Treating Heel Pain in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Hard vs Modified Soft Custom Orthotics and Heel Pads

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the effectiveness of soft vs 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 whether age was a factor in orthotic effectiveness. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. Before randomization, patients were stratified by age (younger vs older adults) in blocks of 4 to ensure that there …