Do Plantar Fasciitis Socks Work?


do plantar fasciitis socks workAs a Physical Therapist, one of the most common questions I hear is this: Do plantar fasciitis socks work?

The short answer: the compression from plantar fasciitis socks can be very beneficial and decrease pain in the short term.  It’s absolutely fine to try plantar fasciitis socks, but the best results for treating plantar fasciitis happen when my patients start an appropriate stretching and exercise regimen.

Benefits of Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks

Compression stockings are often used to reduce inflammation and to decrease swelling.  You may be familiar with a compression stocking that is worn along the lower leg after surgery.  

The idea behind using compression socks for plantar fasciitis falls under the same idea. If you provide a constant support through compression socks, the arch of your foot may feel less sore due to decreased inflammation and swelling.

The benefits of compression socks may include:

  • Decreased inflammation
  • Reduced swelling
  • Increased arch support
  • Decreased muscle soreness
  • Improved circulation
  • Decreased Calf Cramping
  • Improved heel support without shoes

Can I wear plantar fasciitis socks with my shoe inserts?

You can wear plantar fasciitis socks with shoes and custom inserts as long as it feels comfortable.  If the socks are too tight or they bother your foot while wearing certain shoes, you should take that as a sign to modify your shoe/sock combination and to identify what is causing the discomfort.

An Inexpensive Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Option

Plantar fasciitis socks are certainly more expensive than a regular pair of socks.  But when you compare the typical $12-15 cost of compression socks with a $100 pair of plantar fasciitis shoe inserts, you might find the price to be pretty reasonable.  

Are plantar fasciitis socks a good alternative to shoe inserts?

No, you’re not going to get the same support from a plantar fasciitis sock as you do with a shoe insert.  On the same token, shoe inserts have been found to produce only a short term benefit for plantar fasciitis.  

Consider the use of shoe inserts and plantar fasciitis socks as the short term strategies to reduce heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

3 Best Plantar Fasciitis Socks

I recommend to my patient to compare the price of plantar fasciitis socks on Amazon first.  Here are a few of the highest rated plantar fasciitis socks on Amazon.

1. Bitly Socks

There are over 4,500 positive reviews of the Bitly plantar fasciitis sock.  They provide a size chart to help you identify the best size sock to order.  Be sure to read through the FAQ as there are many people with similar questions who have shared their insights on how the socks have worked for them.

Sale
Plantar Fasciitis Socks for Women & Men - Best Foot & Ankle Compression Sleeve, Brace for Everyday Use - Provides Arch Support & Heel Pain Relief...
  • 【Kind Reminder】: For the best fit of Bitly Socks, please refer to our size instructions. Shoe sizes may differ
  • DISCOMFORT RELIEF - These plantar fasciitis socks are the answer for achy feet everywhere. The compression fabric provides optimal arch support and...

2. SB Sox

When you read through the hundreds and hundreds of positive reviews on these socks, it’s easy to see why the SB Sox are highly rated on Amazon.  There are reviews from people with plantar fasciitis, chronic ankle sprains, and people who struggle with swelling after standing all day. These are worth taking a look at.

Sale
SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks for Women & Men - Best Arch Support for All Day Wear - Relief for Heel Pain and Night Splint Comfort...
  • ✅ Relieve Foot Pain: Our plantar fasciitis compression socks are perfect for relieving your foot pain – whether from plantar fasciitis, heel pain,...
  • ✅ All Day Comfort: Our socks are very comfortable, lightweight, and breathable so that you can wear them all day on your feet and also at night if...

#3. Thirty48 Socks

The Thirty48 plantar fasciitis is climbing in popularity because it provides the same type of support through compression but also gives you a little bit of customization with colors and designs.  Take a look at the options with the Thirty48 sock here:

Thirty48 Plantar Fasciitis Socks, 20-30 mmHg Foot Compression Sleeves for Ankle/Heel Support, Increasing Blood Circulation, Relieving Arch Pain,...
  • ✅ Engineered with Stretchy Ultra Light Fabric - These socks provide fast comfortable relief from plantar fasciitis pain. Fully elastic design is...
  • ✅ 20-30 mmHg Pressure Compression ergonomically conforms to your foot for a tight fit around nerves and muscles to increase circulation and reduce...

Preview
Plantar Fasciitis Socks for Women & Men - Best Foot & Ankle Compression Sleeve, Brace for Everyday Use - Provides Arch Support & Heel Pain Relief...
SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks for Women & Men - Best Arch Support for All Day Wear - Relief for Heel Pain and Night Splint Comfort...
Best Deal
Thirty48 Plantar Fasciitis Socks, 20-30 mmHg Foot Compression Sleeves for Ankle/Heel Support, Increasing Blood Circulation, Relieving Arch Pain,...
Title
Plantar Fasciitis Socks for Women & Men - Best Foot & Ankle Compression Sleeve, Brace for Everyday Use - Provides Arch Support & Heel Pain Relief...
SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks for Women & Men - Best Arch Support for All Day Wear - Relief for Heel Pain and Night Splint Comfort...
Thirty48 Plantar Fasciitis Socks, 20-30 mmHg Foot Compression Sleeves for Ankle/Heel Support, Increasing Blood Circulation, Relieving Arch Pain,...
Rating
-
-
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$16.49
$11.95
$11.95
Preview
Plantar Fasciitis Socks for Women & Men - Best Foot & Ankle Compression Sleeve, Brace for Everyday Use - Provides Arch Support & Heel Pain Relief...
Title
Plantar Fasciitis Socks for Women & Men - Best Foot & Ankle Compression Sleeve, Brace for Everyday Use - Provides Arch Support & Heel Pain Relief...
Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$16.49
Preview
SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks for Women & Men - Best Arch Support for All Day Wear - Relief for Heel Pain and Night Splint Comfort...
Title
SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks for Women & Men - Best Arch Support for All Day Wear - Relief for Heel Pain and Night Splint Comfort...
Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$11.95
Best Deal
Preview
Thirty48 Plantar Fasciitis Socks, 20-30 mmHg Foot Compression Sleeves for Ankle/Heel Support, Increasing Blood Circulation, Relieving Arch Pain,...
Title
Thirty48 Plantar Fasciitis Socks, 20-30 mmHg Foot Compression Sleeves for Ankle/Heel Support, Increasing Blood Circulation, Relieving Arch Pain,...
Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$11.95

How do I get rid of plantar fasciitis for good?

In my practice as a Physical Therapist, I’ve treated countless cases of plantar fasciitis.  Those who find relief the fastest are open to making changes to their walking habits, exercise and stretching routine, and committing to a systemized plan to improve their overall strength and flexibility.

Latest Article from PTProgress:
Cure Plantar Fasciitis in One Week

cure plantar fasciitis one week

Tim Fraticelli DPT, MBA, CFP®

Tim Fraticelli is a Physical Therapist, Certified Financial Planner™ and founder of PTProgress.com. He loves to teach PTs and OTs ways to save time and money in and out of the clinic, especially when it comes to documentation or continuing education. Follow him on YouTube for weekly videos on ways to improve your financial health.

4 thoughts on “Do Plantar Fasciitis Socks Work?”

  1. Very informative article. You mention that the pain is in the heel and arch. Will these socks and/or stretching regimens work as well when the pain is in the ball of the foot below the toes?

    Reply

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