If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it’s important to be mindful of the type of summer sandals you choose. Although they may appear fashionable, certain styles such as flip flops, flat shoes, and strappy slingbacks can worsen foot pain. This is because these shoes have been linked to causing inflammation in the heel’s tissue, known as the plantar fascia. To avoid aggravating your plantar fasciitis, it’s advisable to opt for footwear that provides proper support and cushioning.
When it comes to finding the most suitable shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is important to look for footwear that offers both support and cushioning in the soles. This is crucial in order to effectively absorb the impact of walking on unforgiving surfaces like concrete. Additionally, the shoes should provide an ample amount of arch support to assist in keeping the foot in a neutral position and to alleviate strain on the plantar fascia.
In addition to choosing comfortable shoes, there are various steps you can take to prevent or alleviate plantar fasciitis. It is advisable to refrain from engaging in activities that exert repetitive strain on the heels, such as running, walking, or dancing. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating the condition.
If you do exercise, make sure to warm up and stretch before getting started. This can help alleviate pain and increase flexibility.
It’s also important to wear supportive shoes when you exercise, especially when doing more than a few minutes at a time. If you’re new to an activity, it may be helpful to ease into it, especially if it requires walking on a hard surface, such as a sidewalk or warehouse floor.
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is a genetic condition that affects the way the body heals after damage. If you’re at high risk for developing this condition, your doctor may prescribe a medication or suggest exercises to strengthen the foot and lower leg muscles.
Your feet are incredibly complex structures, with bones, tendons, ligaments and other structures that can get damaged over time when you put them under repeated stress. When this happens, your feet can become painful and irritated, which is what causes the pain in your heel or buttocks when you walk, stand, or run.
When you have plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia is often damaged and it can pull on other tissues in your foot, which can trigger inflammation and achy feet. In addition to wearing comfortable and supportive footwear, it’s also helpful to use foot massage and ice.
It is also important to take breaks from physical activity when your feet are sore or hurting, if possible. This will give your feet a chance to recover and prevent the pain from getting worse.
Aside from exercising, the most important thing you can do for your plantar fasciitis is to avoid overuse. This is a major cause of the problem, so be aware of what you’re doing and stop it when you notice symptoms.
You might also want to consider wearing insoles, if you can afford them, to add more support to your shoes. These can be purchased at your local shoe store or can be custom-made by a podiatrist.
If you’re on the fence about if a specific shoe is right for you, it’s worth checking out SELF’s list of recommended plantar fasciitis-friendly footwear.
Some of the top options include a pair of women’s Oofos (also SELF Favorites for workout recovery) with arch support and a wide strap at the top of the foot to hold it in place. They’re also lightweight, water-resistant and easy to clean, according to Dr. Marko, and come in a wide range of colors and styles.
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