Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis | Insoles and Beyond

Wearing the right shoe inserts (insoles) can treat the common heel pain known as plantar fasciitis. 

Are you experiencing sharp pain in your heel after long walks, after running, or after standing on your feet all day?  Is the pain most acute when you take those first steps in the morning?  Chances are that pain is plantar fasciitis (often described as heel spurs).  No need to panic - this is a common condition.  Also, don't ignore the problem.  Plantar fasciitis can be prevented, treated, and healed.

Here's what you need to know about plantar fasciitis and how to get back to your regular activities. 

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that runs along the bottom of your feet. The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes.  When plantar fascia becomes inflamed (usually due to overuse) the pain typically manifests as sharp pain in the heel - plantar fasciitis. 

Symptoms

Typically, the pain of plantar fasciitis is not present during a particular activity such as running or sports.  The pain usually show up in the hours after the activity ends or when you get up in the morning. 

Causes

Overuse (exercise, running, or jogging) is not the only cause of plantar fasciitis.  It can develop as the result of gaining weight or simply aging. Here are some other causes of plantar fasciitis:  

• Structure of the feet (a high arch or flat feet)
• Structure of the legs (uneven length or abnormal posture)
• Tight calf muscles
• Standing on hard surfaces
• Wearing shoes (high-heeled, worn out, poorly cushioned, or shoes with thin soles or weak arch support)
• Pronation
• Increased intensity in physical activity

Treatment

One of the most conservative and easiest ways to treat and prevent plantar fasciitis is by wearing insoles.  Here are some of the best insoles for plantar fasciitis. 

• Heel-That-Pain Full Length Heel Seats

• medi footsupport Heel Spur Insoles

• New Balance Supportive Cushioning 3810

If plantar fasciitis persists for a long time, see your healthcare provider. 

Plantar Fasciitis Shoe Inserts | Insoles and Beyond

Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Treatments, and Insoles.

Plantar fasciitis (often diagnosed as heel spurs) is one of the most common causes of pain to both recreational and serious runners and other athletes. It affects not only novice runners but also the pros. Many runners ignore the pain and seek treatment only after the problem becomes severe. The best step is to treat the problem early on, so it will not worsen and limit you from running or going about your usual activities.

The causes of plantar fasciitis are not always due to trauma or direct injury but rather they are usually the result of neglect. Here are the most common causes: 

• Overtraining; 
• Biomechanical Flaws (Flat or High-Arched Feet); 
• Wearing Old/Worn Running Shoes; 
• Running on Hard Surfaces (Asphalt or Concrete); 
• Tight Achilles Tendons or Calf Muscles; 
• Excessive Pronation; and
• Wearing High Heels.

Treatments and Prevention

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most bothersome running injuries due to its stubborn nature.  It may take months or even years to heal.  That's why it is important to catch and treat it early on. With early detection and proper treatment, plantar fasciitis doesn't have to linger. Try the following actions at the first sign of soreness in the arch or the heel.

• Rest Your Feet - Refrain from running and limit the time you spend on your feet.  Instead, try biking, swimming, yoga.

• Roll Ice on Your Feet - Roll something cold or frozen such as water bottle on your foot arch for 20 minutes every evening to heal the affected tissues.

• Stretch Your Calf - Make it a habit to stretch your calf throughout the day.  Try to stretch 10 times a day for 30 to 60 seconds at a time. 

• Wear Shoes - Avoid going barefoot. Put on rigid shoes that bend only at the toes. You can test the shoes by turning them upside down, grabbing both ends, and bending them. The ones that fold in the middle may have caused your pain.  
• Try Insoles - Wear the right plantar fasciitis shoe inserts to help reduce the pain and prevent the injury from worsening, too. 

Here are some good options to help you treat and prevent plantar fasciitis: 

Heel-That-Pain. 

medi footsupport Heel Spur Pro.

Powerstep UltraStretch Night Sock.

What are the best inserts for standing all day?

We don’t have to look far to see the negative impact that sitting all day is having on those who work sedentary jobs. Most of us know someone who has a health condition that could be improved if they were more active during their day. It is not uncommon for those who have to stand all day to experience problems as well. Mailmen, beauticians, teachers, nurses, sales clerks, chefs, waitresses and others working in similar careers experience problems related to being on their feet all day. Concrete flooring is unforgiving and negatively impacts feet and posture. The most ideal work situation would be one of alternating between standing, walking and sitting or lying. It’s hard to think of many jobs where the ideal is reality. Thankfully, we have some of the best inserts for standing all day.  

It is difficult to find shoes that provide the kind of cushioning and support needed for standing over an extended period of time. When pain caused by standing all day is experienced, our bodies compensate by putting additional weight on the opposite parts of the feet, which can cause misalignment of the spine and add back pain to foot problems. The best shoe inserts for standing all day provide cushioning, comfort and support.

Repetitive strain injuries occur from activities that harm the body. Work that requires standing all day adds uncommon stress on the back, hips, legs, knees and feet. The best shoe inserts for standing all day relieve discomfort and fatigue in feet, knees, hips and lower back, increasing productivity as you feel better and more energized. Finding the best shoe inserts for standing all day can prevent excess stress and strain on the body.

What to consider when selecting your best shoe inserts for standing all day

• Pay attention to where you are experiencing the most pain.  
• What are your primary daily activities? Sitting, standing, walking?
• Any foot conditions you may suffer from like dropped arches, corns, bunions or calluses.

An assessment of your answers will assist in selecting the best insert for you.

The best shoe inserts for standing all day provide:

• Cushioning
• Shock absorption
• Better balance
• Prevent blisters
• Prevent sweating
• Lessen muscle fatigue
• Limit excess stress on lower back, hips, knees and feet

Inserts are more art than science and depend greatly on individual comfort. Consider Insoles and Beyond your art gallery and let us help you make the selection that best suits your tastes and needs.  

Here are some of our recommendations.

New Balance 3810; 

New Balance 3030; 

Archmolds Ultimate; 

Powerstep ComfortLast; 

Sof Sole Airr Orthotic;