[physiobob]

My comment would be that PF is a problem that arises from faulty mechanics. Changing shoes, using orthotics or heal raises or heal spur pads etc are all useful treatment adjuncts but they will not stop the causes. As already mentioned above a tight calf complex, mainly soleus can lead to excessive pronation that can further lead to a bit of plantar fasciitis.

I have just had a guy in his late 70's who has presented with a bad case of PF. It turns out that he has been shopping around the shoes shops for years, gradually getting into more comfortable athough less supportive shoes to ease his pain. Now the shoes just won't cut it. He has 'walked' to the end of the line and is having some injections for pain.

So I cannot state enough that you need to carefully look at why this person has developed this condition. There may be training issues, dietary issues, systemic issues etc that need addressing. The right shoes are like finding what the most sticky bandaid that will stay on while this episode heals.