When it comes to plantar fasciitis, everyone has a story. And while each person’s story is unique, the numerous forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads devoted to plantar fasciitis are evidence of how helpful it can be to share and learn from other people’s experiences with this painful condition. It’s one thing to scan through a list of symptoms and treatment options on a medical website–and quite another to hear about someone’s real, lived experience. One of the biggest decisions that sufferers of chronic plantar fasciitis face is whether or not to have surgery. And while it just may be the most talked-about topic in the world of plantar fasciitis, the cost, the potential complications, and the recovery process for plantar fasciitis surgery can still feel like big unknowns. Sarah, who has suffered from plantar fasciitis for more than two years, has generously offered to share the details of her story with our audience. In our interview, we talked about her decision to have heel pain surgery, her expectations, the recovery process, the costs involved, and how she’s doing now, post-surgery. Sarah underwent plantar fascia release surgery as well as tarsal tunnel surgery for both feet, with one year between surgery on each foot.

Exhausting Non-Surgical Options for Heel Pain

Heel That Pain: What treatments did you try prior to making the decision to have tarsal tunnel and plantar fascia release surgery? Sarah: I started having problems with my feet while training for a marathon (I can pretty much pinpoint when it happened, from increasing my mileage too quickly). The pain quickly escalated and I tried the following things: First, I went to two different podiatrists and finally ended up at an orthopedist for a third opinion prior to my surgeries. I started with the most conventional/most conservative treatments first; rest, ice, stretching, and over-the-counter pain meds. After a visit to my podiatrist, I also got a prescription for anti-inflammatories. I tried over-the-counter orthotics, cortisone shots, heel cups, LOTS of different shoes (so expensive!), chiropractic treatments, massage, night splints, and a wrap/taping treatment that the second podiatrist recommended. The first podiatrist took x-rays to confirm I didn’t have a bone spur or stress fracture. At this point, I had been suffering with the pain of plantar fasciitis for almost 9 months. It was absolutely all-consuming in my life. I know others can attest to the same experience. You are pretty much willing to try anything. My first podiatrist had said that if none of the conservative treatments helped, I would most likely need to consider surgery. The orthopaedic surgeon who ultimately performed my surgery did an MRI and confirmed that I not only had plantar fasciitis, but also tarsal tunnel syndrome. Essentially, there was scar tissue wrapped around the nerve in my foot, which was causing the extreme pain I was experiencing. I had gone from running a marathon (I did complete it, by the way!) to not being able to walk around a grocery store. My orthopedist confirmed what the podiatrists had said. I could try physical therapy, but after so little success with conservative treatments, I was really just putting off the inevitable: surgery.

Facing Fears About Plantar Fasciitis Surgery

Heel That Pain: What concerns did you have about surgery–and how did you address those concerns? Sarah: I was really concerned that I would have a LOT of pain post-surgery–that I would never feel “normal” again. I love to work out, and I was really concerned that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy those activities again for a very long time. When I looked online to research other people’s experiences, all I could find were the negative stories, the horror stories about failed surgeries. It was pretty disheartening to say the least. I finally did meet one person who had had actually had the surgery by my same doctor. She was amazing. Very active, close to my age, and the surgery really hadn’t slowed her down. That helped put my mind at ease. I scheduled my first surgery, on my left foot, in 2016.

Choosing the Right Doctor

Heel That Pain: What role did your relationship with your doctor play in this surgery? Pretty minimal, or significant? Sarah: It was very significant. The orthopaedic surgeon I chose is an active person–he’s younger and a runner, and I felt like he really “got” me and respected my fears. He understood what my goals with the surgery were, took the time to talk to me about outcomes and realistic expectations, and I trusted him completely. He performed my first surgery in 2016, and I was so happy with the process. For my second surgery on my right foot, he was in the middle of moving to a new practice, and I had to wait a couple of months to get in to see him. I was in pain, and I could have seen someone else, but I opted to wait for him because I trusted him. When I was in the process of choosing a doctor for surgery, I ultimately decided that I really wanted to have an orthopaedic surgeon who specialized in foot/ankle (rather than a podiatrist) perform the surgery. I really valued the additional specialization and expertise. That said, I think a big part of choosing a surgeon is a matter of trust. For me, an orthopaedic surgeon was the right decision, but others might have a different experience.

