Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the ligament that attaches the heel bone to the toes becomes stretched and develops tears which result in pain. It is the most common form of heel pain. It affects roughly 2 million Americans a year. It mostly occurs in middle aged individuals typically men aged 40-70. It can also occur in younger individuals who exercise regularly, particularly runners. It is also known to affect individuals that stand for long periods at a time, or who have gained weight rapidly such as pregnant women.
Pain from plantar fasciitis is generally described as a burning or stinging sensation. It is usually worse in the morning. This is because the ligament tightens over the night and when the individual stands on the foot it stretches the ligament abruptly causing acute pain. This usually slowly subsides throughout the day. Pain then comes again in the evening when the individual stands and walks throughout the course of the day.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis is often conservative at first. It is important to give your feet a rest. Stretching the calf muscles particularly before getting out of bed can be beneficial. Taking anti-inflammatory medications and using ice can reduce pain and inflammation in the ligament.
By far, the most important and effective thing you can do is pick out the right plantar fasciitis shoes. Shoe selection is one of the most important factors in proper treatment of plantar fasciitis. Non-supportive footwear can cause excessive strain on the ligament. Shoes for plantar fasciitis should have good arch support and heel cushioning. These shoes should fit well and not cause any excess pressure on the heel, arch or ball of the foot. A shoe with a slightly raised heel can reduce stress on the ligament. The best shoes for plantar fasciitis will make a remarkable difference in how you feel when you walk or run. There are quite a few choices on the market, but we suggestion the following brands:
- New Balance Shoes (the best so as far as we’ve seen)
- Kuru Shoes
- Brooks
These are what many people consider the best plantar fasciitis shoes on the market and you would do well to look into getting a pair. All the shoes offer superior arch support, heel support and motion control to help correct walking problems.Orthotics are also beneficial. They can help reduce some of the pain and aid in the healing process. Heel cups placed in the shoes help to absorb shock and pressure. Arch supports placed in shoes can help to align the feet properly. Splints can be worn at night to keep the ligament gently stretched and preventing it from tightening over night. This helps to alleviate the sharp pain often felt in the morning.
It is advised to not go barefoot while trying to treat the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Many doctors recommend putting on supportive footwear before getting out of bed.
If pain persists despite conservative efforts, it is best to seek medical advice. It’s important to seek medical advise before heel pain or damage gets worse.
