Of the many causes of plantar fasciitis, one out of the most prevalent is an improperly fitted shoe. It is very important to pay attention to having an appropriate shoe for daily use and for sports. A badly fitting shoe can cause painful problems in the feet, especially for athletes, and can lead to plantar fasciitis. Shoes having inadequate cushioning at the heel and the forefoot and lacking in proper support around the arch and the middle of the foot may put a lot of stress on the plantar fascia while running, jumping or exercising. Excessive pressure and stress result in pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia. Shoes specially designed for the patients of plantar fasciitis are available and do not require additional orthotics for pain relief. These shoes come with all the built-in features to provide relief from pain and also help to overcome the deficiency in the biomechanics of the feet. Those experiencing plantar fasciitis due to abnormal gait or flat feet may use motion-controlled shoes. These shoes are designed to be heavy and inflexible, with thick heels and dual-density midsoles in order to correct the walking style of a person. These shoes are built upon a straight last A more flexible shoe with a relatively lesser dual-density midsole and heel than the motion-controlled shoes are available for people with less severe problems. These are called stability shoes and are built upon a semi-curved last. People suffering from planar fasciitis owing to high arches may buy shoes that are flexible and well cushioned with soft midsole. These shoes have a semi-curved or a curved last. While buying a walking shoe, a plantar fasciitis patient must see that the shoe does not have a high heel and always bends at the ball of the foot and not at any other place. Moreover, when pushed downwards at the toe, the heel must lift upwards from a level surface. A good shoe is one that provides adequate arch support, is sufficiently cushioned both at the heels and the midsole, and is flexible. The shoe should blend with the natural walking motion of the wearer. For a plantar fasciitis patient, it would be beneficial to get expert advice from a technical shoe store salesperson who would weigh all the factors including the weight, stride, gait, and walking distance before suggesting the right shoe. The best shoe is the one that gives the greatest walking comfort. |
