Strassburg Sock for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can affect many areas of your life, including how you sleep and wake up. It might sound extreme to someone who’s never had this foot problem before, but it’s quite true for those who have to feel the sharp pain in their heel when stepping out the bed each morning. The Strassburg sock for plantar fasciitis can change that.

To successfully treat plantar fasciitis, patients must combine day-time and night-time treatments in order for the plantar tissue to recover correctly.

One of the preferred night-time methods comes in the form of the Strassburg Sock, a tool devised by a specialist to aid the plantar tissue heal while you catch some Z’s.

History of the Strassburg Sock

How it all started

Back in 1993, a man by the name of David Strassburg, annoyed by the pain caused by plantar fasciitis decide to brainstorm a way to hold his foot in a certain position while he slept.

Using his wife’s sewing machine, a tube sock, some extra fabric, and inventive thinking, he devised what would become the first prototype of the Strassburg Sock. After a couple nights wearing his invention and Strassburg noted a significant improvement in his foot pain, to the point he felt it had almost disappeared.

Curious as to know how it worked, he contacted a friend who was a physical therapist and together they worked the details to apply for a patent which they received two years later in 1995.

Worldwide popularity

With a US patent and FDA approval, podiatrists welcomed the sock and by 1996 and their presence on the internet, sales and fans of the sock grew.

In 2002 the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery published the results of a study done using the Strassburg Sock, showing 97.8% of patients recovering in an average of 8 weeks. The details of the study were highlighted in a 2003 article published in Runner’s World magazine.

Another article about the benefits of the sock was published in 2004 by Running Times magazine, further boosting its popularity

To this day, the sock has helped countless people around the world to deal with plantar fasciitis pain.

Strassburg sock for Plantar Fasciitis

The Strassburg Sock for plantar fasciitis serves as a tool for easing the pain associated with plantar fasciitis as well as tight calves, Achilles tendonitis, and similar afflictions.

This sock is meant to be worn at night, as you sleep to prevent the fascia from shortening, which is the cause of the sharp pain in the morning as you take the first steps out of bed.

It’s common to find the sock a little uncomfortable and a little hard to get used to at first, especially sleeping through the night with them on but if you can manage the adaptation period, they can majorly improve the way you feel in the morning about your plantar fasciitis related pain.

Thanks to its friendly design, they are very easy to adjust. Since every person’s body is different, we suggest you try different tightening settings with the straps to find one that you feel comfortable with.

After about 2 weeks of constant use of the Strassburg Sock for plantar fasciitis, you should be used to it and start feeling a significant improvement in your morning fasciitis pain (also depends on how severe your plantar fasciitis is).

How does the Strassburg sock Work?

This device is made of a knit material and shaped very similar to a regular sock. It fits over the calf with a slight compression and has two adjustable straps (one on the toes and one around the calf) that hold the foot in the right position, gently stretching back the toes which greatly helps reduce the pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

The Strassburg Sock is designed to keep tension on the plantar fascia tissue, the same one that hurts when inflamed or injured so it can heal in a stretched position while you sleep at night. This can help reduce recovery time, morning pain and need for medication, which can be especially helpful.

The science behind it

During your active period (usually during the day) the fascia is bearing the weight of your whole body when you’re on your feet, as well as being stretched and pulled through the constant motions when you walk.

At night as you sleep, since there is no weight or movement the fascia contracts and begins the healing process in this un-stretched position, leading to more tearing of the fascia in the morning as you take the first steps out the bed.

Used properly, the sock doesn’t let the plantar fascia contract while in the supine or prone position. Holding the forefoot and ankle joint in a way that prevents the plantar-flexion with a slight dorsiflexion during the whole night.

In simpler words, holds your foot in a position that keeps the fascia stretched so that it can heal in this position, thus avoiding micro-tearing in the morning as you start walking.

This gentle stretch for a prolonged time is the secret behind the sock’s success in treating the pain, helping with the lengthening of the connective tissue that is the fascia.

Benefits of the Strassburg Sock for Plantar Fasciitis

The sock has helped thousands of people around the world cure their plantar fasciitis and it no surprise why. Here are the top benefits of the Strassburg sock for plantar fasciitis:strassburg sock for plantar fasciitis

  • Ergonomic and proven relief of plantar fasciitis heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, and chronically tight calf muscles
  • Straightforward and easy to use
  • Trusted by chiropractors, podiatrists and athletic trainers around the world as a way to reduce and heal the fascia
  • Its design allows some movement between the foot’s joints as it doesn’t restrict the ankle in a position, making it comfortable to wear.
  • The material is breathable lightweight, washable and adjustable for a better fit.
  • Can be safely worn through the night or any long period without a negative effect when used properly, reducing morning foot pain
  • Low cost but its tubular knit material is very durable
  • Effective for heel spur symptoms relief
  • Provides a more complete controlled stretch of the plantar fascia by use of the windlass mechanism.
  • Does not interfere with other traditional treatment appointed by doctors

 

As a part of a routine of massages, balance exercises and any other therapy your physician suggest depending on the severity of your affliction, the Strassburg Sock for plantar fasciitis can work wonders and make the discomfort disappear.

For a different type of calf stretching device, have a look at the Stretch-EZ.

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