This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
Special Offer - Today is a good day for a good day.

Find the Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Although plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions, finding efficient treatment for plantar fasciitis can be challenging. Without proper treatment, plantar fasciitis can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.

Early treatment can help prevent further damage to the plantar fascia and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Plantar fasciitis can be very painful, especially when walking or standing for long periods of time. Prompt treatment can help reduce pain and discomfort, allowing you to return to your daily activities with less pain.

With the right treatment, most people recover from plantar fasciitis within a few months. Read on to find the best insoles for plantar fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It is the result of inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.

Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, and it often develops in people who spend long periods standing or walking, have flat feet or high arches, or are overweight.

The condition may also develop as a result of an injury or overuse, such as running or jumping. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain and stiffness in the heel and bottom of the foot, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing or walking.

Treatment may involve stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or medication to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. Some of these risk factors include:

  • Age: Plantar fasciitis is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
  • Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop plantar fasciitis.
  • Foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, and abnormal walking patterns can put more stress on the plantar fascia and increase the risk of injury.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can put more pressure on the feet and increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
  • Certain activities: Activities that involve repetitive impact on the feet, such as running or jumping, can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
  • Occupation: Jobs that require standing or walking for long periods, such as teachers, factory workers, and nurses, can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
  • Tight calf muscles: Tight calf muscles can put more stress on the plantar fascia and increase the risk of injury.
  • Poor footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support or cushioning can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot.

Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis And Sports

The exact cause of plantar fasciitis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to repetitive stress and strain on the plantar fascia.

Apart from the risk factors listed above, activities such as running or jogging, or high-impact sports like basketball, volleyball, or tennis can be the culprit causing the condition. Foot structure can also play a role in the development of plantar fasciitis.

Abnormal foot structure, such as flat feet or high arches, can put stress on the plantar fascia.

  • In the case of flat feet, the arch of the foot collapses, causing the plantar fascia to overstretch and put extra strain on the tissue. This can lead to small tears in the plantar fascia, causing inflammation and pain.
  • On the other hand, high arches can also cause plantar fasciitis because the foot does not absorb shock as efficiently as it should. This leads to increased pressure on the plantar fascia, which can cause small tears in the tissue and lead to inflammation and pain.

How Can I Find the Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis Custom Insoles

Insoles can be a helpful tool in managing plantar fasciitis by providing additional support and cushioning to the foot. When choosing insoles for plantar fasciitis, here are some things you should look for:

Arch Support

Insoles with good arch support can help to redistribute pressure across the foot and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Look for insoles with a deep heel cup and a contoured arch that matches the natural shape of your foot.

There are various types of arch support available, ranging from minimal to maximum support. It may be helpful to try several different types of support and determine which one provides the most relief for your symptoms.

As you experiment with different levels of arch support, it is important to pay attention to your body’s response. If you experience increased pain or discomfort, it may be a sign that the level of support is too high or too low.

Cushioning

Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain

Insoles with good cushioning can help to absorb shock and reduce the impact on the plantar fascia. When shopping, look for insoles with thick, soft foam or gel padding.

The type of activity you are doing can also influence the amount of cushioning you need. For example, running may require more cushioning than walking due to the impact on your feet.

If you are new to cushioning, it is essential to gradually increase the level of cushioning you use. This will give your feet time to adjust to the new cushioning and prevent additional pain.

Material

Plantar Fasciitis Custom Insoles For Foot Pain

In addition to being aware of the amount of cushioning and arch support, you also need to keep the type of material the insole is made from in mind.

Insoles that are durable can provide long-lasting support and help prevent the need for frequent replacement. Opt for insoles made from high-quality materials designed to withstand regular wear and tear such as memory foam, EVA, or gel.

Size and Fit

Finding the correct size and fit can be difficult to find. The over-the-counter insole market is flooded with insoles that are intended to fit as many feet as possible.

It’s important to choose insoles that fit your shoes properly and provide the right level of support.

That said, you can look for insoles available in a range of sizes and trimmed to fit your shoes, or you can choose to opt for custom orthotics.

Find Insoles Recommended by Medical Professionals

Consult with a medical professional like a podiatrist or physical therapist to determine which type of insoles are best for your specific condition. They may recommend certain brands or types of insoles that have been proven effective in treating plantar fasciitis.

It is also typical for doctors to recommend custom orthotic insoles as an option when it comes to plantar fasciitis treatment, as a designer will specifically make the insole to fit your needs.

Other Treatment Options

The treatment options for plantar fasciitis depend on the severity of the condition and the individual’s specific symptoms. However, in general, doctors usually recommend conservative treatments first before considering more invasive options.

These conservative treatments often include rest, ice, stretching exercises, and proper footwear.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs may also be recommended. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is also a course of action often considered for plantar fasciitis treatment. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain.

If these treatments do not provide sufficient relief, the doctor may consider more aggressive, rigorous options, such as physical therapy, orthotics, or corticosteroid injections. In rare cases and as a last resort, surgery may be necessary to release the tension on the plantar fascia.

Find Pain Relief With Custom Orthotics

Studies have shown that custom orthotics can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, reducing pain and improving function. These are commonly used in physical therapy, but they can be ordered privately through companies like Bilt Labs, which sends your custom orthotics straight to your door.

Trust our team to help relieve your plantar fasciitis pain and find the best insoles. We have insoles for every lifestyle and every footwear type. Try our free online analysis today and get started healing your plantar fasciitis!

Frequently Asked Questions?

  • What insole is good for plantar fasciitis?
    • If you have plantar fasciitis, it is best to look for insoles that have cushioning, and arch support, and that are made from high-quality material.
  • What insoles do doctors recommend?
    • Doctors often recommend custom orthotic insoles.
  • Do insoles fix plantar fasciitis?
    • Using custom orthotics like Bilt Labs, can help you recover in just a few months.
  • Is extra arch support good for plantar fasciitis?
    • Yes, arch support can help redistribute pressure on the plantar fascia.