Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain: How Custom Orthotics Can Help in West LA

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain: How Custom Orthotics Can Help in West LA

Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain that’s often worst with your first steps in the morning, and it’s the most common cause of heel pain we see at West Los Angeles Chiropractic®. Custom Foot Levelers® orthotics — built from a digital X-ray of your pelvis and an impression of both feet — are designed to correct the underlying imbalance causing the pain.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Also known as “heel pain syndrome,” plantar fasciitis develops from gradual degeneration of the plantar fascia or sudden trauma to the area. Patients often describe it as a sharp stab or deep ache in the middle of the heel or along the bottom of the foot, typically worse with walking or standing. Pain is frequently sharpest first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting, since the fascia tightens overnight and can develop new micro-tears with those first steps.

What Causes It

• Improper footwear
• Strenuous activity
• Obesity
• Over-pronation
• High arches or flat feet
• Poor shock absorption in shoes

Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged patients but can affect anyone, and shows up often in runners, athletes, and anyone who spends long hours on their feet.

Symptoms

• Pain on the bottom of the heel
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Pain that’s usually worse upon arising
• Pain that increases over time without treatment
• Swelling on the bottom of the heel

A Note on Bone Spurs

Heel spurs are sometimes found alongside plantar fasciitis, but many cases of heel pain occur without one — a spur isn’t always the cause. Surgery to remove a spur doesn’t reliably resolve plantar fasciitis pain, and carries its own risk to the plantar fascia itself. A conservative approach is almost always the right place to start.

How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis at West Los Angeles Chiropractic®

In-office, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to restore normal joint mechanics and reduce tension
• Custom Foot Levelers® orthotics to support the adjustment and hold proper foot position
• Rehabilitative exercises

Dr. Michael Karr, a UCLA Kinesiology graduate treating West LA since 1989, takes a digital X-ray of your pelvis to measure hip height, along with an impression of both feet — these measurements are sent to the lab so your orthotics are built specifically for your body, not off a generic template.

At home:

• Ice and massage the sore area
• Favor soft surfaces for running or walking
• Stretch the plantar fascia and calf regularly to help prevent further inflammation

Stretch: in a lunge position with the injured foot behind you and both heels flat on the floor, lean into a wall and bend your front knee. You should feel the stretch through the sole of your foot and into the Achilles tendon. Hold 20–30 seconds, then repeat with the back leg straight.

Recovery and Prevention

Recovery takes patience — most patients see steady improvement over several months with a consistent combination of the treatments above, rather than any single quick fix. Stretching before activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing supportive footwear all help prevent recurrence. Wearing your custom orthotics in every pair of shoes goes a long way toward keeping you pain-free long-term.

Choosing the Right Shoes

Look for shoes with a square or wide toe box, a heel under two inches, about half an inch of space beyond your longest toe, and real arch support. Avoid high heels, stilettos, pointy toes, and flat, unsupported sandals — or if you must wear them, fit them with custom orthotics.

Insurance and Your First Visit

Many insurance plans cover the cost of custom orthotics — call Betty to verify your specific benefits before your visit. New patients: $99 for your first visit, including a consultation and exam.

We’re at 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165, Los Angeles, CA 90064 — ground floor, free parking, near the 405 and 10. Serving West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Venice, and Westwood.

Call Betty: 310-914-9400

Frequently Asked Questions

What does plantar fasciitis feel like? A sharp stab or deep ache in the heel or arch, usually worst with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time.

Are bone spurs the cause of my heel pain? Not necessarily — many cases of plantar fasciitis occur without a spur, and removing a spur surgically doesn’t reliably fix the pain.

Do custom orthotics really help? Custom Foot Levelers® orthotics are built from your own foot impressions and pelvis measurements, designed to correct the imbalance driving the pain rather than just cushioning it.

Will my insurance cover orthotics? Often, yes. Call Betty at 310-914-9400 and we’ll verify your specific coverage before your visit, at no cost to you.

How long does recovery take? It varies, but most patients see steady improvement over several months with consistent treatment and orthotic use.

Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program.

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