The Link Between Compression Socks and Plantar Fasciitis Relief for Athletes

The Link Between Compression Socks and Plantar Fasciitis Relief for Athletes

Plantar fasciitis is an all-too common problem. Without proper plantar fascia support, you could face inflammation that causes foot pain in athletes, among others. This inflammation becomes an especially big problem with morning heel pain, but it also causes issues when running, jogging, and even walking. 

The good news, however, is that compression socks for plantar fasciitis can help your feet feel better much more quickly. In fact, if you wear them before a bout of plantar fasciitis, the odds are good that you won’t even develop this problem. That’s because they mimic orthotics by adding extra support for your foot’s arch, plus they improve your blood circulation. 

In this article, we’ll discuss science-backed heel pain relief, along with the role compression plays in speeding up the process. Additionally, we’ll provide tips regarding the best practices for wearing compression socks, including answering the question “when should I wear compression socks for plantar fasciitis?”

What Is Plantar Fasciitis and Why Athletes Are at Risk?   

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by straining or overusing your plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that rests at the bottom of your feet. Once this band becomes inflamed, you’ll deal with many symptoms such as: 

  • Pain after exercising 

  • Painful first steps after an extended rest 

  • Arch pain 

  • Dull ache or sharp, stabbing pain 

  • Swelling and stiffness in the morning 

There are many different causes of this condition, including: 

  • Improper footwear

  • Foot mechanics 

  • Repetitive overuse strain 

Although this can happen to any athlete, it’s most common for runners, weightlifters, and cross-trainers. Why, you ask? Because these specific workouts combine repetitive motions with high impact activities. For example, it has become so common in runners that it’s also known by the nickname ‘runner’s heel.’ The root of this condition for runners is their repetitive feet pounding as they propel themselves forward. 

Meanwhile, weightlifters put a significant amount of stress on their feet as they do deadlifts and squats. Without arch compression and proper footwear, they can aggravate their plantar fascia. Cross-trainers also run a similar risk and must choose low-impact activities if they wish to avoid a painful bout of plantar fasciitis. 

How Compression Socks Help with Plantar Fasciitis Relief 

Compression support socks for runners and other athletes provide a proven way to help avoid plantar fasciitis. There are four specific categories to pay attention to, including: 

  1. Improved circulation – Promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation (prevents it from happening in the first place too), and supports faster healing. 

  2. Arch and heel support – Delivers targeted compression to the arch and heel, helping reduce strain on the plantar fascia and improve overall foot stability. 

  3. Reduced swelling – Provides crucial support during long periods of activity and helps reduce post-workout swelling by improving fluid circulation.

  4. Enhanced recovery – Compression socks provide vital support between sessions, promoting muscle repair and helping keep tissues oxygenated for faster recovery and reduced soreness.

Are Compression Socks Good for Plantar Fasciitis?

Per HealthPartners, wearing compression socks is a good idea if you’ve developed plantar fasciitis. Additionally, El Paso Manual Physical Therapy says that they’re “very useful if you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis” and they recommend wearing them to give yourself “pain relief.”  

Regular users have also spoken highly about the link between wearing compression socks to get rid of their plantar fasciitis pain. 

  • “These socks saved my feet. They helped get rid of my plantar fasciitis and shin splints.” – Kimberly J. 

  • “I used to have pain in my feet. Once I started wearing the socks my foot pain went away.” – Deborah W. 

  • “I have foot pain most of my life. Managing a restaurant (for) the past 11 years has only made things worse and resulted in surgery. I cannot believe the difference these socks make. I have no pain at work… Talk about a game-changer.” – Monica M. 

Ensuring you have constant pressure and support for your fascia can prevent microtears and other fascia injuries. This is the primary reason that so many professional and serious athletes choose to wear compression socks preventively. 

Of course, there are other plantar fasciitis treatments. Let’s compare how some of the most popular options work vs. wearing TRUEENERGY® compression socks.

  • Orthotics – Wearing custom orthotics can correct your foot mechanics and provide pain relief. Compression socks remove swelling and pain, along with improving your blood circulation. 

