Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects several thousand people in the country. This painful condition that affects the heel of the foot can cause great discomfort and impairs the daily functioning of a person. Wearing the right plantar fasciitis insoles can go a long way in alleviating symptoms and living a normal life.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
First, let’s take a look at this common condition and understand its causes, signs, and symptoms. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the band of tissue that connects a person’s heel to the toes. It is caused due to extreme stretching or tearing of this band of tissue that provides support to the arch on a person’s heel. This is where plantar fasciitis insoles can provide relief and help a person walk normally.
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are intense pain near the heel that usually worsens after waking up in the morning, after long periods of standing on your feet, and when you rise up after sitting for a long time. A person generally does not experience pain during exercise but there may be a pain right after.
This condition is generally seen in runners, ballet dancers or individuals who participate in activities that put pressure on the heels. People who are obese, individuals who do not wear shoes with adequate support, those who regularly wear high heels, and people with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing this condition. People whose jobs tend to keep them on their feet are also vulnerable. Plantar fasciitis is more common in women, but men can also develop it.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
This condition is self-diagnosable, but it is best to consult a doctor about the severity of the condition. A physical examination of the affected area and some imaging tests may be required to point out the exact location of the pain and inflammation.
Treatment is usually a combination of medication and therapy. Medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs is given. In case these drugs don’t work, doctors may prescribe steroidal injections which can help to reduce pain and prevent recurrence of inflammation for a long period of time.
Physical therapy is an important process for a person recovering from plantar fasciitis. A person will need to learn exercises to increase the strength of the plantar fascia. Other therapy procedures such as massages and ultrasonography. Shock therapy in which the affected area is focused with sound waves can help with healing and may be used in long-term treatment plans if other treatments haven’t worked. Tenex procedure, a small invasive procedure, is also used to remove scar tissue without surgery. In serious cases, surgery may be required.
The best plantar fasciitis insoles
One of the best self-care remedies is the use of plantar fasciitis insoles. While prescription insoles are available, over-the-counter ones are also available that go a long way in providing support to your affected foot. This is true for both runners who require them to maintain an active lifestyle as well as people with jobs that require a great deal of standing.
The best plantar fasciitis inserts are those that offer optimum support to the arch of the foot without restricting a person’s daily movements. These provide the cushioning for your heels and the shock absorption that the heel needs.
There are different types of insoles for plantar fasciitis and the below list will guide you on the best plantar fasciitis insoles.
- Tread Labs Insoles
These insoles offer varying arch heights to provide support to the arch of the foot. It distributes the receives weight and reduces pressure on your heels. - Orthaheel Relief Insoles
These are useful in footwear that does not have any cushion. They are suitable for a variety of activities like daily work, exercise, hiking, or long periods of activity and are lightweight. They also provide relief from heel spurs. - Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles
These are affordable, fully-cushioned plantar fasciitis inserts that are great to provide arch support. They are also useful for shoes that do not come with in-built cushioning. - Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles
The company makes insoles in different colors, but the green one has the maximum arch and is good for people who already have plantar fasciitis or are at risk of developing the condition. Due to the high arch, people with smaller arches or flat feet should not use these. These insoles are long-lasting and will provide relief after continuous use. - Nazaroo Orthotics Insoles
These are great for those with flat feet who struggle with severe plantar fasciitis. - Sof-Sole Comfort Gel Insole
The soft surface of the insole makes it comfortable to wear all day long and people are also able to walk long distances with these insoles for plantar fasciitis.
