Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a product of your foot being unsupported so that strain and pressure is put on the plantar fascia. This causes anywhere from mild to extreme discomfort and pain. The way to relieve this pain is to find supportive shoes for your unique foot. As everyone’s feet are different, a good supportive shoe will differ from person to person. Some will need more cushion or arch support or toe room than others. Here are some tips for overcoming plantar fasciitis:
Inflexible Sole – The outsole should not be able to twist or bend too much. Flexible soles may allow for the foot to move in ways that will aggravate the plantar fascia.
Arch Support – It is crucial to wear arch support that complements your natural arch, as too high, too low, or the wrong placement of under the foot’s arch can further exacerbate the issue. If you are not sure how much arch support you need, come visit us in-store so our experienced shoe-fitters can guide you to the best kind of arch support for your foot*
Inserts – This is a great place to start for folks experiencing Plantar Fasciitis. In addition to arch support, some inserts include other fascia-friendly features, like:
- Extra Cushioning – provides additional comfort, especially for high-impact activities like running and hiking. Memory foam is especially comfy.
- Heel Cup – gently cradles the heel of the foot, aligning the foot and supporting right where the plantar fascia meets the heel bone. This is a common place for pain to bloom in folks with plantar fasciitis.
- Heel Lift – changes the angle of the foot, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Even a small lift of 1/8th inch can be enough to provide some relief. Make sure to match lift height under both heels to avoid misalignment of knees, hips, etc. (even if you only have discomfort in one foot!)
Wide Toe Box – wiggle room for your toes means less pressure on the fascia.
No Bare Feet! – Avoid going barefoot where possible! It’s best to have supportive shoes to wear around the house.
*The Walk Shop and its associates are not medical professionals. The information shared here and in store is meant to offer guidance but does not replace medical diagnoses or treatments. If you are concerned for your foot health, consult your podiatrist/orthopedist.
