Best Shoes to Ease Plantar Fasciitis

If you experience the excruciating heel pain of plantar fasciitis, wearing shoes and going about all day on your feet can be challenging.

Despite the many exercises you do and the countless orthotics you use, it's hard for you to find a shoe that is both stylish and comfortable.

As you've gone out shoe-shopping, you notice that shoes that are designed for this foot issue can be quite expensive.

While there aren't any shoes that can treat or cure your plantar fasciitis, there are plenty of shoes that can help minimize your pain. Before taking the plunge into the investment of a pair of expensive shoes, here are things to look for in a shoe that can ease your pain and discomfort:

Arch support
Provide a rocking motion
Proper alignment
Easy to slide on and off
Closed-in heel that makes the heel stay on your foot
Firm, yet flexible mid-sole
Deep heel cup
Removable insole
Available in wide sizes
Shock absorption
Rounded toe box
For professional women, it can be even more difficult in finding shoes that are appropriate for the office as well as being comfortable. Many think that heels and plantar fasciitis don't mix. This, however, is only partially accurate. While very high heels will cause aggravation and pain, heels two inches or less commonly provide relief.
Most shoes that are designed to relieve this condition will give added support and comfort that takes the pressure, stress and shock off the fascia.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

You likely have heard of plantar fasciitis or know of at least one person who has it. Maybe you have experienced severe pain in your heel or in the arch of your foot. While it is recommended that you talk to your podiatrist about your foot issue, as he or she will be able to properly diagnose your foot condition.

Here is a brief description of what this condition is:

Plantar fasciitis is a painful, common foot condition where the fascia in the heel becomes inflamed, irritated or overly thickened. The fasciitis is the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, starting at the heel and going to the ball of the foot.

When the fasciitis pain occurs, it is usually felt in the heel and the arch of the foot. Painful flare-up occur right when one gets up from bed in the morning or who has just stood up after a long time of sitting. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a variety of things including working long hours on the feet, being overweight, exercising too rigorously, experience an injury, having flat feet or too high of arches in the feet or a shortened Achilles tendon.

While living with plantar fasciitis is a painful challenge, there are shoes out there that can provide much-needed relief. Shoes designed for plantar fasciitis problem relief can also be stylish and appropriate for work.

Certain stretches and exercises and orthotics can complement your shoes to give your feet the comfort and support they need, which in turn can help you go about with your life.

If you have any questions about plantar fasciitis or shoe or orthotic recommendations, contact your podiatrist.

Common Heel Ailments

Your feet are important and when you experience pain or discomfort that limits your ability to use your feet, daily life can become difficult. In fact, your overall quality of life may be lowered.

While something wrong with even your small toe, or a blister on the heel can negatively impact your proper mobility, it isn't any wonder the great extent something like heel pain can do.

If you have pain or discomfort in your heel, there are many causes. If the pain is chronic and severe enough to greatly impact the daily use of your foot, it is highly recommended that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

For other heel pain ailments, you may be able to get relief and treatment in a variety of ways from stretches to orthotics.

Not every heel pain ailment can be effectively treated in the same manner. It is important, then, to know what the cause of your heel ailment is.

Below are common heel ailments that you may be suffering from:

Stone Bruise

This common heel ailment occurs when you step on a hard or sharp object such as a stone or pebble. A bruise on the fat pad of the heel can result, with some, temporary minor pain and discoloration. The pain typically goes away with rest.

Plantar Fasciitis (Subcalcaneal Pain)

With plantar fasciitis, the tissue band (fascia) that connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed and irritated. The pain is located under the heel and is worse with the first few steps in the morning. Heel pads, medication and certain exercises can help reduce the severity of pain and inflammation flare-ups.

Heel Spur

Heel spurs often form as a result of chronic plantar fasciitis. They are calcium deposits formed on the fascia tissue. There may not be pain associated with heel spur.

Pain Behind the Heel

Pain behind the heel can have multiple causes, with the most common being a tear or inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The heel pain tends to build over time and the skin behind the heel can become thick, red and swollen.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a common sports injury caused by the overuse of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Sharp, debilitating pain from the back of the heel may result.

Heel Bone Fracture

It takes a lot of force and pressure to fracture your heel bone. Falls from ladders, jumps from high heights and victims of car accidents are common causes of heel bone fracture. Heel fractures are painful and severe, requiring prompt treatment, which is usually heel reconstruction surgery.

Heel bone fractures can lead to future heel issues including chronic pain, swelling, loss of motion in the foot and arthritis.

Cracked Heels

Heels with severely cracked skin and open sores can make walking difficult, especially with the rubbing of shoes. Cracked skin can be treated by avoiding open-backed shoes, weight loss, and moisturizing lotion. While cracked heels can be simply dry skin, it can also be a symptom of diabetes and the loss of foot nerve function.

Haglund's Deformity

Those with Haglund's Deformity develop a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that causes painful irritation and inflammation of the bursa (the fluid-filled sac that lies between the Achilles tendon and heel bone. The bony enlargement also rubs against the back of shoes, causing blisters.

Medial and Lateral Plantar Nerve Entrapment

Those who have constant pain regardless of whether they're standing or sitting and have pain that's made worse with moving the ankle, wearing certain shoes or physical activities such as running may have medial or lateral plantar nerve entrapment. With this nerve entrapment, the nerves between the bones, ligaments and other connective tissues of the foot are pinched, or compressed, causing near constant pain.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

With tarsal tunnel syndrome, there is a tingling or a numbness that originates at the heel and moves to the toes before ending up by the ankles. Orthotics, better shoes, ankle braces, physical therapy and surgery are common treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Heel pain can be debilitating and greatly affect your mobility and quality of life. There can also be numerous causes behind your heel pain. It is important to make an appointment with your podiatrist to figure out what is specifically causing your heel pain and to learn about the best, appropriate treatment.