A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis doesn't have to mean your running days are over. Several reputable brands of running shoes have models that can help you deal with this painful condition, which is caused by inflammation. Being overweight, standing for long periods of time and wearing worn-out shoes can all contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, and the condition can be so debilitating that it becomes difficult to move about easily. The correct running shoe with the right support can go a long way toward decreasing the pain.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band that runs the length of the foot and takes the brunt of the impact of each foot strike. In an article on CoachR.org, New York Chiropractic College faculty member Russ Ebbets explains that the plantar fascia handles many aspects of gait, balance and impact. When the fascia becomes inflamed from constant use, heel pain develops. The pain is usually in only one foot and is especially noticeable when you get up in the morning or after you sit for a while. The sudden pressure and flexing of standing, walking or running causes it to hurt more.
Running Shoe Support
Ebbets goes on to state that specially designed shoe inserts for arch support can help significantly in overcoming plantar fasciitis. Before considering a shoe insert, however, you might first consider a running shoe with built-in arch support. Many running shoes offer such support, including the Brooks Beast, the Asics Gel Evolution, the Mizuno Renegade and the Saucony Grid Stabil. All of these models have dense compounds under the arch that give structured support to keep the plantar fascia from flexing too much on impact.
Foot Types
While it's important for plantar fasciitis sufferers to have some form of arch support at all times, the correct type of running shoe also depends on your foot type. The Brooks Beast, classified as a motion-control shoe, is for severely flat-footed or heavy people. The Asics GT-2150 is appropriate for someone with a moderately low arch and moderate overpronation, or the rolling inward of the foot and leg. The Nike Air Pegasus is for a well-arched, stable foot. Each of these models features some form of structured arch support, such as the trussic system, which is a mid-foot stabilizer in most Asics models.
A Balanced Treatment
Wearing the right running shoe to help combat the symptoms of plantar fasciitis is not the total solution. As stated in the article by Ebbets, treatment also involves stretching, icing, extra arch support, strengthening the foot and increasing the foot's range of motion.
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