Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Finding the right shoes can be an essential part of managing this condition. Here are some conclusions from foot treatment journal articles that study the best shoes for plantar fasciitis:
- "Footwear and plantar pressures in patients with plantar fasciitis" by William R. Post et al. in Foot & Ankle International, January 2005.
This study found that shoes with good arch support and cushioning can reduce plantar pressure in patients with plantar fasciitis. Specifically, shoes with a cushioned sole, a deep heel cup, and firm arch support effectively reduced plantar pressure.
- "Effect of shoe inserts and foot orthotics on plantar pressure distribution in patients with plantar fasciitis" by Tariq M. Alshami et al. in Foot & Ankle International, June 2008.
This study compared different types of shoe inserts and foot orthotics in patients with plantar fasciitis. The results showed that custom-made orthotics with arch support and a deep heel cup were the most effective in reducing plantar pressure and relieving pain.
- "Shoe inserts and plantar fasciitis: A randomised, controlled trial" by Michael W. McPoil et al. in The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, September/October 2008.
This study compared different types of shoe inserts in patients with plantar fasciitis. The results showed that prefabricated shoe inserts with arch support and a metatarsal pad were effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.
In summary, journal articles and studies suggest that shoes with good arch support, a cushioned sole, and a deep heel cup can effectively reduce plantar pressure and relieve pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Custom-made orthotics with arch support and a deep heel cup can also effectively manage this condition. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
How Do I Evaluate My Shoes To See If They Are Right Or Wrong For My Plantar Fasciitis Pain
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it is essential to wear shoes appropriate for your condition.
Wearing the wrong shoes can exacerbate your symptoms, while wearing the right shoes can help you recover more quickly.
In this article section from the London Foot Pain Clinic, we will discuss how to evaluate your shoes to see if they are appropriate for plantar fasciitis recovery.
To evaluate your shoes, there are three tests that you can perform.
- The first test is the twist test.
- To perform this test, hold your shoe in both hands and twist the sole to see how much rotation it gets. Shoes with a lot of rotation are inappropriate for plantar fasciitis recovery, as they do not provide adequate support for the foot.
- The second test is the toe bend test.
- To perform this test, hold the toe end of the sole and try to bend it upwards. If the toe bend is excessive, it can promote stress onto the heel end of the fascia, which can exacerbate your symptoms.
- Finally, the third test:
- The third test evaluates the material that supports the inside arch of your shoe. To perform this test, grab the fabric inside the ankle hole with two fingers and try to shift it in & out. The stiffer the material, the better, as it provides more support for the foot. If the material moves quickly, like in a pair of canvas shoes, they are not appropriate for plantar fasciitis recovery.
Quick tips when shopping:
When shopping for new shoes, looking for shoes that provide adequate support for your feet is essential.
Look for shoes with firm arch support, a deep heel cup, and a cushioned sole.
These features can help to reduce plantar pressure and relieve pain.
What's the correct type of shoe to wear - so I can plan my next purchase?
It is essential to consider the type of shoes you wear for different activities. For-foot running-style shoes can promote stress onto the heel end of the fascia, exacerbating your symptoms. Instead, opt for shoes with a lower heel drop and a wider toe box. These shoes can help reduce foot stress and promote proper alignment.
In conclusion, evaluating your shoes is essential in managing plantar fasciitis.
By performing the twist, toe bend, and arch support tests, you can determine if your shoes are appropriate for plantar fasciitis recovery. When shopping for new shoes, look for shoes with firm arch support, a deep heel cup, and a cushioned sole.
Additionally, consider the type of shoes you wear for different activities and opt for shoes that promote proper alignment and reduce stress on the foot. With the right shoes, you can manage your symptoms and recover more quickly from plantar fasciitis.
We often advise clients to cycle their trainers between two different designs as we typically find each shoe has good and bad elements for recovery. And by changing the foot covering regularly, you can avoid repetitive stress.
In this next section, we compare orthotic insert types for plantar fasciitis:
What Is Better, Custom-Made Orthotics or Prescription
Custom-made and Prescription orthotics are two common treatments for various foot and ankle conditions, including plantar fasciitis.
