How are Plantar Fasciitis Insoles Different from Regular Insoles?

Foot pain is common, especially if you have an occupation that requires you to spend lengthy amounts of time on your feet. Today, it’s estimated that average workers spend at least 61 percent of their workday on their feet. Certain industries, including waiters, waitresses, retail staff, and pharmacists, spend up to 96 percent of their workday standing.

Humans were never meant to stand in place or walk for hours on end. While your feet are incredibly adaptable, your body has its limits.

If you must stand on your feet all day, having proper insoles and well-fitted shoes can help. With so many types of insoles available, how do you know what’s right for you? Who can benefit from a plantar fasciitis insole, a more specific type of insole?

What are Insoles?

Insoles are shoe inserts designed to replace the insoles within your shoes that provide additional support and comfort. There are various types of insoles for numerous conditions and functions.

Many insoles are designed to provide your feet with cushioning which can reduce pain and stress on your feet and joints. However, some types of insoles include more features and are used to treat certain medical conditions such as plantar fasciitis, diabetes, arthritis, and more.

Insoles should be used if you spend a lot of time on your feet or if you suffer from foot pain. These products are sold over the counter, which means that you do not need a prescription to buy them. You can find them online, at pharmacies, and even at certain grocers and superstores.

The type of insole that you need depends on your medical history and your symptoms. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, you will benefit most from a plantar fasciitis insole.

How Plantar Fasciitis Insoles Differ from Regular Insoles

A plantar fasciitis insole is a type of insole that is used to treat plantar fasciitis. This type of insole helps alleviate painful symptoms by providing support, comfort, shock absorption, and evenly distributing the stress on your feet. The people suffering from plantar fasciitis can generally get relief quickly as studies have shown a significant increase in foot function and a decrease in foot pain within four weeks.

The Most Effective Plantar Fasciitis Insole Features

The best plantar fasciitis insoles will include several key features that treat the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and reduce inflammation along the plantar fascia, a flat band of tissue that connects your toes with your heel bone.

When choosing a plantar fasciitis insole, it is important to select one that includes features such as:

• Arch Support: Having the right amount of arch support is one of the most essential features of a plantar fasciitis insole. Arch support lessens foot pain by providing stability, balance, and the even distribution of pressure along your foot.
• Shock Absorption: Another must-have feature, shock absorption, minimizes the amount of pressure and stress that is placed on your joints and plantar fascia. This helps reduce the tension and inflammation of the plantar fascia by protecting your feet from the impact as you walk.
• Proper fit: If the insole doesn’t fit properly or stay in place, it will not perform well. Selecting an insole that comes in multiple sizes and can be trimmed to fit if necessary is essential.
• Comfortable:  Like anything, if it isn’t comfortable, you won’t wear it. Insoles that provide shock absorption but are also comfortable can be a challenge. Be sure to select an insole that is proven to give you both.

The additional features and added levels of comfort you might need will depend on the severity of your plantar fasciitis symptoms as well as any other medical conditions that impact your foot health.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that is caused by tears and inflammation along the plantar fascia. This inflammation creates stabbing heel pain that is most prevalent after resting with symptoms temporarily decreasing with activity. When left untreated, symptoms can worsen over time and may lead to other health problems in the foot, back, or hip as you may change the way you walk because of the chronic pain.

The Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp, stabbing pain along the bottom of your foot near your heel bone. The pain caused by plantar fasciitis is generally at its worst after:

• Standing for long periods
• Getting up after sitting
• Getting up after sleeping 
• Exercise

Assessing Your Risk for Plantar Fasciitis

Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, even without exhibiting one or more high-risk factors. However, you are more likely to develop this condition if you

• Are between 40 and 60 years of age
• Are obese
• Have an occupation that requires you to stay on your feet for long periods 
• Are flat-footed or have a high arched foot
• Have an abnormal walking pattern, such as over-supination or over-pronation.

Additional Conditions That Benefit from a Plantar Fasciitis Insole

A plantar fasciitis insole is the best type of insole to treat plantar fasciitis, but other conditions can benefit from this type of shoe insert.

1. Over-Supination

   If your feet roll too far forward when you walk, you may have an abnormal walking pattern called over-supination. Over-supination increases your risk of developing plantar fasciitis and other conditions. A plantar fasciitis insole can correct this walking pattern as the insole forces your feet to eliminate the outward tilt while you’re walking.

2. Over-Pronation

   Another risk factor for plantar fasciitis, over-pronation, is a walking abnormality that occurs when your feet roll too far inward while walking. A well-made plantar fasciitis insole can help adjust the way you walk by keeping your feet more aligned and providing extra support to your heel.

3. Obesity

   While obesity cannot be curbed by a plantar fasciitis insole, the use of this type of insole will help distribute pressure and weight more evenly along your foot. Extra body weight places increased pressure on your plantar fascia and weight-bearing joints, so insoles can reduce your risk of other health conditions.

Caring for Your Plantar Fasciitis Heel Insole

Like most insoles, proper care of your plantar fasciitis insoles can help them last longer and provide the right amount of comfort and support.

You can keep your plantar fasciitis insoles in better condition by:

• Removing Them from Your Shoes After Use: If you’re on your feet for long periods of the day, your plantar fasciitis insoles can quickly become sweaty. Moisture can get trapped within the insole, which can accelerate how quickly they break down. It’s recommended that you remove your insoles after use each day to let them breathe and dry before placing them back into your shoes. 
• Hand-Washing Your Insole: You can wash your plantar fasciitis insoles in water using sports detergent or mild soap. After hand-washing, rinse them out and allow them to air dry before putting them back into your shoes.

Finding the Plantar Fasciitis Insole That’s Right for You

Finding the right plantar fasciitis insole can help alleviate the painful symptoms of your plantar fasciitis, even when staying off your feet just isn’t feasible. By providing added support, stability, shock absorption, and arch support, the Tuli’s® Plantar Fasciitis Insoles can reduce the inflammation and stress on your plantar fascia.

Tuli’s® Plantar Fasciitis Insoles are full-length insoles designed specifically for plantar fasciitis. They provide cushioning and Tuli’s® multi-cell, multi-layer design supports the heel for immediate comfort. A strategically angled arch cradles and supports the foot and provides proper alignment. Metatarsal pad provides added comfort while a metatarsal arch provides additional support. 

The Tuli’s brand of plantar fasciitis products have been used and recommended by podiatrists for more than 30 years. If you’re suffering from painful symptoms, there’s no reason to bear the pain any longer and every reason to seek treatment. 

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"I gotta say, I was desperate when I found these insoles. I suffer from plantars fasciitis and work 10+ hour shifts in a warehouse and I'm on my feet 95% of my shift so I was in constant agony with the Dr. Scholl's insoles I was using. So when I came across these, of course I was hoping and wishing that they'd help and I'm so incredibly happy I ordered them! It took a couple of days for my feet to almost fully stop aching and throbbing but I literally have almost no pain at all now. I just can't believe it! I am so eternally grateful for this company to have made this for us. Thank you so much for these insoles, they really made a difference in my life!!! I absolutely recommend them to everyone suffering from terrible foot pain 😃" - Vanessa I.

Tuli’s® Plantar Fasciitis Insoles are designed to treat plantar fasciitis and alleviate painful symptoms while providing your feet the support they need. If you still have questions? Contact our customer support team to get started. 

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5 THINGS A PLANTAR FASCIITIS INSOLE MUST HAVE TO BE EFFECTIVE

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PLANTAR FASCIITIS, A REASON TO WORRY?

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PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website and article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation.