Top products from r/PlantarFasciitis

I have now spent over $1600 on custom inserts. Do yourself a favor. Go on Amazon and type in plantar fasciitis inserts. They range from 15 to 30 bucks. Order 10 different pairs through prime and try them out in your shoes and return whichever ones don’t work. I have had massive success this way. Additionally, check out a running shoe called the “On Cloud”. The brand is “On Running”.


My perfect combo is this insert with this shoe:

Orthotics Insoles for Flat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073JJQ2KP?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


On Running Men's The Cloud... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HNYDEHG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


The other insert I love is this one, but it’s more expensive and is more of a”runner’s” insert. I like it because it fits in my dress shoes...!:

Currex Dynamic Insole RunPro Medium Profile (XL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079HYDVJZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_C.cRBbWGH8M3C



Of note, I also tried all of the following — Each is probably perfect for someone with a slightly different foot. But this is why I would encourage you to order a ton of them try them all out and then return whichever ones aren’t perfect for you:

ViveSole Plantar Fasciitis... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LME51A2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Vionic Full Length Active Orthotic 21AF MD8 (Women's 8.5-10)(Men's 7.5-9) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058YGR8W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_78cRBb9YRRFRC

Orthaheel Insole Relief Full... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ODG09S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Physix Gear Sport Full Length... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GRH8SV?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Orthaheel Unisex Relief 3/4... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JVPHA0?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf



Hope this helps! Don’t get sucked into custom orthotics! They aren’t nearly as good for PF.

> what specifically, should I be looking for with shoes and inserts?

You need a shoe that has a thick sole that isn't too flexible. A thin, flexible sole will transfer a lot of impact into your feet and allows you to over-pronate, which will worsen your symptoms. Never wear flip flops or Vans for any reason. For insoles, you want something with a little bit of cushion and a substantial amount of arch support. The Walking Company has a lot of shoes and insoles that are great for PF. When it comes to pairing shoes with insoles, you need to makes sure the shoe can be tightened enough so that your foot stays in constant contact with your insole as you walk. If your feet are slipping around and coming off your insole with every step, you won't get any benefit from wearing the insole.

• This is the insole I use.
  
  
• This is an extremely comfortable shoe for just standing around indoors, and would be good for a retail job like yours.
  
  > does this sound like PF to you guys? if so, what specifically could you recommend?
  
  You mentioned that your pain is mostly in the arches and balls of your feet. This is where my PF presents, so your symptoms are definitely consistent with some types of PF. In addition to getting good footwear and insoles, I recommend improving the strength and flexibility of your feet.
  
  Everyone is different, but I'll share my routine for managing my PF.
  
  
• Calf raises - hold for 3 seconds, 3 sets of ten.
  
  
• Calf stretches - 3 sets of 30 seconds on each side
  
  
• Toe curls using the Foot Gym - hold each curl for 3 seconds. Do 3 sets of 15 curls per foot.
  
  
• Downward foot stretch - Hold for 1 second, 15 per foot.
  
  
• Ice each foot for 3 minutes using an ice cup.
  
  This seems like a lot, but none of these exercises are intense. You don't need to change into gym clothes because you won't be working up a sweat. You can do all of this while you watch TV. Ice your feet and stretch every day. How often you can do the calf raises and toe curls depends on your body. Some people can do them every day, but you might need to do them every other day, so your body has some time to recover. In any case, stick with the routine for at least 2 weeks before you give up on it. Eventually (around 2 months) you'll get to the point where you only need to do the full routine once or twice a week to maintain good foot health.
  
  I hope this helps.
  
  (Edit: I find toe curls with the Foot Gym substantially more effective than toe curls with a towel. With the Foot Gym, you don't have to readjust after every few curls like you do with a towel, and the bands provide resistance in both directions, so you're working your arch muscles as you hold or slowly release instead of only during the pulling motion.)

Rather than shoes -- have you considered doing any inserts?

All plantar is different in how you work on it (I feel). Custom orthodics didn't work for me, but there were a few "massaging" inserts that make you feel like you're walking on water.

I bought these for girlfriend who had issues (because she stands all day):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017IDRJY6/

I bought these for myself (they fill in any open areas and also massage your foot):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017IHMJWE/

I found the inserts I used to be a better thing to go with than "better" shoes. You could get something like Hoka or Asics Gel Nimbus -- they'll give you a lot of padding. At the end of the day, though, you just need that padding -- and you can do it with a less expensive insert.

Bonus points for the glycerin-filled one -- you can throw those in the freezer and then slide them under your achy foot!

This, definitely this!!! I generally use them in my calves to break them up when they get too rock hard to deal with or 2 on calf, one on heel one in arch to alleviate foot pain and get overall relief. It’s a lifesaver when you’re vacationing and walking a lot everyday.

I’ve used a few expensive models but this one is by far the best and the cheapest: FDA cleared HealthmateForever... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7CM12W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Do you wear a night splint or do stretches before getting out of bed? I recommend the stretches (point and flex your feet 10 times, gently stretch the fascia by pulling back on your toes for 3X30 seconds)--the pain you feel in the morning (my doctor said) is the re-tearing of the fascia which has shortened/partly knitted together in the night while your feet were relaxed. So that morning pain could actually be inhibiting healing. You should be able to take those first steps without pain if you warm up your foot first.

