What's Inside
Plantar Fasciitis is a very common condition affecting millions of people globally. This condition is, however, usually, self-treatable.
So, there are a lot of home remedies that you can find online.
Compression socks for Plantar Fasciitis are very popular nowadays with so many people claiming impressive improvements in their condition by using them routinely.
Here, we have decided to review the best of such compression socks in the market today and some additional precautions you can take to prevent the resurgence of this injury.
But first, let’s have a closer look at the condition itself.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the injury to the thick band of tissue that runs along the base of your heel, which connects the heel bones to your toes.
It is a very common injury mostly affecting men and women aged between 40 and 70.
The plantar fascia ligament, get injured or inflamed, causing pain and discomfort in the surrounding areas when planting your foot, or walking, or doing any activities.
The pain is most prominent in the mornings when you take your first few steps after you wake up, or when you get up and walk after sitting down for a while.
They may be caused by a variety of reasons including structural abnormalities in your feet and obesity or sudden weight gain.
Prolonged stress from wearing improper footwear is also a factor, especially seen in long-distance runners and athletes.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination for ruling out any other problems and ascertaining the severity of the condition.
Your reflexes, muscle tones, sense of touch, coordination, and balance, will all be evaluated before you are diagnosed with the condition.
What are your treatment options?
Depending on the severity of your condition your physician will prescribe a treatment plan that may range from slight exercises and physiotherapy to steroidal and non-steroidal medications.
Surgery is generally not required unless the period of affliction lasts longer than 1 year and if your physician has worn-out all other treatment options.
How does compression socks help to ease the pain?
Compression socks are generally made to put pressure on the soles of your feet, and some other variants provide compression to your calves as well.
This pressure will help to improve blood flow and reduce swelling and inflammation. Swelling and inflammation are the major causes of pain in an injury and by reducing this condition, the pain from your plantar fasciitis slowly subsides.
A certain variant of compression socks come with night splint features as well, which will help keep your fascia flexed and relaxed during sleep to alleviate pain in the morning.
Other benefits of using compression socks
✅ Most compression socks provide arch support for further flexing your plantar fascia.
✅ Most compression socks also come with Achilles tendon support for related ailments and pain.
✅ Knee-length compression socks provide support to your calves as well.
✅ Promoting healthy blood flow and circulation to your legs and feet
✅ Easy and convenient to use, compared to night splints and other instruments.
Best Compression socks for Plantar Fasciitis on Amazon
Compression socks come in different measures of length, compression levels, and sizes. As each manufacturer adopts slightly varying degrees of size ratios, please read through the description to find an appropriate pair.
That being said, if this is your first-time shopping for compression socks, then you may want to pick out a couple of different socks to find out what works best for you.
Here’s a catalog of some of the most popular items on Amazon.
1. SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeves for Men & Women
This item comes in single pairs, and in a variety of appealing colors ranging from Navy, black, and green to pink, purple and white.
It is made with breathable nylon and is perfect for plantar fasciitis pain relief, heel pain in general, and arch support.
It is available in 4 different sizes – small, medium, large, and X-large.
The medium size is suitable for men with shoe size (U.S.) 6 – 9.5, and women with shoe size 7 – 10.5
Please refer to the size chart provided in their description to ensure the best fit for you.
User review:
We got these for my husband who has extreme nerve pain in his left foot from an auto accident many years ago and they seem to help his foot a lot. He also says they are very comfortable, breathe well and he asked me to get him an extra pair. Very happy with these “SB SOX Compression Foot Sleeves”.
– JoAnn T.
2. SOOVERKI compression ankle sports socks for men and women
Made with infused copper which is a great conductor of electricity and will help rejuvenate blood circulation through your legs.
It has a mild-to-moderate compression for improving blood flow and providing the right amount of arch support and stability to your plantar fascia.
Apart from the compression function, the soles are constructed with soft cushioning for added comfort and support throughout the day.
This item is great for sports and other athletic activities as well.
