Plantar Fasciitis

Do Compression Socks Help Plantar Fasciitis?

Are you experiencing stabbing pain in the bottom of your heel with your first steps upon waking up? Do you feel the pain getting worse when you stand up after sitting down for a long time? Does the pain increase after exercise? If your answer to these questions is a “YES”, chances are you have PLANTAR FASCIITIS.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot pain that affects approximately 2 million people every year. This pain is at the arch of the foot, called plantar fascia, which is near the heel bone; it’s an injury resulting from chronic cyclical loading of the tissues and ligaments. Causes of foot pain include:
  • Age
  • Weight (obesity)
  • Occupation related (standing for long periods)
  • Sports (running, jumping, dancing)
  • Footwear with little to no support (prolonged use)
The affected region of the foot is usually inflamed; that is why you feel that shooting pain. Although it’s a common foot problem, this suddenly occurs as opposed to a progressing symptom.
At times it can be mistaken for a different foot problem, and for this reason, you have to be sure in determining where the pain is originating. It would also be a good idea to have a self-care regimen. However, if the pain worsens, it is best to go to a medical practitioner for further diagnosis.

1. Self Care Treatment at Home

While you wait for your appointment to see a foot doctor, there are several things that you can do to help alleviate your foot pain. If it’s unbearable, here as some home treatments you can do:
  • Take pain relievers - If you keep some in your medicine box, pop a tablet in your mouth to help ease the pain.
  • Apply cold compress - Freeze water in an ice bag or bottle. Apply it on the affected foot and leave it for 10 minutes. Allow your foot to rest for the next ten and apply the ice pack again.
  • Avoid standing for long periods - Allow someone to take care of your responsibilities in the meantime. It would be best if you got off your feet to ease the inflammation on your foot.
  • Wear foot support - If you need to go out and walk, be kind to your feet and wear orthopedic shoes. Meanwhile, when you are at home, you can always wear compression socks if you can't avoid doing some house chores, considering that it works for plantar fasciitis.
While you stay off your feet during this time, the best thing to do is wear compression socks to reduce plantar fasciitis. Doctors recommend wearing compression socks since it helps decrease the painful strain on your foot, which sometimes crawls up the calf.

2. How Do Compression Socks Work for Plantar Fasciitis

The heart pumps blood to the veins, and at times blood flow is impeded at your arms and legs since it is the farthest part of your heart. So, any health problems that contribute to poor blood circulation will mainly affect your legs and feet.
Compression socks are like a healing balm that you can wear day and night. It is also therapeutic since it helps in relieving your discomfort. This is how it helps you in pain management:
  • Encourage blood circulation
  • Decrease cramps
  • Reduce pain and inflammation
  • Lessens muscle soreness
  • Improve the lymphatic drainage
  • Inhibit the development of vein thrombosis on lower extremities
  • Decrease orthostatic hypotension
  • Suppress pooling of blood from your leg veins
Are compression socks good for plantar fasciitis? Coming from its name “compression,” the fiber of these socks compresses the muscle tissues and veins where it is needed the most. It provides support to the regions of your feet and legs suffering from acute pain. It also presses the blood flow to move to and fro your lower extremities.

3. How to Choose Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis

Depending on the severity of your plantar fasciitis, you need to see a medical practitioner before deciding to buy tight compression socks. Although, it doesn’t mean that you can’t immediately order or purchase a pair.

Compression socks with light compression are readily available in the market without needing a prescription. You may also want to check if the brand you will be choosing is hypoallergenic, especially if you have rashes on your legs or your skin is sensitive. This is crucial since it will have direct contact with your skin and be worn for hours.
Look for fabrics that are breathable and soft. Be guided with the size for you to use it the moment you put it in your cart. Don’t forget that the correct fitting is essential for your comfort, so read the chart carefully.
In summary, remember to seek professional help when there’s a need. Don’t wait until your plantar fasciitis worsens. At times, oral medication cannot give the necessary cure, and you also don’t have the luxury of time to sit and apply a cold compress to your foot all the time. So be good to yourself and do what needs to be done.

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