Heel Pain Surgery and Recovery

Heel That Pain: Can you tell us about the type of surgery you had? Sarah: I had surgery twice, once on each foot (tarsal tunnel and plantar fascia release). After I developed the first case from marathon training, I had surgery in 2016. When I was completely healed and starting to walk/jog a little again, I got plantar fasciitis in the other foot. That was incredibly depressing! I suspect that the other foot was doing double-duty for a long time supporting the other one, and it finally had enough 🙂 Luckily, I don’t anticipate any further surgeries. My doctor told me that out of the hundreds of surgeries he’s done though, he’s only had to redo two and in both instances they were patients who had other health concerns/situations that impacted the surgical success. My doctor recommended a slightly variation from the typical way this surgery is usually performed. He recommended an open (as opposed to laparoscopic) surgery to assess the scope of the problem. He then released my plantar fascia, and removed approximately a one-centimeter cube of tissue, which created a tunnel for the nerve to pass through. I would advise someone interested in this particular variation of plantar fascia surgery to ask around. My doctor also performed the surgery through an incision in the side of the foot, below the ankle. This helped with the healing process. Heel That Pain: What was recovery like? Was it easier or more difficult than you expected? Sarah: Honestly, recovery was SO much easier than I expected. I’m amazed after all the horror stories I read, but both times I had zero surgery pain. The hospital sent me home with a prescription for pain meds, and I’ve never even used it. Just a couple Tylenol here and there for mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising. In other words, pain wise, surgery was a piece of cake. The hardest part, for me, during both recoveries, was the crutches. Crutching around is HARD WORK! If you have a job that will allow you to work from home, I’d really recommend you take advantage of it at this time. The first two weeks I spent wrapped up in an ace bandage and a surgical shoe. I was allowed to do light toe touches while crutching. After two weeks, I was placed in a walking boot. I was told to stay in that walking boot until I felt like I could transition to a shoe. This timing would be different for every individual. After my first surgery on my left foot, it took me about 2-3 weeks. The second time, I was in a shoe in a week. Something to be aware of is that you tend to lose some flexibility in your foot/ankle/knee because of the position of your foot in the surgical shoe and boot. Getting that strength back takes some time. Another difficult aspect of recovery, for me, was psychological. It was scary to think that I might start feeling the pain from plantar fasciitis again post-surgery. Trusting myself to walk without pain, as I began to recover, was a leap of faith. It was also difficult having to ask people to get me stuff or help me. I’m a pretty independent person, and it was hard to be so reliant on other people while I was recovering.

Post-Surgery Results

Heel That Pain: How long did it take for you to feel normal again after surgery? Sarah: I really had no idea what to expect from the surgery recovery, or how long it would take for me to feel normal again. Stories online made it sound like I would be on bed rest for months, unable to do anything. My doctor made it sound like a breeze (He told me it would be a couple of weeks in an ace bandage, then I’d be walking around). My experience was honestly somewhere in the middle. On my left foot, it took about 6 months before I was feeling truly “normal” again. (Meaning I could throw on sneakers, go for a walk and not feel any type of pain). On my other foot, the one I just had done in June 2017, I’m already there. So two months, and I’m back in business! I also learned from my first surgery and didn’t wait as long to take action and commit to surgery. I think that was key. I didn’t cause as much damage limping around that time. Heel That Pain: Are there any complications from surgery that you’re still dealing with? How do you continue to keep your feet and fascia healthy? Sarah: The only thing I really notice now is that my feet do tend to feel “achy” sometimes. Usually it’s first thing in the morning, or if I’ve been on them too long. It’s not pain, but it’s more like it takes my body more time to warm up. I listen to my body and take it easy when that happens, do I some stretches, etc. I also realize this could be happening because I’m getting older, too. 🙂 I stretch daily now, mainly calf and soleus stretches. I still use orthotics in my running shoes, and I make sure to wear good shoes with support. I also massage and use a roller ball on occasion. Staying active, walking, and working out seem to help too. I did physical therapy after the first surgery, but not the second one. Building up the strength and flexibility by simply using your feet as you can is really helpful.

