Jams,
Good luck with the orthotics. I have had mine for a couple of years now and they are great. Those along with the stretches, and I have very little heel pain anymore. (usually only after just HAVING to wear some cute shoes that they don't fit into

)
Hope they help you out. One thing the podiatrist told me, was that for atleast the first few months, to wear them atleast 8 hours a day. I really could tell the difference if I didn't.
Take care,
Pam

"Just like moons and like suns, with the certainty of tides. Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise." Maya Angelou