User review:
“These socks feel so good on! They fit like a glove. I love the mostly black ones because the part that sticks out of your shoe is just black. Great for working out and everyday wear. I wear them around the house instead of slippers because they feel so good. Came out of the washer and dryer perfect.”
– Tara.
3. TechWare Pro Ankle Compression Socks
A good quality quarter length socks, made with moisture wicking fabric comprised of 80% nylon and 20% spandex.
Compression features of this item will provide support and flex your plantar fascia to minimize the inflamed heel pain and allowing for more comfortable mobility.
It has graduated compression that allows for a more comfortable experience.
It comes in 4 standard sizes-small, medium, large, and X-Large with color variants ranging from beige/pink to black/gray, etc.
It is intended as a second-skin fit sock, so it can be used with another pair of socks as well for provided extra protection.
User review:
“I have plantar fasciitis, and these truly help. On the days when I have to be on my feet a lot, these have been a lifesaver. I spend so much time and money shopping for shoes, and I haven’t given enough attention to socks. On a recommendation, I purchased these and couldn’t be happier. I like that they are crew length, which is very versatile. They wash well (air dry!!) and are holding their shape and compression nicely.”
– Maryukelele26
4. Plantar Fasciitis Socks with Arch Support by Crucial Compression
Suitable for athletic activities for both men and women and comes in 3 varying sizes – small/medium, large/x-large, and XX-large.
Made with premium quality Lycra and has 5 color variants to choose from – Beige, Black, Gray, Pink, and White.
Its targeted arch support will stabilize your plantar fascia ligament and its reinforced shock-absorbing heel and ankle cushion will provide relief from other ailments such as heel spurs.
User review:
“I’ve been having some issue with one foot, in particular, either plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. I’ve tried so many at-home remedies: icing, stretching, wearing shoes with support, but honestly, the only thing that has provided both quick and lasting relief has been these socks. And because they’re nude color, I can wear them with flip flops and people can hardly tell it’s there. Glad to have made this purchase!”
– Julie C
5. PAPLUS – Plantar Fasciitis Socks
A good quality pair of open-toe ankle-length socks made with a moisture-wicking combination of 80% nylon and 20% spandex.
It comes in 5 size variants including – Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and 2X-Large.
Color variants range from a combination of stripes of light grey, beige, black, etc.
It can be a great accessory for physical activities with its compression function around the heel as well as the ankles for supporting your Achilles tendon as well.
It is also very versatile making it compatible with all kinds of footwear like shoes, boots, insoles, slippers, etc, and also under any socks.
User review:
“These socks are wonderful!! My husband has plantar fasciitis and we previously purchased some socks that worked great, but cost twice as much! My husband said he even likes these better as they are longer (go closer to his toes) and don’t roll up when he is pulling his regular socks over the top of them! My husband wears a size 13 and these fit great!”
– Abbi Kate
6. Dowellife Plantar Fasciitis Socks
This is also an open-toe splint sock with premium compression function around the heel and ankles for plantar fasciitis as well as Achilles tendonitis.
Fabric is made with a combination of 75% polyamide and 25% spandex, allowing for a breathable and moisture-wicking build.
User review:
“I’ve ordered a few different types of these foot sleeves and these are by far the absolute best with the BEST fit. I have another brand that I like, one brand I’ve returned due to not being snug enough but these, I will be ordering more FOR SURE! I ordered a size large and they have the perfect amount of snugness and firmness. My shoe size is in between an 8 and 8 wide. And in both feet I have plantar fasciitis, metatarsal problems, upper instep problems and to top it all off, heel spurs in both heels. These foot sleeves give such relief. I hope this review helps someone out.”
– Lisa Torres
7. Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks for Men & Women
These compression socks are knee-length and will support your calf muscles as well.
They are made with 70% Nylon and 30% spandex and are great for a variety of uses such as – relief from varicose veins, leg inflammation issues, preventing blood clots after surgery, and promoting blood circulation in general.
They come in 3 size variants – Small-medium, Large-X-Large, and XX-Large.
