I had a walking cast for reasons other than PF. I broke my fibula (outer bone of ankle) in '92 and had surgery last September to repair ligaments that went undiagnosed when I broke my ankle. I was in the walking cast for four weeks the first time and three weeks after my surgery. I had so much difficulty walking after both times I was in the walking cast that I would not consider it for PF. The physical therapy after the walking cast was incredibly painful.
I did not try orthotics. In a pamphlet about PF that my podiatrist gave me, it said that orthotics are only tried if taping works. Pictures of taped feet are shown on this website. The taping was tried twice and failed both times.
Do not have any more cortisone shots. My podiatrist told me three in six months are the absolute limit. I had three cortisone shots. My last was two weeks ago and did nothing for the pain.
Since none of these things have worked, I'm scheduled for EPF on July 6. My podiatrist told me that I have a 90% chance of that getting rid of my PF. I hope to be part of that 90% who he says have success with this procedure!
I hope your orthotics bring you relief!