Pain Relief from Plantar Fasciitis Surgery

Heel That Pain: If you had to quantify it, how much did the surgery help, pain-wise? Sarah: Everyone will have a different experience. But for me, the pain is gone. And I mean 100%! Even right after the surgery, and during recovery, I could tell that the PF pain was GONE. It’s amazing.

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Cost

Heel That Pain: Can you tell us about costs? Sarah: My insurance covered my surgery completely the first time, since i had already met the deductible that year. I paid a couple of copays for office visits, and that was it. The second time, I had to pay a small portion since my deductible hadn’t been met. It was close to $200. This isn’t a cosmetic procedure, so the insurance companies will typically cover a significant percentage. Without insurance, or with a different type of insurance, things would obviously be difference.

A Few More Words of Advice

Heel That Pain: Is there anything you wish you had known prior to surgery? And what advice do you have for others who are considering plantar fasciitis surgery or tarsal tunnel surgery? Sarah: I put off having the surgery the first time around because of my fear. I wish I’d had the first one sooner! Honestly, compared to the chronic, unaddressed pain of plantar fasciitis, the surgery was nothing. My biggest recommendation is to find a REALLY good doctor, someone you trust, who has a good track record doing the surgery you need and specializes in it. It truly makes all the difference. Also, don’t be afraid. If you’ve given conservative treatments a true effort for months on end and your heel pain is to the point where it’s now a chronic condition, you can either feel the same in 6 months, feel worse, or give the surgery a try and potentially get a lot of relief. Just keep in mind, while planning for your surgery, that you’ll likely be on crutches and a boot for a few weeks. The other foot will also be working harder–more pressure, more impact, and supporting you more. Keep wearing a good supportive shoe and orthotics on that other foot.

Share Your Story!

Do you have a story to share about surgery for plantar fasciitis? We’d love to hear about your experience and advice for others who are considering this step. Share below in the comments or email us at [email protected]!    

A broken foot or traumatic foot injury means pain, restricted mobility, plenty of downtime, and sometimes even significant medical interventions.

And as if the fallout from a stress fracture or break wasn’t bad enough, this type of foot trauma is also closely linked with the development of plantar fasciitis.

Here’s what you should know about the link between a broken foot or ankle and plantar fasciitis:

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The Connection Between Plantar Fasciitis and Breaks or Fractures

The reports of plantar fasciitis beginning after a break or stress fracture are numerous. But why? Many podiatrists point to ankle instability as one of the primary reasons individuals are vulnerable to plantar fasciitis after sustaining traumatic foot injury:

Dr. Baravarian, the Chief of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery at the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital says, “To compensate for an unstable ankle, the increased activation of the peroneal tendons places a pronatory effect on the foot, causing increased strain on the plantar fascia and resulting in plantar fasciitis symptoms.”

In other words, when one part of the foot is compromised, other areas of the foot (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) take up the slack, leading to gait changes like pronation or simply additional strain on other parts of the foot. Even when a bone or fracture has completely healed, the rest and downtime during the healing process can result in muscles and ligaments that are tighter, weaker–and less able to support the foot arch as usual.

Plantar fasciitis may also develop in the non-injured foot during the healing process, as the healthy foot over-compensates. It’s critically important to adequately rest the non-injured foot during your recovery as well as keeping an eye out for signs of plantar fasciitis, including pain, redness, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness, especially in the morning.

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis in Cases of Traumatic Foot Injury

While most people who suffer a stress fracture, foot or ankle break, or traumatic foot injury take special care of the injured foot during the healing process, it’s important to understand that the healthy foot is at risk for injury as well.

Follow a daily regimen of adequate rest, stretching the healthy foot, icing as any redness or swelling appears, and wearing orthotic inserts for additional support.

Special care is also needed post-recovery to avoid a secondary trauma of plantar fasciitis.

