inflammation and pain—especially under the heel.
Common causes include poor foot mechanics, flat or high arches, prolonged standing, or unsupportive footwear.
Why Short-Term Fixes Aren’t Enough
Temporary relief methods—like stretching, ice, massage, or generic insoles—can help reduce pain for a while. However, because they don’t correct the root cause, the pain often returns once you resume normal activity.
That’s why at Adelaide Heel Pain Clinic, our focus is on combining both mechanical correction and evidence-based therapies for long-term results.
How Custom Orthotics Help
Custom orthotics are individually designed to support your feet and improve how they move. They’re not a one-size-fits-all solution—each pair is made to match your exact foot shape and gait.
Benefits include:
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Improved alignment, reducing strain on the plantar fascia
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Better weight distribution across the heel and arch
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Reduced overpronation or high arch stress
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Consistent, everyday support
While research shows that both prefabricated and custom orthotics can relieve plantar heel pain, custom orthotics provide the most precise and long-lasting support when biomechanical issues are significant or chronic.
At Adelaide Heel Pain Clinic, we design both 3D-printed orthotics and Voxelcare in-house orthotics for the highest comfort and accuracy.
How Targeted Treatments Enhance Healing
While orthotics correct how your foot functions, specialised therapies help the fascia recover more quickly and comfortably.
Our most effective treatment options include:
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Shockwave Therapy: Encourages tissue repair and improves blood flow in chronic cases.
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LightForce and K-Laser Therapy: Reduces inflammation and speeds up healing at a cellular level.
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Dry Needling and Prolotherapy: Targets tight or overloaded tissue to release tension and promote recovery.
These treatments are supported by growing clinical evidence as safe and effective non-surgical options for plantar fasciitis—especially when used alongside orthotic support.
Why the Combination Works
Orthotics treat the mechanical cause, and therapies treat the biological response. When combined, they:
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Reduce inflammation and pain more effectively
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Allow the fascia to heal in a supported position
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Prevent the injury from recurring
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Improve overall foot function and movement patterns
This integrated approach gives your feet the best chance to recover—and stay pain-free in the long term.
When to Seek Help
If heel pain lasts longer than two weeks or is starting to affect your daily life, early assessment is key. Our podiatrists at Adelaide Heel Pain Clinic can perform a gait analysis, identify the underlying cause, and create a tailored plan combining custom orthotics and advanced treatments for lasting relief.
