Footwear Biomechanics & Plantar Fasciitis: How Shoes Influence Patient Outcomes

Written By Brandon Steele

In this episode, we follow a practical clinical lens on plantar fasciitis, using footwear biomechanics as the central thread. We explore how different shoe types and design features influence load, movement, and symptom presentation. Along the way, we connect these mechanics to common patient patterns, assessment considerations, and evidence-informed treatment strategies, including manual therapy, exercise progressions, and activity and footwear modifications.

We also touch on how breathing mechanics can influence spinal stability in chronic low back pain, and briefly connect practice operations through insights from EHR reporting and service code usage—highlighting how documentation and billing patterns can inform better clinical and business decisions.

Listen to the full episode:

Brandon Steele

Dr. Steele is currently in private practice at Premier Rehab in the greater St. Louis area. He began his career with a post-graduate residency at The Central Institute for Human Performance. During this unique opportunity, he was able to create and implement rehabilitation programs for members of the St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, and Blues. Dr. Steele currently lectures extensively on evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal disorders for the University of Bridgeport’s diplomate in orthopedics program. He serves on the executive board of the Illinois Chiropractic Society. He is also a Diplomate and Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO).

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