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Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

By Allan Tan

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 19May2008
Word count: 463
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Appropriate shoes are the first line of defense against pain from plantar fasciitis. With every step, pressure is put on the plantar fascia. When the plantar fascia ligament becomes overused, overstretched, or injured, it causes plantar fasciitis.

When proper footwear is used in combination of doing stretching exercises for plantar fasciitis, surgery can often be avoided. For some people, wearing supportive shoes, with orthotics if necessary, is the only treatment they need to allow them to continue with daily activities without experiencing pain.

If orthotics such as heel lifts and arch supports are being used, the patient should use them when trying on new shoes. This will ensure that the new shoes will accommodate the orthotics. Arch supports help relieve pressure on the plantar fascia and help absorb shock.

When the fit of the shoe is critical, the patient should try on shoes late in the day. This is because as the day progresses, feet become slightly larger than they are first thing in the morning. People often have one foot slightly wider than the other. If this is true for the patient, new shoes should be selected based on how they fit on the larger foot. Wearing shoes that are too small is likely to aggravate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Shoes should have good arch support and heel cushioning. Shoes that lack support and cushioning add to the stress on the plantar fascia. Shoes with high heels or pointy toes should be avoided. A low to moderate heel is a better choice. A flimsy, extremely low heel does not supply adequate support.

When trying on shoes, pay attention to the cushioning and support of the arch, heel, and ball of your feet. Shoes should fit well and not cause pressure on any part of the foot. To avoid other foot problems like bunions, choose shoes that have a roomy toe box, the area that surrounds the toes. Watch for seams that may irritate your foot.

Athletic shoes that fit well are a good choice. Athletic shoes should be replaced often due to the fact that they stop cushioning your feet. The insoles of athletic shoes break down over time with use. You can tell the significant difference in support between old, worn-out athletic shoes and new ones.

Shoes that do not fit securely on the foot should be avoided. Sandals and shoes with open heels are not good choices for people with plantar fasciitis. Going barefoot should also be avoided. Some people find it helpful to put their shoes on immediately upon getting out of bed in the morning.

When shopping for shoes, remember that finding shoes that offer support and cushioning is the highest priority. The doctor may recommend criteria for shoes best suited for patients with plantar fasciitis.

Allan Tan is the webmaster of Foot-Care.org. He provides more helpful information on bunions, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, foot orthotics, metatarsalgia and ankle sprains that you can read up in the comfort of your home on his website. He and his partner setup this informative site to help people understand more about their foot health and problems.

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