Best compression socks for plantar fasciitis have become a proven means of relieving foot pain and swelling by applying targeted compression directly onto the fascia on the bottom of your foot.
About one in every ten Americans, particularly in the 40-60 year age bracket, are affected by plantar fasciitis.
Known as a type of repetitive strain that affects those who spend a significant amount of time exercising, or people that are on their feet for a long time throughout the day, plantar fasciitis can be managed through various types of treatments, exercises and medical products – one of them being compression socks.
Do Compression Socks Work for plantar fasciitis?
Think about how much shock and vibration goes through your body as you walk or run.
Compression Socks for plantar fasciitis help the body by providing graduated compression meaning that the foot’s compression becomes loose as it moves up to the calf and lower leg.
In essence, this assists the body in venous return, which is the act of deoxygenated blood flowing back up to the heart.
Consistent compression enables the increase of blood flow in the arteries. As such, this helps in the stabilization of muscles and the decrease in the amount of muscular vibration – This eventually decreases muscle soreness.
If you often sit on stand for long periods of time, compression sleeves will come in handy and what comes as an added bonus, compression socks do not only work on Plantar Fasciitis but they also reduce Edema, thrombosis and pooling.
What are the Benefits of Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis?
- Prevention of muscle cramping
- Assist in blood flow
- General relief
- Speeds up recovery
- Support
- Overall comfort
The Prevention of Muscle Cramping
Most people who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis commonly experience muscle aches and cramps. This is because the circulation of blood on their legs is hindered. As such, cramping can cause swelling and pain on the feet and ankles.
Compression socks will help in the elimination of these cramping muscles which could lead to the development of blood clots. They will provide you with the blood circulation that you need.
General Relief from Plantar Fasciitis
While compression socks are not known to cure Plantar Fasciitis, they are known to provide relief and support during the recovery period – Therefor, Compression Socks for plantar fasciitis could play a role in the overall recovery.
Speeds up Recovery
Consistent wearing of compression socks quickens the recovery time. Graduated compression is known to work in your favour especially because it assists the veins in getting that blood out of your legs and back to your heart. Thus also boosting circulation.
Support
Compression socks are designed to ensure targeted support is provided to the arch of the foot. This eventually stabilizes the arch that may be affected because of Plantar Fasciitis and relieves pain so that you may absorb comfort with every step that you take. This will make standing or walking even more pleasant.
Overall Comfort
The support that compression socks offer can be compared to wearing tape. They are comfortable and can be worn all day without feeling any sort of discomfort. As a result, the plantar fascia is stabilized in the right position. Different types of compression socks are required depending on the severity of the injury.
The reduction of long-term overuse injuries
As compression socks aids in pain management and relief from Plantar Fasciitis, it reduces long-term overuse injuries by ensuring that the foot is always supported and less prone to injuries. Known to generally unload stress on a foot, it is the go-to medium for good health of the foot.
What are the Different Types of Compression Socks?
Compression socks provide a different level of firmness and although most levels are fine for plantar fasciitis, the different levels serve a specific purpose for other foot conditions.
To makes things easier for you when choosing a compression sock, view our interesting and colourful info graphic below.
5 of the Best Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis
Compression socks are known to come in different styles and sizes to serve a wide array of people who have different preferences. There are a variety of designs to choose from which makes it possible to find style, comfort and health all at the same time.
1 – Physix Gear Compression Sock
20-30 mmHg – Firm
Physix Gear Compression Socks aim to reduce ankle pain and apply direct compression to the plantar fascia ligament with the intention of eliminating throbbing pain.
If you have trouble walking and jumping, the compression socks offer good support to each arch. The Physix Gear Compression socks guarantee a secure fit and all-day comfort as they pretty much offer immediate relief.
Thanks to its targeted compression and significant ankle support, Physix Gear Compression socks do not place a restriction on ankle motion.
Its comfortable spandex and nylon blend maintains a snug fit and the functional design provides comfort for all-day support.
Physix Compression Socks are an Amazon best seller and are available in pink, black and beige.
2 – Vitalsox Italy
The first thing that stands out about the Vitalsox is the fantastic range of colors and styles they offer.
Colors varying from purple, lime green to electrical violet, you will definitely stand out in style wearing these.
Ofcourse, style isn’t everything when it comes to the best compression socks for plantar fasciitis, so luckily, the Vitalsox Italy is a proven brand that has been manufacturing compression socks from its headquarters in Italy since 1998.
Vitalsox Italy have identified that each foot and leg type require a different sort of compression sock (we are human after all) and they have addressed this with their varied range staying away from the “one size fits all” model.
Designed for both men and women, every style is created with sport specific features and developed with years of research.
3 – MudGear Premium Compression Socks
15-20 mmHg – Medium
If hiking and trail running are your thing, then MudGear compressions socks are the answer.
Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty, Mudgear are THE go to choice for compression socks for plantar fasciitis.
They reduce muscle fatigue by promoting blood circulation, prevent blisters from forming, stabilize muscles and even have a padded toe box.
Targeted towards athletes in high endurance sports does not mean you can’t wear them for everyday use.
In fact, we recommend high grade athlete focused compressions socks for plantar fasciitis as they can be used for a variety of activities.
4 – SB Sox
20-30 mmHg – Firm
SB Sox believe in the quality of their product so much so that they will refund 100% of your money if you are not satisfied. And with over 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon, it is safe to say, they’re keeping their customers happy.
The SB Sox can be used for a range of different activities making it one of the most versatile compressions socks for plantar fasciitis available. Whether its for running, playing soccer, walking, going to work in or sitting down all day, the premium design and comfort that the SB Sox brings is a 10 out of 10.
They are designed with lightweight breathable fabric aimed at soothing legs and feet, reducing soreness, increasing circulation, and improving overall performance.
The SB Sox gets the tick from us and they even offer a free health e-book with every purchase.
5 – Thirty48 Compression Socks
20-30 mmHg – Firm
A low level ankle compression sock, the Thirty48 are specifically aimed at treating plantar fasciitis at a 20-30 mmHg (firm) level.
Made with a lightweight, stretchy type fabric, they are non restrictive with the natural movements of the foot but are firm enough to provide adequate circulation.
The 20-30 mmHg ergonomically conforms to the contours of your feet allowing for maximum support, circulation as well as reducing inflammation.
The minimalistic design means you can wear these with shorts or as running socks.
Compression socks do aid in the prevention and recovery of plantar fasciitis and are a cost effective measure being relatively cheap.
As always, please consult with a medical professional if plantar fasciitis is chronic and on going.
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