6 Tips for Plantar Fasciitis Support
Felt some pain around your heel recently? It might not just be nothing. If you’ve been to the doctor and it’s been diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, it’s time to learn how to manage the condition. It’s not just about feeling uncomfortable, it can cause enough pain to make walking seem like a struggle. Plantar fasciitis support is widely available today, and here’s what to know:
Understanding the Condition
Most people wouldn’t make the connection between plantar fascia and the foot. They might even think that it’s the name of a plant, and they’d be very far from the truth. A thick band of tissue that goes across the bottom of your heel is known as the plantar fascia. It connects the heel to the toes, supporting the arch of your foot and acting as a shock absorber.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects this tissue. When this ligament becomes inflamed or strained, it can cause pain (especially around your heels). Many factors cause this, including overuse, incorrect footwear, excessive standing and even obesity. But understanding what the symptoms can feel like is your first step to finding plantar fasciitis support.
#1: Start with Good Footwear
It’s already been established that bad footwear could be the reason behind the condition. So naturally, the first step is rethinking your footwear. If you don’t think your current footwear is supporting your feet, it’s time to say goodbye. Seek out shoes with qualities that reduce the strain on your plantar fascia. For ideal plantar fasciitis support, look for:
- Proper arch support that distributes pressure evenly across your foot
- Good cushioning to absorb shock while providing comfort
- Firm heel support to stabilize the foot and prevent excessive movement
#2: Purchase Supportive Toe Socks
Foot support for plantar fasciitis doesn’t just include having the right footwear, but the right socks. Toe socks for plantar fasciitis are great since they have individual compartments for each toe, promoting better toe alignment and improved circulation. They reduce the strain on your plantar fascia while preventing issues like bunions and hammertoes (since these can make the pain worse). You might also notice that there’s extra stability and support in these socks, which can decrease the pressure on the plantar fascia.
#3: Use Orthotic Inserts
Orthotics inserted inside your shoes are the perfect idea for the ideal plantar fasciitis support. They provide additional support and cushioning, reducing the shock impact on your plantar fascia. The inserts themselves are designed to fit inside almost all kinds of footwear and align your feet properly. If you’re willing to splurge, consider searching for a podiatrist who can make custom orthotics for you. These offer the best support. But over-the-counter orthotic inserts are also available at cost-effective prices and can be purchased immediately.
#4: Strengthen Concerned Muscles
For long-term solutions, think about improving the flexibility and strength of the muscles that support your foot. Exercises that you should definitely incorporate to achieve this are:
- Calf Stretch
- Plantar Fascia Stretch
- Toe Curls
#5: Try Out Ice Therapy
Ice therapy has traditionally been used for external injuries, reducing inflammation and swelling, and improving and numbing pain. It can also be useful for plantar fasciitis. Apply an ice pack, a cold compress, or a bag of frozen vegetables (or something similar) wrapped in a towel to the affected area for around 20 minutes every day. Repeat this throughout the day (at least 3–4 times).
#6: Incorporate Massages and Foot Rolling
If you already have a foam roller, this can be a great beginner tool for plantar fasciitis support. Think about using this roller to alleviate the tension on your foot. Alternatively, you can also find specific toe rollers that can alleviate the pain. Use your hand to gently massage the arch and heel of your foot, providing immediate relief. If you don’t want to invest in a roller, you can also roll your foot over a tennis or golf ball to relax the plantar fascia.
Support Your Feet With Serasox
When it comes to plantar fasciitis support, every small change has the potential to make a big difference. Make your everyday life simpler while managing foot pain by investing in a pair of great toe socks for plantar fasciitis. At Serasox, we pride ourselves in the quality, durability and usability of our bamboo toe socks. Our socks are made using real bamboo wood chips, for better air permeability and moisture-wicking properties. Ensure your feet never feel constricted and you have the best experience, only when you have the perfect pair of toe socks. Shop Serasox’s catalog today!