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Plantar Fasciitis & Arch Support

I think I have Plantar Fasciitis (and, maybe not surprisingly, a big heel spur in the same foot).
Diagnostically, the pain is NOT worse first thing in the morning, but it is apparently in the right spot – just at the front of the big heel bone.
Pressing on that spot really hurts.
Two doctors have said it’s PF (and given me not much treatment except to recommend some additional stretches – in both cases, I was in the doctor’s office to discuss a sesamoid problem in the other foot).Since June, I have been playing with various kinds of OTC insoles, diligently stretching, but the pain comes and goes.
Often, the insoles seem more irritating than helpful.
A few days ago, I found this thing that is basically a closed elastic loop (like an Ace bandage), that is about 2 inches wide, and fits snugly around my foot at the arch.
I have to say, this thing really stops the pain. (it goes by the name Pedifix Arch Bandage – I don’t work for this company or have any reason to tout their product other than my experience.)But is that a good thing?
Is it a recommended treatment?
I’m always wary of wearing braces and supports for any length of time, since I believe they can also cause further abnormalities, imbalances, and weakness.
Sometimes, a short term course of something can limit inflammation, and maybe this is true.
If so, how do I know when it is time to stop wearing it?(My goal is to return to distance running)What do you think, doctor?Also, the brace does not actually cover the point of the pain – – can you explain the mechanism by which it helps reduce the pain?
Thanks …

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