By Rehan Iqbal
Dealing with foot pain can be a particularly frustrating ordeal, especially if you're uncertain of what's causing the pain. The foot is full of ligaments, tendons, and hundreds of tiny bones - all of which are incredibly delicate - and injury-prone. So do Crocs help with one of the most common foot issue - Plantar Fasciitis?
How Vulnerable is the Foot?
Even the smallest of tweaks, twists, or tears will trigger a range of different pain types, from throbbing, shooting, stabbing, to burning. Aside from the lack of mobility and the intense pain, healing a foot injury is challenging, and often takes time because of the complexity of the muscular and skeletal makeup in the area.
One of the most common injuries to the foot is Plantar Fasciitis. This nagging injury occurs when the plantar fascia, the long section of tissue that stretches through the middle of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed. It's a very frustrating injury, considering the fact that it's felt in every step taken, and is often worse in the morning.
Even more frustrating is the fact that once the area heals, the chances of re-aggravating the injury are fairly high. Finding even marginal comfort seems impossible as you get caught in a never ending pursuit for footwear that provides enough support and the right amount of cushion. However, many users find an unlikely solution in the form of Crocs, the popular brand of slip-on shoes.
Crocs for Plantar Fasciitis
Why are Crocs so effective in providing comfort and relief for those who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis? For starters, they're extremely comfortable, and because of the thickness and density of the sole, they also provide incredible arch support. Proper support is especially important for those who suffer from this condition.
Along with the comfort of Crocs, these slip-ons also deliver incredible shock absorption. Owning a pair of shoes that properly absorb shock and daily wear and tear goes a long way in preventing re-injury to the foot after you've suffered from plantar fasciitis.
When you suffer initial injury to the plantar fascia, the tissue becomes extremely sensitive, especially during the early weeks and months of recovery. It's important to own a pair of shoes during this time that provides ample support and absorbs a significant amount of the impact sustained to the bottom of the foot when walking and running.
It's easy to forget how much of a beating the foot, specifically the bottom, takes during daily use. Simply overusing the plantar fascia by walking or remaining on your feet on a hard surface for extended periods will trigger irritation. However, making contact with a hard surface repeatedly, combined with the weight of your body, is a substantial amount of trauma for the foot to endure.
So what makes Crocs so efficient at providing relief and support for plantar fasciitis? The following section outlines many of the potential benefits.
Numerous Benefits of Crocs for Plantar Fasciitis
Did you know that Crocs were initially designed to provide relief for miners and labor and field workers who experience regular foot pain because of extended periods of being on their feet? From the start the design was fashioned to provide top-tier cushioning, arch support, and ensure the foot remains in proper alignment. Many physicians currently prescribe Crocs to clients who suffer from extreme foot discomfort and pain, including plantar fasciitis.
Stable Sole
The stability of the sole is one of the most important elements to those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. It's important that when you walk or run the sole of your shoe remains uncompromised without bending or twisting. Most assume that having an additional cushion is more important. However, when you don't have support and stability, the cushion does little to offer protection. In fact, the foot wears down much faster, and leads to further complications in the ankles and legs with too much cushion and not enough stability in the sole.
Support for Your Arches
Arch support is extremely vital when you suffer from plantar fasciitis. Many cases of this condition are actually triggered by shoes that don't deliver enough support to the arches of your feet. Without arch support, our feet stretch to a flat position, causing major stress to the plantar fascia.
Shock Absorbent
When the plantar fascia experiences a high level of pressure, this triggers intense foot pain. Shock absorbent soles help eliminate this problem. In the case of a pair of Crocs, the Croslite outsole delivers the shock absorbency your foot requires.
Heel Support
The heels need support from our shoes just as much as any other part of the foot. This allows the ligament a chance to rest, ensuring it doesn't stretch too much when you walk or run. Certain pairs of Crocs are available that deliver a more supportive heel area than standard editions. These are likely more comfortable for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Are There Any Limiting Factors of Crocs?
It's important to understand that Crocs do not provide a cure for plantar fasciitis. While they are excellent in using in combination with other remedies, it's important you don't use them as your sole method of treatment.
That said, Crocs aren't intended for use during rigorous activities. If you've been prone to constant reinjury of the plantar fascia, you must find a high-quality orthopedic shoe solely intended for this purpose.
Which Crocs Are Best for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you're suffering from plantar fasciitis, standard Crocs, while still offering more support than regular shoes, are not the most appropriate for this condition. The Bistro Pro LiteRide and Neria Pro II LiteRIde are crafted specifically for plantar fasciitis and other injuries to the foot.
If you're uncertain about the right pair, consult your physician. Again, Crocs aren't designed as a cure. However, with the right physical therapy and other remedies in place, they make an excellent alternative to standard tennis shoes or sneakers for simple daily use or lounging shoes.
