Treating Heel Pain in Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Hard Versus Soft Orthotics

Treating Heel Pain Associated With Plantar Fasciitis in Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Hard Versus Modified Soft Custom Orthotics and Heel Pads

Objectives: This study compared the effectiveness of soft versus hard orthotics in treating heel pain and plantar fasciitis in adults. It also compared the level of function after orthotic use, cost and number of visits for orthotics and explored if age was a factor in orthotic effectiveness.

Design: This randomized clinical trial included 44 adults (18+) with heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Participants received hard or soft customized orthotics and rated their pain intensity, pain interference and function, pre and post orthotic use. Scores were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. Analysis of age used repeated measures ANOVA. Costs were compared using t-test and number of visits was compared using Wilcoxon Rank Sum.

Inclusion Criteria:

• sample of convenience from the hospital and private clinic. The participants had heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Participants could describe and report changes in their pain

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those excluded were non-ambulatory (unable to walk greater than 25 meters) orchid spasticity due to a neurological disorder. Others excluded were non-communicative, had cognitive impairment or were unable to complete a questionnaire.