5 Things a Plantar Fasciitis Insole Must Have to be Effective

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Before answering the question, “What is the best insole for plantar fasciitis?”, it is essential to understand the condition, including its cause, the symptoms, and who is most at risk.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain in the United States. It is the inflammation along the plantar fascia, a bowstring-shaped band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. This band of tissue supports the arch of your foot and serves to provide shock absorption when you walk.

The condition is marked by a persistent stabbing pain that most commonly occurs after a period of rest, such as when you first wake up in the morning or after sitting for a lengthy amount of time. The pain decreases with activity but recurs again after rest.

While anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, you are more likely to develop the condition if you:

• Spend significant time on your feet each day
• Are obese
• Are between 40 and 60 years of age
• Are flat-footed or have high arching feet
• Have an abnormal walking pattern
• Engage in certain types of activities, such as long-distance running or ballet dancing

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the stress and tension placed upon the plantar fascia becomes too great. When this happens, the band can sustain small tears and inflammation.

The Purpose of Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

Are you wondering, “What is the best insole for plantar fasciitis?”

To better understand which plantar fasciitis insoles are the best, it is important to learn how these insoles alleviate strain on your plantar fascia caused by long periods of time on your feet. 

Your body is not meant to stand for extended periods, day in and day out, yet you likely do. Most occupations require employees to walk or stand for the majority of their day. Recent surveys have shown that the average worker in the U.S. spends 61 percent of their workday walking or standing. Some industries, such as retail, electricians, pharmacists, welders, and food industry workers must stand or walk between 78 and 96 percent of their day. The more you’re on your feet, the more considerable amount of stress is placed on your feet and joints. That stress can cause several painful and, at times, debilitating conditions, including plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis insoles can alleviate painful symptoms by reducing that stress. Insoles provide comfort, support, effectively distribute the stress in your feet, and offer shock absorption. Studies have shown that wearing plantar fasciitis insoles can significantly decrease foot pain and increase foot function capacities within four weeks.

The 5 Features a Plantar Fasciitis Insole Must Have to be Effective

1. Arch Support

Arch support is important for any plantar fasciitis insole as it lessens the foot pain that you feel when walking and standing for long periods. Arch support provides stability, helps you maintain balance, and distributes pressure across your feet. This can help lessen the pain associated with conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Since arch support distributes pressure across your feet, it’s also great for your joints and can help reduce joint pain.

2. Shock Absorption 

One of the best features of a plantar fasciitis insole is shock absorption. A good insole is designed to minimize the amount of stress you put on your plantar fascia and joints. The best plantar fasciitis insoles will include shock absorption features that protect your feet from impact as you walk and stand.

3. Properly aligned Heel Cushion

The soft cushioning of an insole is one of the factors that determine the level of comfort and support that is provided. Not all cushioning is the same. Some insoles include proper alignment features that work together with the cushioning on the heel of the insole to provide better support.

4. Fit Your Shoe Correctly

You should always make sure the insoles you purchase fit your shoes correctly. Your heels should not slip, and the insole should fit comfortably. When selecting an insole, make sure you choose an insole that corresponds with your shoe size. If you use an incorrect shoe size, it could potentially exasperate your symptoms.

5. Affordability

When searching for the best insole for plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to choose one that provides the best value. Insoles vary in price, with some brands being far more affordable than others. You can determine the affordability and value of each type of insole by comparing the cost with the various features the insole offers.

The number of features and whether you need an insole that offers more benefits will largely depend on your routine, the symptoms you are experiencing, and your overall health. If you have severe symptoms, you may wish to purchase an insole that has a greater shock absorbing ability.

Other Conditions That Can Benefit from Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

While the question, “What is the best insole for plantar fasciitis?” is an important one, it is worth knowing that these insoles can also benefit conditions such as:

• Obesity: Obesity increases the stress that your body places on weight-bearing joints. This extra stress can increase your risk for other conditions, including plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis. Using insoles provides additional comfort and spreads the weight more evenly throughout your feet.
• Over-Supination: Over-supination is when your foot rolls too far outward when you walk. This walking abnormality can be corrected with a supportive and properly angled insole. Insoles can correct the anomaly by forcing your feet to roll more inward as you walk.
• Over-Pronation: Like over-supination, over-pronation is a problem with the way that you walk. Over-pronation is when the arch of your foot rolls inward when you step. Insoles help keep your foot more aligned and help your heel stay supported.

Can You Benefit from Insoles Without a Medical Condition?

Insoles can provide support and comfort regardless of whether you have developed plantar fasciitis or not. Having the right insole can help reduce aches and pains, reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis or other conditions, and reduce the stress on your joints.

What is the Best Insole for Plantar Fasciitis?

Are you wondering, “What is the best insole for plantar fasciitis?”   

Medi-Dyne® now offers more than sixty patented products that are designed to help prevent and treat medical conditions that impact the feet, legs, back and arms. With products offered in over 70 countries, Medi-Dyne is committed to supplying customers with no less than the best.

Tuli's Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

If you’re suffering from inflammation and painful plantar fasciitis symptoms, you must select the best type of insole for you. The Tuli’s® Plantar Fasciitis Insoles will provide your feet with shock absorption, comfort, and support to help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Tuli's® Plantar Fasciitis Insoles

$49.99

The insoles are 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.

★★★★★ 5 Star Review

The best insoles yet.
"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.