In today’s world, plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue at the bottom of the foot, is all too frequent. It has a reputation for being a big pain in the foot (pardon the pun), as it rarely goes away on its own and makes doing your favorite activities difficult. This bothersome issue, on the other hand, is very easy to treat with a mix of treatments, one of which is orthotic support. This article will discuss the best types of shoes (and brands), sandals, and slippers for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.

 

Plantar Fasciitis

If you’re not familiar with the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you might be wondering why this painful ailment chose you. When the plantar fascia, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed, it causes heel pain. This band of tissue supports your muscles, toes, and arch of your foot by connecting the heel bone to your toes.

 

Walking, running, and jumping would be unsupported and uncomfortable without this band of tissue, as there would be no stress absorption. They are, nevertheless, prone to wear and tear, just like any other human body part. When the plantar fascia is stretched too far, small tears form, resulting in irritation and pain.

 

Description/Symptoms

Pain on the sole of your foot or near your heel

In the morning, the pain is more intense (usually after waking up)

Pain that gets worse after hauling a large load

Pain that intensifies after physical exertion or exercise

Pain that goes away as you rest

Heel edema and stiffness are caused by pain.

Pain that gets worse when you stretch your foot.

 

Risk Factors/Causes

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, as previously stated. There is no single explanation for this because we all experience wear and tear on our tissues. However, it appears that some people are more susceptible to it than others. They are as follows:

 

Flat feet/low arches, gait problems, and underpronation are all symptoms of poor foot mechanics.

Plantar fasciitis is more common in middle-aged adults (40-60 years old).

Obesity raises the chance of getting plantar fasciitis by putting too much weight and strain on it.

Athletes who participate in high-impact sports are more prone to get the disease.

Plantar fasciitis is more common in people who stand or walk for long periods of time on hard surfaces at work.

 

Treatments

Plantar fasciitis is treated in a case-by-case basis. Rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physiotherapy can help with the milder kinds. Surgery may be required in the most severe cases, which do not improve after 6 to 12 months.

 

Plantar fasciitis is treated with orthotic treatments, which are in the middle of the therapy spectrum. This includes both men’s and women’s orthotic shoes, as well as bespoke orthotic insoles for your shoes. They give immediate support for the foot and can help with plantar fasciitis discomfort and strain.

 

Plantar Fasciitis Patients’ Orthotic Requirements

Of course, not every orthotic solution will be suitable. You may forget about purchasing low-cost orthotic inserts from your neighborhood pharmacy or generic shoes from your favorite shoe store. To be worth your money, the most effective orthotic solutions for plantar fasciitis must offer a few advantages.

 

Support for the Arch

The most important characteristic to look for when purchasing plantar fasciitis orthotics is arch support. Flat feet or low arches cause the foot to sit excessively close to the ground, causing overpronation and putting an excessive amount of strain on the plantar fascia. Arch support is the most effective way to keep arches elevated.

 

Shock Absorption/Sole Cushioning

Plantar fasciitis discomfort is debilitating, and pain medication is only a band-aid remedy. To compensate, your orthotics should contain some form of sole cushioning. Sole cushioning helps to alleviate any pain you may be experiencing in your heel, making each step more pleasant. For alleviation, superior shock absorption is required. The general rule is that you should feel as if you’re walking on air.

 

Materials of Superior Quality

“You get what you pay for” is a truism that applies to all orthotic remedies. If you buy low-cost orthotics, you can save a few dollars, but you’ll be getting low-quality materials that give little to no support and cushioning. To make matters worse, they’ll probably wear out faster. High-quality materials are more expensive, but they provide long-lasting support that can help your foot recover from plantar fasciitis. Which would you want to have?

Top Plantar Fasciitis Brands

With those characteristics in mind, we’ll be upfront and say that certain brands are better for plantar fasciitis patients than others. That’s not to imply they’re the only ones who can help, but some brands make footwear and bespoke orthotic solutions that tend to be more popular among sufferers. Here are some of the better-known brands.

 

Brands that are good for Plantar Fasciitis

Aetrex – Aetrex makes orthotic shoes for men and women that use cutting-edge foam and cushioning technologies (as well as a unique design) to help improve arch shape and development.

New Balance is more than just a manufacturer of “dad shoes.” New Balance offers a variety of high-performance shoes that promote healthy athletic activities like running and jumping, which is a pleasant aspect for plantar fasciitis sufferers.

Hoka One One – Hoka is well-known for their shock-absorbing outsoles and footbeds, which are among the best on the market.

Brooks – With a strong focus on biomechanics, Brooks has created a wide range of shoes with cushioned and durable midsoles that provide excellent plantar fasciitis relief.

ECCO – For plantar fasciitis sufferers, several of ECCO’s footwear combine the best of all worlds. You may get shock absorption, better cushioning, and lightweight design in a pair of ECCOs.

Plantar Fasciitis may be controlled before it can control you.

If you don’t address plantar fasciitis, it can make even the most mundane jobs and activities difficult. With the appropriate methods, however, keeping the discomfort and inflammation of plantar fasciitis under control is straightforward. Orthotic solutions and orthotic shoes for men and women will provide biomechanical support for your feet, preventing the condition from worsening.

 

Rest, pain medication, and modest exercises (as advised by a physiotherapist) will also help. These treatments will help your foot to recover with a little time and patience, allowing you to return to whatever your “normal” is.

 

Looking for a pair of plantar fasciitis-friendly shoes but don’t know where to start? Get in touch with us so we can assist you in finding the ideal match!