Heel lifts in the shoe are used to treat a wide range of foot problems. These problems include plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. In these cases the heel lifts work up relieving the strain on the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. They are generally not the only treatment for these conditions and other treatments are also used. A single heel lift can also be used when there is a slight leg length difference and the heel lift works by making up for all or part of the leg length difference. For a larger leg length difference an raise on the outside of the footwear is often used.
How long should you wear heel lifts?
You need to wear heel lifts for a long as it needed to help settle the problem down. This can vary quite substantially from person to person. A heel lift is more likely to be used when the calf muscles are tighter, so the use of the heel lift in the short to medium term is a good option while stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon is a good option in the medium to longer term so you can decrease the use of the heel lift. You probably should have a good discussion with your health professional as to your best options and approach here.
You also probably should not suddenly stop using them; you should gradually decrease the use over time to allow the body to adjust to not wearing them.
If the single heel lift is for a leg length difference, then this is going to have to be worn long term.