They also come in a stylish assortment of colors that include Black/blue, Nude Beige, Black/Grey, Black/pink, etc.
This is one of the most popular compression socks you will find on Amazon with a 4.5/5 star rating out of 46k+ global reviewers!
Here what a U.K based nurse M. Misfud had to say about these socks:
“As a nurse who spends 12hours a day standing up, I suffer a lot from calf pain and swelling. I tried a lot of different (very expensive) compression socks and these are by far the comfiest ones and at a good price. As a bonus, there are different colors available 🙂 I bought 5 and will definitely buy again.”
8. Bluemaple – Copper compression Socks for Men and Women
Also, another knee-length compression socks for providing calf support.
It is infused with copper fibers for a unique compression function that leaves your feet warm in cold temperatures and cold in warm temperatures. The copper acts as a thermal stabilizer.
It also has a graduated compression function that provides the right pressure in just the right spots.
It comes in a grand assortment of colors to choose from and 2 distinct size variants including – Small-medium and Large-X-Large.
These socks are especially useful for athletic activities such as running, hiking, biking, etc.
User review:
“I was hesitant to buy because of the low, affordable price! These are great socks!! I work in surgery and am on my feet for 8 hours! They help my legs SO much! I HIGHLY recommend it! I’ve had it now for 6 months and the quality is equally as well as when I bought it!”
– BethAnne
9. StrictlyStability - Double Strap Night Sock
Now, these aren’t exactly compression socks, but these are very useful for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
They stretch out your feet during your sleep at night, keeping your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, making them relaxed in the morning to alleviate the striking pain.
They come with adjustable dorsiflexion straps that allow you to position them to your convenience.
Just ensure that your feet are flexed upwards at a 90-degree angle.
Regular and Large are the two size variants these socks come in.
10. Plantar Fasciitis Stretch Night Sock by MARS wellness store
This is also a quality night sock for keeping your tendons and feet muscles stretched throughout the night to heal.
It is extremely lightweight and has made with the highest quality, ultra-soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable nylon fabric for best comfort throughout the night.
They come in 5 size variants – X-small, Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large.
How to choose the best socks for Plantar Fasciitis?
Basically, for dealing with heel pain and other ailments, you will need quality socks that will have their compression features intact and working for a long time.
It is generally advised that you only get your pair from renowned orthotic footwear suppliers that specialize in similar products.
Another important aspect to keep an eye on is the size. Know your socks size and only choose the size that will fit your snuggly.
Too loose – and there is no difference with regular socks. Too tight – and it is going to cause circulation issues.
So only choose socks that fit snuggly and provide comfort.
Be aware of the washing instruction of your socks as well. Improper wash care will lead to premature wearing-out of these socks and loss of elasticity, which will turn them back into regular socks.
If you are buying it online, always check the ratings and user reviews before purchase.
Prevention>Cure. How to prevent Plantar Fasciitis and its resurgence?
✅ Maintain a healthy body weight
✅ Eat right. Avoid junk food and other items devoid of nutrition. This will help to maintain suitable body weight and prevent sudden weight gains.
✅ Always warm-up before sports or any intense physical activities. Stretch your calves, Achilles tendon, and heel thoroughly.
✅ Wear appropriate footwear. Avoid shoes that dangle and sway. Your footwear should be fit firmly on your feet.
✅ Don’t overstrain. Know your limits and only gradually increase the intensity of your physical activities.
✅ Be physically active regularly. People who are routinely active are less likely to develop injuries than others.
✅ Do low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling if you experience any pain in your feet. Only return to normal activities once you are completely healed.
Final Take
While compression socks can be extremely useful for people with plantar fasciitis, nothing beats proper resting and care for your feet.
A combination of a healthy diet, mild stretching, and routine massages, will work best for healing your condition.
That being said, these compression socks can work wonders in escalating your healing process and supporting the right posture during the night.
Having a pair, especially during physical activities can help avoid over stretching and injuring your feet again.