  • Icing – Icing your heels for approximately 10-20 minutes at a time can reduce pain and inflammation. However, if you don’t remove the ice within 20 minutes, it can actually make your inflammation worse. Meanwhile, compression supports the affected area and reduces pain and swelling. 

  • Rest – Resting can reduce inflammation, promote healing, and reduce the strain to your fascia. Compression provides support, reduces swelling, and improves blood circulation. Experts believe that combing rest and compression are your absolute best bet and encourage you to use the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method. 

When Should I Wear Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis?

Even if you’re already using compression socks, you might have given into the inaccurate belief that you should only wear them while you work out. The truth, however, is that wearing the best compression socks for plantar fasciitis includes keeping them on once your workout is complete. 

Of course, you’ll want to wear them during exercise to minimize fascia irritation and stabilize your foot movements. Wearing them post-workout is the best way to receive the benefits of tendon recovery, though, plus it’ll help aid your muscles. Also, if your job involves a lot of standing and/or walking, you should wear them throughout the day to greatly reduce foot pain. Another good time to wear them is when you’re traveling, especially on a plane. They can help you avoid blood clots by increasing your circulation.

Can You Sleep in Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis? 

By now, you understand the many benefits of wearing compression socks throughout the day. But can you sleep in compression socks for plantar fasciitis? The answer depends primarily on your health. If you have certain circulatory conditions, along with severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), skin infections, or congestive heart failure, it is not recommended to keep your socks on while sleeping. 

Otherwise, wearing a pair of low-grade compression socks overnight may be able to help you better deal with morning foot pain. Generally speaking, most experts say that it’s important to ensure your compression socks are flexible and breathable. Fortunately, TRUEENERGY® compression socks will provide both of these things. 

What Makes the Best Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis?

Choosing the best compression socks for plantar fasciitis doesn’t need to be difficult, but you do need to keep four key things in mind: 

  • Graduated compression – Make sure you purchase graduated compression socks that specifically target your heel and arch. 

  • Comfortable fit – It’s important that your socks don’t pinch, bunch, or slip during movement. 

  • Infrared tech – TRUEENERGY® uses our proprietary Tru-X technology to stimulate natural healing through microcirculation. 

  • Breathability and moisture control – It’s always wise to purchase breathable socks with moisture control, but it’s especially vital for high-performance usage. 

TRUEENERGY® graduated compression socks offer everything listed above, plus a whole lot more. Read on to learn even more!

Why Athletes Trust True Energy Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis Relief 

If you’re a serious or professional athlete, you don’t want to spend a lot of time sidelined with plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, wearing TRUEENERGY® graduated compression socks feature Tru-X fabric technology inspired by NASA to deliver precise, lasting support. Our infrared-infused yarn will boost your healing process by increasing your localized blood flow. Furthermore, they won’t slide or sag when you’re relying on them the most. 

As Kelly S. said, “I got these for my son who is on his feet up to 20 hours a day.
He said these socks are worth every penny…True Energy for the win!” 

Graduated compression socks from TRUEENERGY® offer the very best for achy feet and will help you recover more quickly from plantar fasciitis. 

Choose TRUEENERGY® Graduated Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis 

Wearing compression socks can be a huge game-changer for athletes and other people who are dealing with plantar fasciitis. Not only can they help you deal with heel and arch pain, but they’ll also reduce swelling, improve your circulation, and enhance the recovery process. 

Don’t forget that the way to get the absolute most out of your compression socks is by wearing them during exercise, post-workout, throughout the day, and while traveling. It may also be a good idea to wear them while you sleep, so that you can receive assistance with morning pain. 

Additionally, it’s wisest to wear them preventatively, which may keep you from ever having to deal with plantar fasciitis pain in the first place. So, if you’ve ever wondered “are compression socks good for plantar fasciitis,” you now know the answer! Keep in mind that graduated compression is best for this particular foot condition.  

Take every step pain-free. Discover TRUEENERGY® Graduated Compression socks that are designed to relieve plantar fasciitis and support your active lifestyle—on and off the field.

 

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