Evaluation of heel pain treatment using medial heel wedge: A new supportive orthosis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain which can have a dramatic impact on physical activity. Many treatment options including avoidance of potentially aggravating activities, stretching and strengthening exercise and NSAIDs have been used to treat this disorder. In this study we evaluate the efficacy of a new supportive heel wedge to treat heel pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. Fifty patients with heel pain unresponsive to traditional treatment entered the study. Their characteristics included age, sex, activity level, heel spur, location and severity of heel pain and BMI were evaluated. A medial wedge support designed by author with medial height of 5 mm was used in all of patients. The pain relief was assessed by ankle-hindfoot-scale over a 6 months period of follow up.Fifty patients (18 males, 32 females) with mean age of 42.2 (18-70 y) were evaluated. Pain reduction was observed in 82 % of patients and 18 % had no response. An excellent to good result was seen in women and patients with lighter work. Normal arc of the foot was seen in 44 and flexible flat foot in 6 patients, non had rigid foot. Medial heel wedge can be considered as a good modality and first option in treatment of heel pain. This orthoses is safe, cheap and easily available without known side effect. Pain relief was noted more in women and low body weight patients.