What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It’s an inflammatory condition that can cause arch and heel pain. It can manifest as sore feet when getting out of bed, or difficulty walking in the afternoon as the foot tires.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are a number of factors which can cause stress to the plantar fascia and heel bone. These can include unsupportive shoes, flattened arches, a new exercise regime or a sudden increase in weight (aka pregnancy).
What are Plantar Fasciitis Socks?
These socks aim to support the arch of the foot to help provide relief from plantar fascia pain.
How are Plantar Fasciitis Socks Different from Compression Socks?
Graduated compression socks apply pressure greatest at the ankle, gradually decreasing the pressure up the leg, improving blood circulation. This is used to treat swelling, varicose veins and other circulatory problems.
Plantar fasciitis socks apply compression to the arch of the foot which can decrease inflammation, pain and swelling.
Can I Wear Compression Socks to Sleep?
Graduated compression socks are generally not advised to be worn to bed. They are designed to combat gravity and improve blood flow back to the heart. When sleeping, gravity doesn’t have the same effect on your legs and most find it more comfortable to give their legs a break. There are some conditions, like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, where compression socks can help but it’s always best to check with your doctor.
Plantar fasciitis socks can be helpful when you sleep. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. Overnight it shortens and in the morning the pain is from the sudden tension as it is stretched when you take those first steps. The socks provide light compression and support to the arch which can help reduce that morning pain.
Note, you should consult your doctor before wearing compression garments