Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury that can cause a lot of pain.
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis it means you have stiffened tissue in the bottom of your feet and you may be wondering if your pair of Crocs are helping to treat it or are making it worse. In this article, we will answer all of your questions about Crocs and plantar fasciitis.
We will discuss what plantar fasciitis is, what causes it, and the treatment options available.
We will also look at whether or not Crocs are good for treating plantar fasciitis and what to look for when purchasing Crocs for this condition. Finally, we will provide some tips on how to prevent plantar fasciitis altogether.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results in stabbing foot pain, more specifically heel pain.
The plantar fascia ligament is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, from your heel to your toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause significant pain.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of severe foot pain and can be extremely debilitating.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
The cause of plantar fasciitis is repeated small tears to your plantar fascia due to tension and stress that causes it to become inflamed.
There are also a number of risk factors that can contribute to plantar fasciitis, including:
Age
The risk of developing plantar fasciitis increases with age which is likely due to the natural wear and tear that occurs over time. You are most likely to get plantar fasciitis between the ages of 40 and 60.
Weight
Being overweight or obese puts additional strain on your plantar fascia, which can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Certain activities
Activities and exercises that put repetitive stress on your feet, such as running or dancing, can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis as can occupations that keep you on your feet all day.
Foot mechanics
If you have flat feet, high arches, or an atypical gait you may be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis due to an uneven weight distribution on your feet that can lead to instability and added stress on your plantar fascia.
What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?
The good news is that plantar fasciitis can be treated with a variety of methods that are typically effective in relieving pain and restoring normal function.
The most common treatment options for plantar fasciitis include:
Rest, ice, and stretching
Avoiding activities that aggravate your plantar fascia, icing it, and stretching it is the simplest and most effective treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Over-the-counter medications
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen sodium (Aleve) all can help relieve mild to moderate pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can provide you with exercises and stretches to help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen your foot.
Your physical therapist may also provide you with devices to help ease your symptoms including night splints, orthotic shoe inserts to help evenly distribute your weight as you walk or run, and walking devices (cane, crutches, walking boot).
Surgery
In severe cases where other treatments have not worked, you may need surgery to release the plantar fascia ligament. Surgical treatment is typically a last resort as surgery can be expensive and has potential complications.
Steroid injections
Corticosteroid injections may be recommended to help reduce inflammation and chronic plantar fasciitis foot pain. However, this treatment is only a short-term solution and will not heal your plantar fasciitis.
Ultrasonic tissue repair
Ultrasonic tissue repair is a newer, non-invasive treatment option that uses sound waves to stimulate the healing of the plantar fascia. The treatment is promising but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
Are Crocs good for treating plantar fasciitis?
Crocs are a type of shoe that has become increasingly popular in recent years for their comfort and style and they are usually made of a foam material that is both light and comfortable.
The unique design of Crocs also makes them ideal if you have plantar fasciitis as they provide good arch support and cushioning.
Additionally, the holes in the top of Crocs allow for ventilation which can help reduce foot swelling.
Please note that Crocs are not beneficial to plantar fasciitis if you will be running, walking long distances, or will be on your feet all day and you need to wear regular shoes with orthotic inserts in these instances.
What do I need to look for in Crocs for plantar fasciitis?
When choosing Crocs for plantar fasciitis, it is important to look for a pair that has good arch support, cushioning, and a low heel.
You also want supportive shoes to provide extra stability to avoid falls.
If you have a pair of clogs or Crocs that do not have these features you can always buy a type of bandage called a heel seat wrap that will provide these features in any shoe, sandal, or clog.
What are the best Crocs for plantar fasciitis?
Crocs make several different models that can be beneficial for plantar fasciitis and 5 of our favorites include:
Men’s and Women’s Specialist II Vent Clog
The Specialist II Vent Clog is a great choice if you have plantar fasciitis for several reason
s. First, as the name suggests, it has vent holes in the toe box for breathability and to ventilate your feet.
It also has a pivoting ankle strap to ensure this pair of shoes stays on your feet and it can even be pivoted to your forefoot if you do not like ankle straps and want backless shoes.
They also have enhanced arch support in your metatarsal area (the big bones right before your toes) and it has Croslite foam footbed cushioning for superior comfort.
- THE PERFECT WORK CROCS: Do your shoes live up to your career specialty? The Specialist II Clogs are the Crocs work shoes men and women need because they are perfect for long days and nights
- EASY TO CLEAN: Crocs Specialist II clogs are easy to clean by just using soap and water and allowing for a quick dry
- WHAT SIZE SHOULD I BUY?: These Crocs for work offer a roomy fit and we recommend ordering a size down to the next largest whole size
- THICK CONSTRUCTION FOR TOE PROTECTION: The Crocs At Work collection was designed with nurses, chefs and handworkers in mind. The thicker toe and metatarsal regions protect feet from spills
- MASSAGE-LIKE EXPERIENCE: The contoured footbeds increase arch support while nubbed foam footbeds offer a massage-like experience. These work Crocs for women and men are a must for feet that work long hours
Baya Flip Flop
Crocs are known for their iconic clog designs; however, they also have other styles of shoes available that can also provide relief from plantar fasciitis including the Crocs Baya Flip Flop.
The Baya is a thong sandal style with a backless design which makes it very easy to slide on or off. Its footbed features nubs to also massage the soles of your feet, including your plantar fascia.
They are also made of the same Croslite material and are very easy to clean with soap and water or even a hose as are most Crocs.