Ramp up to physical activity slowly, even after you get the all-clear from your doctor and the boot, brace, or cast has been removed. While your foot or ankle may feel as good as new (if a bit weaker than before), now is the time that plantar fasciitis may sneak in to wreak havoc on your arch. During your recovery, and while your foot was immobilized, the muscles in your foot have atrophied, meaning that they are less able to support your foot and arch.

Prioritizing a daily foot, heel, and ankle stretches can make a world of difference in improving muscle and ligament flexibility and strength, both of which will help support your arch properly and reduce the amount of compensation for your weakened muscles and ligaments.

Wearing orthotic inserts is another terrific way to support your arch while your muscles and ligaments regain flexibility and strength. The specialized orthotics, which can be easily slipped into almost any pair of shoes, add both cushioning, support, and targeted acupressure to keep plantar fasciitis at bay.

Special Considerations in Treating Plantar Fasciitis Alongside Breaks or Stress Fractures

If you do notice symptoms of the onset of plantar fasciitis in your healthy foot while you are dealing with a broken foot or stress fracture, be sure to make your doctor aware of the new development to address any potential complications in your unique case.

Your doctor may recommend a different type of aide in helping you move about (for instance, a rolling knee scooter instead of crutches, to reduce the impact to your healthy foot while you move about during the day.

In addition to stretching, icing, and using NSAIDs as needed for your healthy foot, you may also consider wearing a night splint or compression socks at night to further stretch and strengthen your healthy foot.

While it can be easy to devote all your attention to the foot that has undergone the traumatic injury or break, it’s critical to adjust your mindset to adequately resting and caring for both feet during your recovery and post-recovery.

Healing from your broken foot or stress fracture should be your first priority if you’ve undergone a traumatic foot injury. But understanding the connection between a broken foot and plantar fasciitis and knowing how to prevent and treat the early warning signs of this condition will help ensure that you recover and as quickly and smoothly as possible!

If you have plantar fasciitis, part of your plan for healing should be avoiding activities that have the potential to make your heel pain worse.

While it’s generally possible to stay active while you are recovering from plantar fasciitis with the help of orthotic inserts, icing, and plenty of rest, it’s important to be aware that several types of exercise are top culprits for aggravating plantar fasciitis or causing reinjury and further damage to the plantar fascia.

Let’s take a look at the worst exercises for plantar fasciitis (and how you can adapt them to continue the activities you love without damaging a compromised plantar fascia!)

Top 5 Worst Exercises for Heel Pain

When we’re talking about the worst exercises for plantar fasciitis and heel pain, it all comes down to impact: the amount of force a particular movement exerts on your body. If you have plantar fasciitis, it’s important to avoid or modify high-impact exercises (not to be confused with high intensity workouts). It’s still completely possible to burn a lot of calories and get a terrific workout–without putting a lot of strain on your heels and fascia. Take extra precautions with these top-offending exercises for heel pain:

1. Plyometrics

Plyometric exercises, also called “plyos” or “jump training” is one of the worst exercises for heels and arches that are recovering from plantar fasciitis. The exercises involve short bursts of energy that build control and power in the muscles with various types of jumping. The sudden jolts of impact to the arch can easily cause further tearing, strain, and damage.

Plantar Fasciitis-Friendly Modifications

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to make plyometrics friendly to a compromised fascia, since the exercise revolves around jumping. Focus on healing completely, and approach this exercise with caution when your doctor gives you the okay!

2. Running or Jogging

Running and jogging are two of the top causes of plantar fasciitis, so it should come as no surprise that these exercises should be approached with the utmost caution for individuals who have plantar fasciitis. As the foot is lifted and strikes the ground with each step, the amount of impact generated is several times that of walking.

Plantar Fasciitis-Friendly Modifications

Slow things down a bit and try walking (or speed walking!) with orthotic inserts while you heal. As your plantar fasciitis improves, and with the okay from your doctor, you can gradually work up to jogging or running again–with proper footwear, adequate rest, and orthotics for cushioning and support.

