Plantar Fasciitis Socks for Effective Treatment

By: Teddy Stevennson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is extended due to increased or excessive activity, inadequate foot biomechanics or in combined with the natural aging process. The aim of the plantar fascia is to act as a shock absorber and support the arch of the foot. The ligament is normally strained time and again before any noticible pain starts. The pain is due to continual very very small tears occurring in the plantar fascia, generally at the point where it attaches to the heel bone.

This leads to inflammation, pain in the heel, and possible visible bruising where the plantar fascia joins the heel. The pain is generally felt at the bottom of the heel, generally on the interior of the heel, however may also come about in the arch of the foot itself or further forward closer to the toes of the foot.

A thin, lightweight patients can buy a plantar fasciitis sock for use during the day or during the night for patients who find night splints too cumbersome.

For daytime use, the plantar fasciitis socks fit easily on the foot even if you are wearing shoes. Socks for plantar fasciitis have an adjustable hook and latch support to raise the arch and give effective support helping get rid of daytime pain.

Plantar fasciitis socks have been shown to help reduce the worst of the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis that is usually experienced in the morning with the patient's first steps of the day or at the end of a long day either walking around or spending a lot of time on your feet. Plantar fasciitis socks work by holding the foot in a comfortable position of dorsiflexion (with the toes pointing up rather than relaxed and pointing flat forward) and thus preventing the shortening of the plantar fascia and calf. The foot is maintained in a very mild stretch. The severe pain often felt in the morning or at the end of the day is a result of the plantar fascia being overstretched due to the force of body weight, thus tearing the microscopic fibers that began to heal in a shortened position at night or throughout the day. By wearing a plantar fasciitis sock, this overstretching and damage can be avoided.

Studies have also shown that wearing a plantar fasciitis sock can quicken the healing process as the plantar fascia is kept lined up with the arch of the foot. Wearing a plantar fasciitis sock can reduce the soreness caused during periods of activity or standing. Also, by maintaining proper alignment of the calf, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia during the day, the foot can heal in a better, stable, position.

Studies show that approximately 80% of people report advances in their condition after wearing a plantar fasciitis sock for some time. In particular, wearing plantar fasciitis socks can be particularly beneficial in people who have had plantar fasciitis for more than one year.

It can take many months for symptoms to go away and the plantar fascia to be completely healed. Remember that a damaged ligament (even microscopic tears) only occurs after persistent and long-term tension and to heal this, lengthy rest and treatment is required. Also, the longer the condition has existed and the worse the pain, the longer the treatment will take.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Teddy Stevennson has more than 30 years experience of plantar fasciitis treatment. For a comprehensive review of plantar fasciitis treatments including plantar fasciitis night splints, shoes and exercises visit www.Plantar-FasciitisTreatment.com.