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5 Must-Have Features of Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
This article was reviewed and approved by a medical professional.
Dr. Vivek David is a licensed orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement and lower limb reconstruction surgeries. With a rich experience of over 10 years in orthopedics, he has an excellent reputation for handling complex lower limb joint reconstruction and robotic surgeries.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you probably know how hard it can be to find shoes that won’t make the pain worse. Fortunately, there are shoe inserts for plantar fasciitis.
Before telling you what to look for in plantar fasciitis inserts, we should explain the basics of the problem.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes. The most noticeable symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel area of the foot.
Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is most common in active men and women between the ages of 40 and 60. Even more so, women experience this condition at a somewhat higher rate than males.
Plantar fasciitis is common among pregnant women and tends to flare up toward the end of the pregnancy.
What To Look for in Plantar Fasciitis Insoles?
The term "insole" refers to the section of the shoe that is placed at the bottom of the inside of the shoe.
In other words, it's the section of the shoe that sits beneath the foot's sole. Footbeds and inserts are other names for insoles.
Good plantar fasciitis shoe insoles should have the following characteristics in order to be effective:
Shock Absorption
Shock absorption is one of the key features of any insole, but it is even more important if you are shopping for plantar fasciitis inserts.
The plantar fascia act as the natural shock absorber for your feet. This is one of the reasons why plantar fasciitis can be so painful.
With a shoe insert taking some of the shock absorption duties off the plantar fascia, you can do a lot to relieve the pain associated with the condition.
This is one of the reasons why our Curves & Pods® removable footbed is so good for plantar fasciitis. The pod design in these plantar fasciitis inserts is effective at absorbing shock while also providing comfortable cushioning as you walk.
Arch Support
Though the pain is most noticeable at the heel, much of the problem with plantar fasciitis is at the arch. Since the tissue of the plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot, the best inserts for plantar fasciitis need to offer reliable arch support.
Good arch supports will distribute your weight more evenly and make it easier to maintain balance. This should help to relieve the inflammation that results in plantar fasciitis pain.
A Good Fit
Finding insoles that fit your shoes well is another important consideration. You don't want your insoles to take up too much space or slide around when you walk.
Even with features like shock absorption and arch support, plantar fasciitis inserts won’t do you much good if they do not fit well.
This is another reason why Taos footwear is a great choice for treating plantar fasciitis pain. Whether you are looking at a slip-on like the Convertawool or a boot like the Crave, our shoes come with a premium footbed that offers the support and shock absorption of a plantar fasciitis shoe insert.
With the footbed already made to fit the shoe, you won’t have to worry about it being too big or too small.
Firmness
Firmness is another issue to consider when looking for the best inserts for plantar fasciitis. If the insert is too flexible or has too much give, it won’t provide the stability you need.
Check the insole to make sure it offers enough firmness around the heel and at the arch. If not, it could cause more inflammation and pain.
Fit at the Heel
A plantar fasciitis insert should offer a good fit and support at the heel. You obviously do not want it to be too tight, but you should also avoid a heel that is too loose.
A good snug fit will keep the heel in place for added stability, and it will also prevent the heel from sliding when you walk. A little cushioning at the heel can also be nice as a feature to relieve plantar fasciitis pain.
What Are the Benefits of Insoles?
Plantar fasciitis shoe insoles reduce discomfort by minimizing pain and relieving stress on the plantar fascia—the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the foot. This helps it to mend, allowing you to begin and end your day feeling terrific.
Like most conditions that involve foot pain, wearing the right footwear can make a big difference. Along with that, insoles for plantar fasciitis will do a lot to relieve the pain and inflammation that come with this condition.
How To Choose the Right Insoles for Your Feet
Because everyone's symptoms and condition are different, there is no "one-size-fits-all" treatment for plantar fasciitis.
With conflicting ideas on what works and what doesn't, plus the vast range of insoles available, deciding on the ideal type for you might be intimidating.
When you have plantar fasciitis, how do you find the proper insoles?
1. Choose Insoles That Match Your Foot Shape
To appropriately support your foot, whether you have high, mid, or flat arches, the insole must be level with the curve of your foot.
2. Match the Sole’s Firmness to Your Activities
Long-distance runs may require tighter support, whereas sprinting may require less stiff support. To fit your activities, use a mix of different types.
3. Let Your Feet Adjust to Your New Insoles
Allow time for your feet to adjust to new insoles. You may, for example, begin by wearing them for a few hours every day. Gradually increase your time wearing them until you're comfortable wearing them for extended periods of time.
4. Never Think of Insoles as a Cure
Insoles can help you feel better and lessen discomfort in the short term, but they can't cure plantar fasciitis. Instead, use them to supplement your overall treatment plan to aid in your recovery.
The Bottom Line
In order for insoles to be effective in treating plantar fasciitis, they must give solid support that conforms to the shape of your foot.
Find plantar fasciitis inserts that match your arch height to ensure you're providing your arches the full support they require.
Plantar fasciitis is painful, but with the appropriate treatment, you may get back to doing what you love without discomfort.
FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Insoles?
Plantar fasciitis shoe insoles ease pain and stress on the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the bottom of the foot. This helps it get better, so you can start and end the day feeling great.
Can You Use Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes. Insoles particularly those with arch support can help in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
How Long Should You Wear Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?
Insoles for plantar fasciitis are utilized to alleviate the discomfort. Plantar fasciitis can improve or even heal in some circumstances, but each case is different. Plantar fasciitis usually improves after 6-18 months of wearing appropriate insoles.
How Do I Choose an Insole?
Insoles should be solid enough that the arch does not collapse when you press down on it. If there is too much give, the insert won't provide the necessary support. Insoles perform best when they conform to the curves of your foot.
What Type of Support Is Needed for Plantar Fasciitis?
Extra weight might place additional strain on your plantar fascia. Choose shoes that are supportive. Purchase footwear with a low to moderate heel, thick soles, decent arch support, and additional cushioning.
How To Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Rest, stretching, strengthening, changing shoes, arch supports, orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery are among the therapeutic options. Plantar fasciitis is usually successfully treated by adapting therapy to an individual's risk factors and preferences.
Sources:
“Foot Orthoses for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis - PubMed.” PubMed, 1 Aug. 2006, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16919213
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3687890/. Accessed 22 Dec. 2022.
“Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs - OrthoInfo - AAOS.” Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs - OrthoInfo - AAOS, 1 Aug. 2022, www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs.
“Plantar Fasciitis - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 20 Jan. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
Clarke, David. “The Difference Between Insoles and Orthotics.” Ireland’s Premier Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic Network, 23 June 2016, www.spectrumfootclinics.ie/blog/2016/6/22/the-difference-between-insoles-and-orthotics
“Plantar Fasciitis.” Plantar Fasciitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine, 8 Aug. 2021, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/plantar-fasciitis