To quote Cliff Clavin in Cheers, “If you don’t wear comfortable shoes, life is a mess.” Plantar fasciitis, you might agree. The best shoes for plantar fasciitis can help relieve tension and pain in the feet (especially the heels) and ultimately control the confusion.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
If you’re new to plantar fasciitis, here’s a quick explainer. Susan Eby, PT, MS, owner of Eby Physical Therapy in New York City, tells SELF that the plantar fascia is the fascial band or ligament that extends from the heel bone or base of the calcaneus to the base of the toes and helps support the long arch of the foot . The plantar fascia thickens with age and weight. This reduces the flexibility and shock absorption capacity of the ligament. Plantar fasciitis is caused by repeated compression of the plantar fascia, leading to fibrosis or scarring of the tendon. It is characterized by a tingling on the bottom of the foot, usually near the heel, and tends to be more intense in the morning or after you’ve been away for a while.
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What are the side effects of plantar fasciitis?
Risk factors include tight calf muscles, repetitive effects of activities such as running, rapid increases in weight-bearing activities, prolonged standing or walking, and flat feet and very high arches .
Your choice of footwear can also be an aggravating factor, whether you’re running, walking, or standing for long periods of time. By choosing better shoes for your life, you can avoid this annoying foot pain in the future without missing too many steps.
What to look out for when buying shoes for plantar fasciitis
In general, plantar tendons The best shoes for meningitis will fit (ie, not be too small and wide to fit your foot comfortably) and have the right amount of support. “You’re going to want a shoe with a deep heel and adequate midfoot arch support,” Carla Gamez, DPM, podiatrist at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI), tells SELF.
You should also consider shoes with orthotics or sockliners that have sturdy heel cups to help with cushioning and shock absorption to avoid heel pain, Eby says. A good pair of insoles can have multiple benefits, such as providing shock absorption and comfort, while correcting misalignment and reducing foot fatigue. But plantar fasciitis is the number one reason for prescribing and wearing custom orthoses, says Yolanda Ragland, a New York City podiatrist and founder of Fix Your Feet. “Orthotic insoles can support the arch of the foot and relieve the discomfort of plantar fasciitis.”