- CONTOURED COMFORT: Make a comfy statement with the Crocs Baya Flip Flops for women and men. They provide a sporty, slip-on style making them the Crocs women and men need
- LIGHTWEIGHT SANDALS: These flip-flops for men and women are incredibly lightweight, water-friendly and buoyant. The Croslite foam offers Iconic Crocs Comfort that is perfect for relaxing at home or strolling downtown
- WHAT SIZE SHOULD I BUY?: These sandals for men and women offer a relaxed fit and we recommend ordering a size up to the next largest whole size
- VENTILATION AND DURABILITY: These innovative Crocs sandals for women and men offer a durable build with advanced ventilation and breathability. Unique design helps drain water and debris when kickin' these Crocs flip flops around in wet conditions
- MASSAGING FOOTBED: These women's and men's flip flops feature footbeds with nubs to offer a massage-like feel with every step. You will never have to worry about comfort in these men's and women's summer sandals
Crocs Unisex Literide 360 Clogs
The Literide 360 Clogs are in the
iconic Crocs style but feature a Literide foam cushioned insole to lessen the impact of physical activities. The Matlite Motion upper mimics a knit mesh and can stretch to give you more room in the toe box while also providing plenty of breathability.
The rubber outsole also provides extra traction to avoid falls and injuries. Crocs also performed a heat map of the foot to design this shoe to give you the utmost support in all the right places.
- CONTOURED COMFORT: Make a comfy statement with the Crocs Baya Flip Flops for women and men. They provide a sporty, slip-on style making them the Crocs women and men need
- LIGHTWEIGHT SANDALS: These flip-flops for men and women are incredibly lightweight, water-friendly and buoyant. The Croslite foam offers Iconic Crocs Comfort that is perfect for relaxing at home or strolling downtown
- WHAT SIZE SHOULD I BUY?: These sandals for men and women offer a relaxed fit and we recommend ordering a size up to the next largest whole size
- VENTILATION AND DURABILITY: These innovative Crocs sandals for women and men offer a durable build with advanced ventilation and breathability. Unique design helps drain water and debris when kickin' these Crocs flip flops around in wet conditions
- MASSAGING FOOTBED: These women's and men's flip flops feature footbeds with nubs to offer a massage-like feel with every step. You will never have to worry about comfort in these men's and women's summer sandals
Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs
The Classic Crocs Clogs is a very popular choice for plantar fasciitis and is the original shoe that made Crocs famous. It has a pivoting ankle strap that can help keep them on your feet or be moved to the forefoot to make them even easier to slide on and off.
They are also buoyant and lightweight which makes them great for the beach or a day on the boat. The ventilation holes provide air and also help rid your shoes of any debris or water you may encounter.
Finally, this pair of shoes now is made with a low carbon footprint which makes them also environmentally friendly.
- CROCS FOR EVERYONE: With a color and style for every personality, the Classic Clogs are the Crocs women and men need to start a comfort revolution around the world
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND FUN: The Crocs for men and women feature lightweight Iconic Crocs Comfort. Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly
- WHAT SIZE SHOULD I BUY.: These men's and women's Crocs offer a roomy fit and we recommend ordering a size down to the next largest whole size
- DESIGNED TO FIT: These slip-on clogs are easy to take on and off, while being extremely durable. These Crocs even offer pivoting heel straps for a more secure fit
- CROCS FOR WOMEN AND MEN: The Crocs Classic Clogs are not only the most comfortable shoes for women and men but also easy to clean just using soap and water and allowing for a quick dry
Men’s and Women’s LiteRide Slide Sandals
The Literide Slide Sandals are a sandal with only one strap on the forefoot that you can easily take on or off. They also have a soft Literide supportive insole to provide comfort from your plantar fasciitis.
The outsoles are made of easily washed Croslite foam while the upper is made of breathable, flexible Matlite.
These Crocs are perfect for the beach or to wear after playing sports or physical activities to give your feet a break from constricting shoes.
- SCIENCE AND MAGIC: Take a ride in a superbly cushioned new kind of slides for women and men. Inspired by your evolving lifestyle, the LiteRide sandal collection was created to be worn on your terms, at any pace
- INNOVATIVE COMFORT: Next generation LiteRide foam insoles are super-soft, incredibly light and extraordinary resilient. These slides for men and women offer sink-in softness for innovative comfort
- WHAT SIZE SHOULD I BUY?: These men's and women's sandals offer a relaxed fit and we recommend ordering a size down to the next largest whole size
- FOAM DESIGN: These slide sandals are made of Crocs Croslite foam outsoles that provide durable, all-day support and comfort while the soft, flexible Matlite uppers feel broken-in from day one
- CROCS FLIP FLOPS: Same Crocs shoe quality designed to fit your lifestyle. Offers breakthrough world-class comfort designed to make you feel sensational on every step along the winding path
Are there any ways to prevent plantar fasciitis?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent plantar fasciitis, there are some things you can do to lessen your chances of developing the condition.
First, you need to always wear adequate shoes that provide good arch support and cushioning for your feet and avoid wearing worn-out athletic shoes or running shoes when doing physical activities.
You also can tape the arches of your feet for more support if needed.
If you do physical activities, you may want to try low-impact ones such as swimming and biking to avoid putting pressure on your feet.
Also, make sure to rest your feet if you do exercise or physical activities regularly and to maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting more strain on your plantar fascia.
Finally, be sure to stretch your feet, calves, and Achilles tendons on a regular basis as this can help prevent the condition. If you are already experiencing pain in your feet, be sure to seek treatment from a medical professional as soon as possible.
Summary
Crocs are a type of shoe that can be beneficial for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. They are easy to slip on and off, provide ventilation, and are also very easy to clean.
There are different styles of Crocs that can provide more support and cushioning for your feet so make sure to read our section about what features to look for before buying them.
Also, you can help prevent plantar fasciitis by following the health tips listed above. If you are already experiencing pain in your feet, be sure to seek treatment from your doctor, podiatrist (foot doctor), or health care provider as soon as possible.
References and sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14709-plantar-fasciitis
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