3. Burpees

Burpees might be all the rage, but they’re another top-offending exercise for plantar fasciitis. Burpees, also sometimes called squat thrusts, involves dropping quickly to a squatting position, shifting to a plank, swiftly jumping back to a squatting position, then standing. Because the exercise involves a lot of quick movements and impact as you transition between the different positions, it’s easy to re-injure or strain the fascia.

Plantar Fasciitis-Friendly Modifications

Take the movements you love from the burpee exercise and slow them down. Plank (on your knees, to reduce the strain to the fascia), and perform squats without the jumping action, alternating these strength-building exercises with low-impact cardio like the elliptical machine to get your heart rate up.

4. High-Impact Team Sports

Soccer and basketball are two of the most popular team sports for teens and adults in the US. Unfortunately, they also carry high risk of causing and aggravating plantar fasciitis. Both sports involve a lot of running, a lot of impact to the plantar fascia, and a lot of rapid changes in movement–all of which can cause small tears and injury to a strained fascia.

Plantar Fasciitis-Friendly Modifications

If you’re solidly on the road to healing and your doctor supports the decision, you can still play these sports with the help of orthotic inserts for cushioning and fascial support. You’ll also want to make good use of massage balls, taping, icing, NSAIDs, and plenty of rest between games to make sure you aren’t overdoing it. Let your teammates know that you may need to spend more time in positions that don’t involve quite as much running while you heal.

5. Cardio Dancing and Aerobics

Cardio dancing and aerobics can be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, they can also cause a lot of heel pain because of the amount of impact and quick footwork. Cardio dancing and aerobics involve a lot of time on your feet, and a lot of jumping and hopping, which can lead to inflammation, pain, and strain to the fascia.

Plantar Fasciitis-Friendly Modifications

Work with your instructor to come up with alternative movements to jumps and hops (for instance, more arm movements). That way, when a lot of hopping begins, you’ll know just what to do. Be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes, and orthotic inserts. If you’re looking for a lower-impact alternative to cardio dancing and aerobics, you can also try pilates and yoga, which incorporate group fitness with a low-impact focus.

Exercising the Healthy Way with Plantar Fasciitis

Whether you decide to modify one of these worst-offending exercises for plantar fasciitis, or choose a lower-impact exercise (like swimming, pilates, yoga, rowing, or the elliptical) while you are healing, exercise is important for your health and your spirits. No matter which activity you choose, paying attention to the amount of impact your heels and fascia are absorbing will help you avoid problematic exercises and prevent re-injury. Likewise, taking time to ice, rest, and stretch as you work out and play will help your fascia, muscles, and ligaments stay limber and healthy.

 

 

The podiatrists and specialists who dedicate their lives to eliminating heel pain and keeping our toes, arches, and insteps healthy see a lot of feet in a lifetime.

And after thousands of exams, x-rays, MRIs, and observations, there’s no one better to offer a few gems of advice about plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

That’s why we reached out to a few of the top podiatrists in the United States to learn their #1 piece of advice for anyone who suffers from heel pain or plantar fasciitis:

Click here to get doctor-recommended Heel Seat Inserts!

Dr. Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. Neal Blitz, DPM, FACFAS, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of feet. Patients from all over the world flock to his private practices in New York City and Beverly Hills. Not one to back down from even the most challenging of cases, Dr. Blitz has earned the nickname “Superman of Feet.”

When asked about his #1 piece of advice for anyone who suffers from heel pain, Dr. Blitz says, “When dealing with chronic heel pain, it’s important to consider that heel pain may be compensatory and secondary to a different structural problem in the foot. In my New York and Beverly Hills foot surgery practice, I have performed bunion surgery or flatfoot surgery when these problems co-existed as the primary problem causing the heel pain, and the end result was resolution of the heel pain.”

Dr. Steven Rosenberg, DPM

Dr. Steven Rosenberg is a private-practice podiatrist serving West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. With more than 32 years of experiences (including 18 years as an LA Marathon race doctor), he has also traveled extensively across the United States to lecture on homeopathic treatments for soft-tissue foot and ankle problems.

