Plantar fasciitis, an infection of the tissue bridging your heel and toes, can be the source of foot pain. Near your heel, this ailment may give you a sharp ache. But you can use store-bought insoles made for plantar fasciitis to relieve heel and arch discomfort.
The arch can get external support through a shoe insert, which lessens the strain or stress put on the arch. Plantar fasciitis insoles feature cushioned cups for the heel to relieve pressure in conjunction to arch support. When these elements are combined, it can help your foot feel more at ease, especially when used in combination with the best plantar fasciitis shoes.
Finding insoles that perfectly fit your work boots and give your feet the support they require is crucial. We’ll provide you with advice on what to think about when managing plantar fasciitis, how to choose the finest insoles, and the best solutions that are well-invested to help.
Causes of Pain in Heel Of Foot
Plantar fasciitis is a disorder that causes heel pain that is felt on the arch of the foot as well as the bottom of the heel. The utilization of orthotics or supporting shoe inserts can effectively treat this form of heel discomfort.
The most common type of heel discomfort and the main reason for heel spurs is plantar fasciitis. A vital part of stabilizing the foot arch is the plantar fascia, a strip of fibrous tissue that runs from the bone located to the toes. The fascia tendon is typically strong and flexible, but aberrant strain, extra weight, aging, and poor foot function can cause microtears, which cause discomfort and inflammation where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.
The muscle in the foot shortens and tightens while the body is resting, such as during sleeping or prolonged periods of inactivity, which causes frequent, acute pain in the heel. The fascia must quickly stretch and lengthen when the body is suddenly weighted on foot, which causes tiny holes in the fascia tissue.
This is the reason why taking the first walks in the morning frequently results in acute heel pain. But for many patients, the intense pain in the foot usually goes away as they start walking.
An injury from physical exertion, such as a fracture or strain, is another potential cause of heel discomfort. Because it includes overstraining the tissue that runs from the heels to the toes, plantar fasciitis is a sort of sprain. Sports-related sprains, however, are frequently more transient. Lifting a large object, dropping, or spending a lot of time in the wrong position are all actions that might cause this brief heel pain.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
- You experience overpronation, which is the lowering of the arches.
- You are 50 years or older
- Your weight is above average, or you are pregnant
- You spend a lot of time standing or walking on hard surfaces
- You engage in high-impact activities such as running and sports
- Your calf muscles are often tense or tight.
Other potential causes of heel pain, although less common, could include:
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the tiny, fluid-filled sacs (Bursa) that are situated between tendons and bones.
Fat Pad Atrophy
Women who habitually wear high heels are more likely to suffer from a condition where the fat pad under the ankle is destroyed as a result of severe stress.
Sever’s Disease
Children are more likely to get severe Disease, which is brought on by the straining and tightening of tendons and muscles during growth spurts. It could result in persistent discomfort and piercing heel pain.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The arteries of the foot run through the tarsal tunnel, a tiny channel close to the ankle joint. The nerves are compressed when this area is destroyed, which causes pain and suffering throughout the feet, including the heel.
Best Heel Cups and Pads for Plantar Fasciitis
Heel That Pain Plantar Fasciitis Insoles ASIN: B07FM12QG3
Embrace That Pain For people with a variety of heel-related ailments, such as tendinitis, flat feet, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and more, Heel Seats are the ideal treatment. The product puts pressure on particular places, which immediately lessens discomfort.
It is asserted that daily usage of this medicine can realign the plantar tendon to a healthy posture, which would result in complete pain alleviation within eight days. The fact that this heel cup gives 360-degree motion control is one of its outstanding qualities. Its gel substance also offers a supportive cushion for the heel.
| Pros | Cons |
| Available in 4 sizes | None |
| Fits into most shoes easily | |
| Clinically proven |
Tuli’s Heavy Duty Gel Heel Cup ASIN: B077KGZXD8
A product called Tuli’s Gel Heel Cup is designed to help those with shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and heel bursitis. It’s a multi-layered ankle pad that successfully lessens the impact of moving around, whether standing, walking, or jogging.
Since the product is lightweight and soft, it may easily be used with most shoe styles. The cup’s base has a waffle-like design that gives the feet good stability.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality | None |
| Available in various sizes | |
| Ideal for adults and kids |
ViveSole Gel Heel Cups for Pain, Plantar Fasciitis (Pair) ASIN: B01IQ0G3C4
Gel heel cups are the perfect option for people who want to support their ankles and heels. When running, walking, or standing, they give the heels cushioning. They also lessen the impact of a shock to ease the strain and tension on the heels.
People who spend a lot of time on their feet or who have heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, or bone spurs will find this product to be especially beneficial.
| Pros | Cons |
| Available in 2 sizes | Do not stay in place |
| Can be worn with or without socks | |
| Comfortable for long wear |
Tuli’s Cheetah Heel Cup with Compression Sleeve for Sever’s Disease and Heel Pain ASIN: B000MT3G64
Tuli’s Cheetah Heel Cup is a two-part heel support solution that combines the ideal features of a heel cup and a sleeve to provide shock absorption, pain relief, and maximum comfort.
For dancers and gymnasts who want to protect their heels from harm, this device is especially helpful. It also quickly relieves pain by padding the damaged area. For individuals seeking cushion support, these heel implants are the best option.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stays in place | Mediocre quality |
| Delivers noticeable results in just one use | |
| Elevates the heel bone | |
| Supports your feet while walking |
Everything Track and Field M-F Heel Cup Protectors ASIN: B0B69FFDFR
When wearing shoes, the plastic heel cup is designed to provide improved heel support. It fits the heel’s contours precisely and is incredibly light and thin. To improve comfort, it may be easily tucked beneath a sock.
