Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain under the heel, especially first thing in the morning. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong band of connective tissue running from the heel to the toes, becomes overloaded. It pulls at the point it attaches to the heel resulting in inflammation or more likely degeneration of a band of tissue (plantar fascia) under the foot. Specifically, at the point it attaches to the heel.

Insoles help plantar fasciitis by controlling the position of the heel, supporting the arch and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.

Which insole is best for me?

This depends on your foot type, and to some extent your activity or sport. The three foot types are:

• Over-pronation: where your foot rolls in or flattens
• Under pronation (supination): less flexible, high arch foot
• Neutral: neither over-pronate or supinate (under-pronate)
  

Most people with Plantar fasciitis tend to over-pronate. However, at Ultimate Performance we have an insole to suit all foot types.

Plantar fasciitis insoles for over-pronators

Over-pronators are much more at risk of Plantar fasciitis. As your foot strikes the ground, the arch under your foot flattens. A small amount is good, providing natural shock absorption. However, if your foot rolls in or flattens too much, the plantar fascia over-stretches, pulling at its attachment to the heel. Eventually it becomes inflamed and over time degenerates causing pain.

Recommended insoles:

• Advanced F3D Support+ insole for running, walking, sports and high impact activities.
• Active F3D Support insole for day to day walking and daily activities.
• Advanced Court insole for all court sports including tennis, badminton, volleyball, netball, basketball.
• Advanced Field Sports insole for football, rugby, hockey.

Neutral feet

If you neither over-pronate or supinate (under-pronate) then you are among the lucky ones. However, if you do suffer from plantar fasciitis related heel pain you still benefit from an insole with arch support and good cushioning.

Recommended insoles:

• Advanced F3D Neutral Insole for running, walking, sports and high impact activities.
• Active F3D Support insole for day to day walking and daily activities.
• Advanced Court insole for all court sports including tennis, badminton, volleyball, netball, basketball.
• Advanced Field Sports insole for football, rugby, hockey.
  

Over-supinators

These people usually have rigid, high arch feet and are also less likely to suffer Plantar heel pain. However, cushioning is the priority for this foot type as it lacks its own natural shock absorbing properties.

Recommended insoles:

• Advanced F3D Cushion+  for running, walking, sports and high impact activities.
• Active F3D Cushion insole for day to day walking and daily activities.

How can I know my foot type?

If you are not sure what your foot type is then try the wet foot test. Stand on a piece of paper with wet feet and examine your footprint.