For individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis, the mere act of getting out of bed into the morning can be an act of excruciating pain. The agony when your heels first hit the ground.
Each slow, shuffling footstep turns into a gradual torture that leaves you gritting your teeth and moaning underneath your breath. Simple acts like making a cup of coffee turn into a prolonged ordeal from which there simply seems to be no relief in sight.
Doctors and physical therapists have been recommending compression socks for years as an aid in augmenting plantar fasciitis treatment regimens.
And while it may or may not be the ideal option for you, millions of users have reported a significantly greater sense of comfort and relief than they might have had when used with traditional supports.
And while compression socks should in no way replace doctor recommended therapies, the question is “are they really right for me?”
Before we help you review whether or not they’re the right option for you, we’ll look at some of the more popular brands currently available on the market and give you a rough guide to help you make that decision.
Thirty 48 Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks Review
Graduated 20-30 mmHg of Pressure Compression ergonomically conforms to your foot, helping to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
Ideal for recovery during therapy, even non sufferers have reported a lessened chance of foot injury during sports while wearing them!
SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeves for Men & Women Review
There’s additional arch support to provide comfort, and fit snugly just above the ankle (not the calve.)
Plantar Fasciitis Socks Foot Sleeve & Compression Sock Review
Designed to be unobtrusive enough to be worn with running shoes or even sneakers, these socks are made out of a durable fabric that is lightweight enough to be practically unnoticeable.
Plantar Fasciitis Socks with Arch Support Review
Constructed out of 80% nylon and 20% spandex with specific stitching designed for support and breathability, these may provide too snug a fit for some wearers (in which case, offer a size slightly higher than you normally would.)
Compression Socks Buying Guide – How to find the best compression socks for Plantar Fasciitis.
While compression socks may not provide the total support that a traditional arch support shoe or orthotic support does, many users have found that wearing them in conjunction with traditional supports aids immensely. So what are some of the benefits?
Increased circulation – Reducing swelling, inflammation and the potential for undue strain.
Strength conditioning – Helping to prevent future, non-fasciitis injuries from occurring.
Convenience – They can be worn throughout the day without notice, underneath socks or long pants. They can also be worn during bed, which can help eliminate the need for awkward night splints.
Comfort – Because compression socks are designed to fit snugly, they often seem like an instantaneous relief, similar to that of a traditional support shoe.
What to Look For
Ankle Support – Some compression socks are designed specifically for athletes to prevent strain and injury. Others are specifically designed for Plantar Fasciitis sufferers. Both can be worn interchangeably. But the latter will need to ensure that their choice does provide ankle support. While many manufacturers do offer this feature, there’s still some who do not. Read the description carefully.
Length – Certain socks are available that are as high as the knee, and some as low as the ankle. For first time users, it’s generally recommended that directly above the ankle is preferable.
Tightness – While compression socks are designed to fit snugly, they should never be too tight. The idea is to promote circulation, not cut it off! Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing until you try them on. Should you have wider feet or ankles, try a size larger than you would normally take.
Material – Stretchy, breathable material like nylon or spandex are ideal.
As we said earlier, compression socks should never substitute a doctor’s recommendations. Nor are they a permanent solution. But if you’re willing to join the millions of other sufferers living pain-free, isn’t it worth your time to review the facts and take your first step?
