Foot Health - Best Shoes to Ease Plantar Fasciitis

By Andy Fish

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.