Both types of orthotics aim to correct foot and ankle alignment and support the arches of the feet - the main factor that prevents plantar fasciitis pain development. If plantar fasciitis is targeted early enough, this orthotic solution is enough. Still, more stimulation (like active rehab and shock wave therapy) is often required in long-developing or more complex cases. The London Foot Pain Clinic, Based in Wimbledon, offers all three treatments.
Below, we will compare the effectiveness of custom-made and Prescription orthotics for plantar fasciitis using data from journal articles and other reputable sources.
Custom Made Orthotics
Custom-made orthotics are individually designed and fabricated for a specific patient. They are typically made from a mould/3d scan of the patient's foot, which a podiatrist or other healthcare professional takes. Custom-made orthotics can be made from various materials, including rigid plastics, flexible rubbers, and foams.
One study published in The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery in 2007 compared custom-made orthotics to over-the-counter orthotics in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study found that custom-made orthotics were more effective in reducing pain and improving function than over-the-counter orthotics. The authors concluded that custom-made orthotics should be considered a first-line treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Another study published in The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association in 2010 compared custom-made orthotics to sham orthotics in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study found that custom-made orthotics were more effective in reducing pain and improving function than sham orthotics. The authors concluded that custom-made orthotics should be considered a treatment option for patients with plantar fasciitis.
Prescription Orthotics
Prescription orthotics are prefabricated devices designed to correct foot and ankle alignment and support the arches of the feet. A healthcare professional typically prescribes them, which can be purchased at a medical supply store or online. Prescription orthotics can be made from various materials, including plastics, rubbers, and foams.
One study published in The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research in 2014 compared prescription orthotics to sham orthotics in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study found that prescription orthotics were more effective in reducing pain and improving function than sham orthotics. The authors concluded that prescription orthotics should be considered a treatment option for patients with plantar fasciitis.
Another study published in The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (2013) compared prescription and over-the-counter orthotics in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study found that prescription orthotics were more effective in reducing pain and improving function than over-the-counter orthotics. The authors concluded that prescription orthotics should be considered a first-line treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Comparison of Effectiveness of Custom Made Orthotics vs Prescription.
While both custom-made orthotics and prescription orthotics are effective in treating plantar fasciitis, there is some evidence to suggest that custom-made orthotics may be more effective than prescription orthotics.
For example, a study published in The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 2008 compared custom-made orthotics to prescription orthotics in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study found that custom-made orthotics were more effective in reducing pain and improving function than prescription orthotics. The authors concluded that custom-made orthotics should be considered a first-line treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in studies and journals, custom-made and Prescription orthotics can effectively treat plantar fasciitis. However, some evidence suggests that custom-made orthotics may be more effective than prescription orthotics.
When considering treatment options for plantar fasciitis, it is essential. At the London foot pain clinic, we agree that prescription orthotics will give us enough insight into whether the orthotic solution is enough. There are pros and cons to why we typically go from this approach first over custom orthotics.
1) The results between the two Prescription and Custom orthotics are often negligible unless there is a lot of deformity in the foot.
2) prescription orthotics are typically £65 - £100, but custom are £150 - £250
3) Our custom orthotics are handmade and, therefore, tend to be thicker and bulkier than prescription types, which, some prescription designs on the market, are skinny. This means a relatively easy fit into existing shoes, forgoing the need to buy a bigger shoe size.
4) All journal articles stated it was an effective solution to reducing symptoms, but more is needed. The minor benefit combined with high cost means it's often more efficient to let us use prescription orthotics and some funds for additional treatments like Shock Wave Therapy or Foot Rehab to promote independence instead of pitching for a big-cost custom pair that may stop the ability to add different therapies.
While better, custom pairs of orthotics should not be considered the ultimate solution. Instead, in the opinion of the London Foot Pain Clinic, it would help if you planned to combine orthotics with shoe reviews, gait technique training/rehab and shock wave therapy, with the latter having the best statistical outcomes for plantar fasciitis treatment.
Suppose you are suffering from Plantar fasciitis and are near Wimbledon, London. In that case, the London Foot Pain Clinic should help you manage your recovery and stimulate the plantar fascia to recover.
Just Contact Us Today.