There was some podiatrist that did a study on all his patients with plantar fasciitis. 100% of the tissue specimens were not inflamed, they were dead. Perhaps no correlation at all to achilles. High shoe arches limit blood flow to the heel. That's all I know. I'm 47y. Very flat footed. On my feet much of the day doing hands on/technical labor. They helped me. Pain sucks. Minimalist shoes are viewed by podiatrists how chiropractors/herbal supplements are to doctors.
I am a fan of doctors that view medicine holistically.
I am sure they help you and I have not tried them. Really, as a guy with clinical pronation of my feet and life long plantar fasciitis, I probably should. I currently make use of NSAID's, good boots and ice to my arches, when it is bothering me. I try to stay on top of a few stretches and exercises in the summer, when I am playing multiple rounds a day.
Maybe I will look for a nice pair of sturdy, waterproof boots with a nice aggressive tread, in a minimalist style, to give a whirl next summer. Anything that can help my feet, is a win in my world.
