The last couple of blogs on this page have explored plantar fasciitis—one of the
the two most common conditions seen by our podiatry experts.
Plantar fasciitis patients have multiple options for self-managing symptoms. In the previous blog post, we explored night braces to manage plantar fasciitis; socks have the blog spotlight for this blog.
Read on to learn all about plantar fasciitis socks in this Q&A with the Foot Specialists of Birmingham!
Plantar Fasciitis Socks FAQs
What do plantar fasciitis socks do?
Plantar fasciitis socks are a kind of compression socks uniquely designed to relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Plantar fasciitis pain radiates in one or both feet throughout the heel and sole due to inflammation or tearing of the plantar fascia ligament. The plantar fascia ligament connects the heel and sole and supports many other foot structures that control movement in the foot.
Overexerting and overstretching your feet (gradually over time or resulting from an injury) are the most significant factors in developing plantar fasciitis. Still, the inflammation usually flares up and causes painful cramping along the plantar surface after a period of inactivity, especially after waking up or sitting at a desk for too long.
In other words, once you have plantar fasciitis, you must stretch and move your feet to prevent flare-ups. Plantar fasciitis socks apply gentle pressure to the feet, stretching them and increasing circulation, which helps expedite tissue repair and relieve pain.
What is it like to wear plantar fasciitis socks?
You wear plantar fasciitis socks like regular socks, but their shape is contoured to cover and compress most of the foot—your heel, sole, and ankle—excluding the toe area.
The beneficial squeeze of the compression might initially feel odd, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it hurts. If you have the right size and compression level, you’ll quickly get used to it.
As a bonus, plantar fasciitis socks don’t have any hard, pokey plastic or metal components, unlike the braces you can sleep in for the same condition. Plus, many online brands sell plantar fasciitis socks with various compression levels, sizes, and unique designs that range from fun and flattering to plain and functional.
Do plantar fasciitis socks actually work?
In short, yes, plantar fasciitis socks are a helpful product that relieves many patients’ plantar fasciitis pain. However, they may not work for everyone and are not a cure.
Still, you don’t want just any plantar fasciitis socks; getting the right fit is critical. If the socks are too loose or the compression is too low, they will not be able to produce the desired therapeutic benefits. Too much compression, on the other hand, can further inflame the plantar fasciitis and cut off circulation.
Should I try plantar fasciitis socks?
The only people who should try plantar fasciitis socks are those with a clinical diagnosis, and even then, they should still discuss it with a podiatrist first.
Many people mistakenly believe they have plantar fasciitis because they looked up “foot pain causes” online or a general practitioner misdiagnosed them. General practitioners and everyday people lack the comprehensive knowledge of plantar fasciitis’ complicated pathophysiology that podiatrists have.
Wearing socks or night braces for plantar fasciitis when you have another foot condition (or no foot conditions at all) can have consequences, such as the development of plantar fasciitis due to overextension of the plantar fascia.
Where can I get a plantar fasciitis diagnosis in Birmingham, AL?
As mentioned in one of the previous answers, the best way to get a plantar fasciitis diagnosis, treatment, and tools for symptom management is to go to a podiatrist.
Contact our staff today and schedule a visit with the Foot Specialists of Birmingham to learn the root cause of your foot pain and begin your healing journey.
