Heel pain caused by a condition known as plantar fasciitis is common in many middle-aged people. People who are on their feet all day are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis such as athletes, soldiers, and wait staff. There are some remedies to try for easing the pain from this ailment, and compression gear may be a good item to consider.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an ailment that many people do experience. It is caused by damaging the ligament on the arch of your foot. Overextending it or overusing it can cause tears, which lead to swelling and the pain most people experience with the condition. Other common causes are walking on the outsides of your feet, high arches, ill-fitting shoes, or too much weight.
What is Compression Gear?
Compression items are known to assist with plantar fasciitis, but what exactly is compression? Compression items were created and are used by athletes, travelers, and day-to-day workers. They are clothing items such as shorts, arm sleeves, socks, calf sleeves, shirts, leggings and many other choices. When applied, compression garments squeeze the skin and muscles fairly tightly. There are varying degrees of tightness which can stimulate blood flow and also reduce swelling and fluid buildup.
Can Compression Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can be healed over several months by taking care of your ligament. Exercises and support items can be combined for an effective treatment to help heal and prevent pain. Support items such as compression clothing can be used to gently apply pressure to the area which promotes blood flow which accelerates the healing process. These items help support different areas of the foot, so choosing the right one for you is important.
What Types Are Available?
There are several different types of plantar fasciitis gear available on the market. The most common and the most useful are:
Compression arch supports – A smaller foam pad with an elastic band that wraps around the foot while the pad gives the arch extra support. It helps alleviate pain when walking.
Compression socks – These socks come in varying types that have different pressure points for what you need. They can provide more support to the ankle, to the foot, or even to the arch area to help with plantar fasciitis. They are excellent choices when traveling for lengthy periods as they help reduce swelling and circulate the blood, especially when sitting for hours.
Plantar fasciitis bandage or wrap – This is a simple wrap that is applied to the arch of the foot. It squeezes the area slightly to support the arch and to assist with pain. They can be worn under socks or over them for many hours of the day.
How Often Do I Wear Them?
Compression gear wasn’t made to be worn for days straight. It is best to put on the clothing item or bandage early in the morning before any major swelling begins. These garments can be quite snug, so put them on firmly but carefully. If the PF is particularly bad, then the socks can be worn all day, or anytime you are on your feet. Another good rule to remember is to wear them anytime your legs are lower than your heart. This means that during bedtime when your feet are elevated is a good time to remove them and let your skin breathe.
There are many great types of compression socks and legwear for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. Heel wraps, arch wraps with padding, compression socks with varying degrees of tightness and many others are available to you. They will help ease the pain and allow the healing of your PF to commence.
Sarah is the Editor of Compression Info. Being an active person, she’s always been aware of what poor blood circulation and strained muscles can do to your overall health. She writes about compression gear to help others realize the wonderful benefits they offer.