The great reduction in foot stress made possible by this useful attachment makes it especially advantageous for walkers and athletes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low maintenance | Fragile |
| Fits snugly inside shoes & socks | |
| Easy to carry |
Dr. Scholl’s HEEL CUSHIONS with Massaging Gel Advanced // All-Day Shock Absorption and Cushioning to Relieve Heel Discomfort ASIN: B01M4OZ94W
Doctor Scholl’s Comfort Heel Cushion is made to instantly relieve pain and absorb impact. To provide cushioning for the heel, its tapered design was created using massaging gel technology. Moving the cushion from one shoe to another is simple. This lotion is excellent for dealing with sensitive heel problems.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very comfortable | Very slippery |
| Durable | |
| Reasonably priced |
Gel Heel Cups Plantar Fasciitis Inserts – Silicone Heel Cup Pads for Bone Spurs Pain Relief Protectors ASIN: B01GRFYY5I
Use the Armstrong Amerika Gel Heel Cups to relieve heel pain and discomfort. These cups, which are made of soft gel, provide relief from ailments like edema, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, and sprained feet, as well as discomfort in the feet and heels. They are sturdy and comfortable during running, walking, and participating in sports. The gel pads can be worn with any style of men’s or women’s footwear and won’t move about in your boots. They offer the best cushioning for everyday routines while reducing pressure on muscles and joints.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fits all shoe types | Weak adhesion |
| Silicone gel | |
| Lightweight | |
| Comfortable for long wear |
SMATIS Heel Protectors, Heel Cups for Plantar Fasciitis ASIN: B08GX3CZMS
Stress fractures, bone spurs, and sprains are a few of the ailments that the SMATIS Heel Protectors are designed to treat. These fabric protectors have gel pads incorporated within them that offer quick comfort for regular tasks. The high-quality fabric is breathable, easy to dry, and adaptable. Additionally, they come in a unisex size that fits US 5-11. They also promise to absorb 90 percent of the impact while you walk.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable | Fitting issues |
| One-year warranty | Some may find the cushioning to be thin |
| Breathable | |
| Reusable |
Heel Cups Alternative for Plantar Fasciitis by Heel Defender, Achilles Tendonitis Relief, Comfortable Shoe Inserts ASIN: B075YFG1Z4
These heel pads easily absorb 94.7 percent of the shock created when walking, thanks to their distinctive, patented design. They protect your feet from the force that is running or walking places on them. They uniformly distribute pressure throughout the feet to diffuse pain quickly.
Your heels will have a comfy place to rest, thanks to the extra padding. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis are just a few of the frequent heel issues that our heel cushions effectively treat. The best heel shoe pads are Heel Defender Foot Orthotics.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable material | Expensive |
| Provide lasting comfort | |
| Versatile fit |
Sof Sole Gel Heel Cup ASIN: B001AKT7CQ
The flexible polymer gel heel cup is made to provide your heel with outstanding comfort when engaging in high-impact sports like jogging, jumping, and working out. Its design lessens uneven stress on your heel. It slides easily into any shoe thanks to its flexible edges. The dual-density padding, which gives your heel more stability, is this product’s most notable feature. The finest alternative for relieving heel pain is this heel cup.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very flexible | Texture is slimy |
| Stays in place | |
| Durable |
Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles Arch Supports Orthotics Inserts Relieve Flat Feet ASIN: B075YH3D7N
These insoles’ heel cup and arch support provide medium support for prolonged standing or walking. They have a molded footbed that helps to prevent Achilles tendinitis, bunions, and pronation (rolling). High-density foam and silicone work together to absorb the stress without adding bulk, allowing them to fit in a variety of shoes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Made of durable EVA foam material | Material is too hard and stiff |
| Designed for walking | |
| Deep heel cup for stability |
Superfeet GREEN – High Arch Orthotic Support ASIN: B0033BPBD4
In contrast to other choices, this set of insoles has a stabilizer cap that acts as a base for supporting the rear foot. Additionally, it gives the foam layer stability and has a deep heel cup that cushions the foot and stops it from rolling.
They have a high volume profile and may occupy a lot of room in your shoe, but they may be cut to the level of comfort and fit that you choose.
| Pros | Cons |
| Deep heel cup for stability | Not affordable |
| Odor-control material | |
| Made of high-density foam |
Things To Consider While Buying Heel Cups For Plantar Fasciitis
Purpose
It’s crucial to take your demands and tastes into account while choosing a remedy for plantar fasciitis. A massage or stretching tool may be helpful for individuals who feel pain mostly in the morning to warm up and relax the calf muscles and plantar fascia. Compression sleeves and socks are an easy and practical solution to relieve pain for people who stand for lengthy periods. Running and fitness walking enthusiasts could find value in using insoles made for active use.
Cushioning & Support
Wearing an insole or heel cup with sufficient support, shock absorption, and cushioning, especially in the heel area, can have a substantial impact on controlling plantar fasciitis or trying to prevent recurrences. In addition to reducing discomfort, padding also encourages foot stability and helps stop further inflammation. The ankle and arch support must be both strong and flexible.
Quality
When looking for relief solutions, it’s crucial to choose top-notch things from reliable companies with a track record of effectiveness. The list of top-rated foot health products that have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance/Approval might be a helpful tool for locating reliable solutions.