Dr. Rosenberg offers this advice to anyone who suffers from heel pain:

“Heel pain can be treated–and you usually do not need to consider surgery. First it’s important to find out the cause of the heel pain by taking an x-ray. Once the cause has been determined, it can then be treated effectively. Heel pain is usually caused by a spur that develops at the inner side of the heel bone known as the medial calcaneal tubercle or inflammation at the junction where the medial slip of the plantar fascia attaches to the inner part of the heel bone, known as the medial calcaneal tubercle.

“The reason these foot problems develop is often because of abnormal foot pronation, which is the arch of your foot collapsing and flattening out. The collapsing of the arch pulls the tissue around the heel bone, and you either eventually develop a heel spur or localized inflammation at that site, causing heel pain.

“Heel pain can be treated conservatively with custom orthotics or arch supports. If those aren’t effective, a cortisone injection is usually the next step.”

Dr. Bela Pandit, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. Bela Pandit (@Mzhighheelz) is a nationally recognized, double board-certified foot and ankle specialist who hails from Evergreen Park, IL and treats patients at Pandit Foot and Ankle Clinic.

Her expertise and industry-leading foot and ankle diagnostic treatments mean she is a popular point of contact for national media in exploring the latest trends, as well as tried and true advice.

Dr. Pandit offered the following advice for anyone who suffers from heel pain:

“Ice is a terrific aid to help minimize most causes of heel pain. Using an ice pack wrapped with a damp cloth with a couple of drops of essential mint or menthol oil will be even more soothing! Try that for twenty minutes at a time”

Robert A. Kornfeld, DPM

Dr. Robert Kornfeld is New York-based podiatrist who specializes in holistic and integrative medicine at the Chronic Foot Pain Center. He not only provides sought-after treatment for chronic foot pain and injuries, but also founded the esteemed Institute for Integrative Podiatric Medicine, a teaching institute for the profession of podiatry, and hosts his own radio show: “The Holistic Foot and Health Care Show”

His #1 piece of advice for individuals who suffer from heel pain is simple yet profound:

“If you treat the cause of your pain (for instance, the mechanisms behind the failure of your immune system to heal the cellular injury) rather than the pain itself (the symptom), then you will find long lasting freedom from the pain”.

Dr. Nabil Ebraheim, MD

Dr. Nabil Ebraheim has more than 30 years as a top orthopedic surgeon. He is also the professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery and the Trauma Fellowship Director at the University of Toledo Medical Center. Dr. Ebraheim has published more than 450 journal articles, 600 educational YouTube videos about heel and foot pain, and is the recipient of numerous awards in the field of podiatry and medicine.Dr. Nabil Ebraheim, MD

When it comes to heel pain, this is his top piece of advice:

“It’s important to know that plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. That said, don’t be discouraged by heel pain! Most often, treatment can be done at home with simple measures such as Achilles tendon stretches, plantar fascia-specific stretching programs, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDS (It is important to avoid steroids, as this may cause fat pad atrophy or possibly cause a rupture of the plantar fascia.) These should be the first methods of treatment, and a majority of patients can be treated without surgery. Surgery is a last resort and only done in cases where nonsurgical treatments have not been successful after 6-12 months. Heel cups, shoe inserts, and night splints are also helpful in treating pain.”

The Consensus:

While every expert has his or her own areas of speciality and treatments when it comes to heel pain and plantar fasciitis, nearly every expert agrees that the vast majority of cases of plantar fasciitis and heel pain can be successfully resolved with conservative measures.

Although heel pain from plantar fasciitis can be severe, bringing to mind fears about surgery and more invasive treatments, take heart in remembering the advice of these nationally renowned heel pain experts!

The first chilly evenings and crisp breezes are your cue to start looking forward to fall football games, cozy evenings by the fireside, and Aunt Edith’s famous spiced eggnog.

Those first signs of fall are also your reminder to prepare your feet for the coming chilly weather!

And if you have heel pain or plantar fasciitis, knowing your options for the best fall footwear means more than sleuthing out the cutest pair of elfin buckle boots.

Supportive, comfortable boots, slippers, and socks that help your feet stay warm and pain-free are just what the doctor ordered.

