The Best Plantar Fasciitis Socks

Characterized by heel pain, plantar fasciitis is caused by excessive pressure on the plantar fascia ligament that runs from the front of the foot to the heel. Luckily, plantar fasciitis socks can go a long way to alleviating the pain and stiffness of this debilitating condition. Keep reading to find out more about how plantar fasciitis socks can help you.

Common Plantar Fasciitis Questions

See some of the most frequently-asked plantar fasciitis questions here

• How Do You Get Plantar Fasciitis?

  The plantar fascia ligament connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It absorbs the pressure of walking and supports the arches. Placing too much stress on the feet can cause damage to the plantar fascia, resulting in pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Some of the contributing factors to plantar fasciitis also include flat feet, high arches, and wearing unsupportive shoes.

• How Do Plantar Fasciitis Socks Work?

  Plantar fasciitis socks are form-fitting to support the arches and stretch the fascia ligament. It is this gentle stretch that reduces the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. In addition, plantar fasciitis socks also deliver compression to increase blood flow and promote healing.

• Should You Wear Plantar Fasciitis Socks to Bed?

  Plantar fasciitis socks can be worn in bed, provided that they are comfortable. In fact, the gentle stretch of plantar fasciitis socks at night can make the first few steps in the morning a lot less painful. This is because the fascia ligament rests in a shortened position.

• Should You Stay Off Your Feet With Plantar Fasciitis?

  As plantar fasciitis is caused by placing stress on your feet, it is recommended that you minimize walking for at least the first 2 weeks of treatment. In most cases, you can resume your normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks of starting treatment.

Other Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Besides plantar fasciitis socks, here are some other ways you can alleviate the symptoms of this debilitating condition.

• Insoles

  Off-the-shelf and custom-fitted orthotics can help to redistribute the pressure you place on your feet while walking. They can also add extra cushioning and support to protect your feet as you go about your day.

• Stretching Exercises

  Gently stretching the plantar fascia, the Achilles tendon, and the lower leg muscles is a great way of alleviating the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. Some low-impact exercises include curling and relaxing the toes, and making circles with the feet.

• Night Splints

  Worn while you sleep, night splints keep your feet at a 90-degree angle. This stretches the plantar fascia ligaments and the Achilles tendon, minimizing the pain of plantar fasciitis when you get out of bed.

• Medication and Injections

  If you suffer from severe plantar fasciitis pain that does not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, your doctor may prescribe steroid injections. The steroids are injected directly into the fascia to alleviate both pain and inflammation for around a month. Regular shots are not recommended, however, as they can weaken the plantar fascia.

• Surgery

  Surgery is only performed in very severe cases of plantar fasciitis, and, as such, is not required by most people. The surgery involves detaching the plantar fascia from the heel bone. The operation can usually be done under local anesthesia.

Weighing All the Factors

Taking everything into account, our pick for best plantar fasciitis socks are SB SOX’s compression foot sleeves. Made from a moisture-wicking fabric, these garments offer a form-fitting design for optimal compression. Physix Gear’s socks with arch support and TruCompress’ plantar fasciitis socks come in close second when it comes to both comfort and functionality.