My doc gave me an ankle brace which keeps the foot from totally relaxing in the night and that can also help (and is less cumbersome than a full splint or Strassbourg sock): www.amazon.com/Med-Spec-264014-Stabilizer-Medium/dp/B00TZTO0VM/ She also recommended wearing the brace for 6 weeks and not getting back to running until the morning pain was completely gone, to make sure not to undo the healing. But if you get back to running and it doesn't seem to significantly increase pain I suppose proceeding cautiously is reasonable.

​

I have seen 2 podiatrists and each recommended orthotics. I finally purchased a pair through the second dr and I’ve had the least amount of pain in my feet for a long time. He also had me buy these wraps when I first started seeing him: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IK4T9UK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iH9xCbZN8HN92 (keep in mind this is a size large so you may need a smaller size, also you have to buy each foot separate)

I wore them for a while under my socks all day and they really helped, too. The dr explained that the foot spreads out and the heel bone moves as the ankle bone goes down (over-pronates) and puts strain on the fascia, that these wraps prevent the heel from moving and keeps it in place. These might help you, too. They weren’t too uncomfortable to wear every day. They did loosen up but washing them (just mild soap/water, hang dry) every day and they’d fit better again.

These worked well- Good luck!

I was told by my doctor that it would just bring a different set of problems but surgery does help some people.

This is what I did:

These will take about 2 weeks to start helping but after suffering for two years so two weeks was good. For me at least, the pain was in my feet but stretching my calf muscles fixed a 2 year battle with PF.

http://www.espn.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/14051190/stretch-five-yoga-poses-prevent-aching-feet

Also:

Standing: position yourself leaning forward on your hands or forearms (like Charlie Brown leaning against a tree but using your arms instead of your forehead), and place your bare feet on the floor as far away from the wall as they can be, but still have your heels on the floor. Make sure to keep your butt forward...don't let it stick out back. Hold this for a count of 40, and breathe...and let the top part of your body inch towards the wall as you exhale in long slow breaths.
Now, from the same standing position, leaning forward, feet together, slowly raise your heels until your heels are directly above the ball of your feet…hold for a count of 40.
Punch your calf muscles with your second knuckles about fifteen times. Run your knuckles over your calf muscles as hard as possible to break up the knots. The calf muscles are tight and this loosens them. I have a muscle roller massage stick that I use as well.
When you're massaging your foot try to smoosh/squash the ball of your foot between your fingers (hold the top of your foot and the bottom at the ball). The goal is to kind of separate or spread the bones and gunk in the ball of your foot that is stoved up a bit from walking with poor form since your feet hurt. Massage the ball of your foot for about five minutes really pushing hard on the bottom.
With your knuckles rub the heck out of your arches.
I also saw this on the internet and it hurt B A D but it does help: Do the thing shown in the following video. http://mobilitymastery.com/learn-the-one-stretch-that-relieves-plantar-fasciitis-shin-splints-achilles-pain-heel-pain-and-compartment-syndrome/
Also, if you walk with an anterior pelvic tilt, try aligning.
This seems to help as well.
I got one of these:https://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Roller-Stick-Professional-Trigger-Point/dp/B00CBNDNOO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1501451875&sr=8-7&keywords=tiger+massager
(I think I got a cheap Walmart version, honestly. ) I ran it over my calf and thigh muscles probably a half dozen times a day. I did the sides of my calves and thighs not just the backs and pushed as hard as I could. There was a hard knot in my calf muscle for the longest and when it left so did my PF.


A friend swears by Kuru shoes and one doc told me to wear Crocs (ugh) around the house but another said to walk barefoot as much as possible.

Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint and Support: Adjustable Splints for Achilles Tendon, Drop Foot and Heel Pain Relief - Ankle Brace/Stretcher Supports Arch - Wrap to Improve Tendonitis or Other Injury https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RSN321T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kxHwDb0AHA8RH

I just bought this one. I have that boot and I have the same issue with my toes going numb. I’ll let you know how this new splint works out if it’s any good, it was only $14.

Night splints did not work for you? I have heard good things about this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YZ7CUVQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_akeoDbY1NF8DE

TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller (Large) - Relieve Plantar Fasciitis, Heel, Foot ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMJIYNG/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_jfB0AbCG19P0Q

Not sure. It might be similar to the Ortho Depot one on amazon maybe? https://www.amazon.com/Ortho-Depot-Fasciitis-Achillies-Tendonitis/dp/B00PG8CQ8U/ref=sr_1_30_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524370207&sr=8-30&keywords=night+splints+for+plantar+fasciitis

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YZ7CW00?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

If that link doesn’t work it’s on amazon called the “Vive plantar fasciitis night splint” it’s $26.99 and it comes with this pressure point massage ball and oh lawd that ball is magic for the feet. I had the same switching of feet situation like you. I bought this when my left foot started acting up and it made my situation at least 75% better. I suffer with plantar fas cause I’m overweight so the last 25% of pain I’m praying will stop when I drop the pounds. And hey if the splint doesn’t work, return it!