Best Socks For Heel Pain

Let’s start with your average-joe, everyday socks for fall. First choice is cotton, right? The fabric of our lives, right? That may be true, but when it comes to socks, wool is actually your best bet for keeping feet dry, warm, and insulated without the odor. Cotton doesn’t do a great job at wicking moisture and can actually trap sweat and odors. Merino wool in particular is soft, light, and wicks moisture away while allowing your feet to breathe. Its insulating properties mean your feet will stay the right temperature whether it’s cool or hot outside (a big plus for rapidly changing fall weather!)

Now that you have your base socks for fall, it’s time to make them plantar-fasciitis worthy. Wearing compression socks that improve blood flow to the feet and gently support your arch throughout the day is a terrific way to supplement your socks. Wear your compression socks with or without regular socks, and add orthotic inserts for additional support!

Feel like padding around the house in a pair of extra-fluffy fuzzy socks, but want to give your arches some support? Simply slip on a pair of lightweight Heel Seat Wraps to wear underneath your fuzzy socks. Instant support and warm, fuzzy goodness.

Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis

While traditional slippers aren’t exactly renowned for their arch and heel support, they’re a fall staple for a reason. Lightweight, cozy, and warm, slippers are easy to wear and easy to love.

Unfortunately, most slippers are flimsy and provide minimal arch support. You have two real options when looking at heel pain-friendly slippers: orthotic slippers or supplementing extra support with regular slippers. Orthotic slippers like Heel Seat Slippers have a built in Fascia Bar, which provides not only arch support but targeted plantar fascia support as well.

You can also wear regular slippers with Heel Seat Wraps. Look for slippers with good traction on the soles, to stay safe on slippery wood flooring and stairs. And seek out slippers with some degree of structure in the heel and arch, to keep your heel from sliding around as you walk. While soft, structureless slippers might be comfortable, they do carry some risk of worsening plantar fasciitis, since your arch is forced to work harder and absorb more impact from daily activities.

Best Rain Boots for Heel Pain

 

If you’re donning a pair of rain boots, your primary goal is to keep your feet dry and protected from the wet and cold. But if you have plantar fasciitis, don’t forget to protect your arches at the same time. Many rain boots have very little in the way of arch support, leaving your heels to absorb the full impact of every step you take.

Look for rain boots that not only have superior water resistance and good treading on the soles to avoid a slip, but have thick, rubbery soles that give your arch some support and cushioning. Having trouble finding the right pair of rain boots, or have a favorite pair that gets the job done but doesn’t exactly shine in the arch department? Just slip in a pair of orthotic inserts to add instant cushioning and support for your arches.

Best Snow Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

Snow boots are typically more fortified in the cushioning department than rain boots, since their job is to provide warmth in freezing conditions. However, you may find that most of that cushioning is located on the top of the boot, and around your ankle and calf, rather than beneath your heel and arch.

Look for a roomy toe box in your snow boots to keep hammer toes and ingrown toenails at bay, and pay as much attention to the cushioning at the heel and arch as it does on the top and sides. For the best snow boots for plantar fasciitis, you’ll want to opt for lace-ups rather than slip-ons. While slip-on snow boots are quick and easy to put on, the lace-ups offer more support and structure for your heel and ankle.

Best Work Boots for Heel Pain

Many jobs require workers to be outside, even during brisk and snowy weather. Keep your feet supported, warm, and dry with these recommendations for work boots in fall weather:

Previously, there weren’t a lot of options for good, supportive work boots. Thankfully, options have improved, and there are now quite a number of brands and styles that offer good support and protection for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Look for thick cushioning and extra padding along the fascia and arch, along with thicker soles that will absorb shock and impact as you work. Choose laces instead of zippers and straps whenever possible, so you can always ensure the perfect fit at your ankle, heel, and foot.

As always, add compression socks or orthotic inserts to your boots for additional, targeted support and healing for plantar fasciitis!

Whether you’re planning on spending the crisp fall weather bundled up in the bleachers to cheer on your favorite team, snuggled up on the couch with a good book, or braving the rain and snow as you work or play, having the right shoes and socks will keep your feet healthy, warm, and ready to take you wherever you want to go this fall.