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Podiatrists recommend these $8 compression socks for plantar fasciitis
'Immediate relief': Give your feet (and wallet) a break with these supportive, affordable picks that over 30,000 shoppers love.
If you've ever experienced plantar fasciitis, you know how agonizing it can be. The condition, which impacts a whopping 2 million Americans each year, can cause intense symptoms like pain on the bottom of the foot and achiness that gets worse when you walk.
There is good news, at least: Plantar fasciitis is treatable. One go-to trick podiatrists prefer? Compression socks. "We use these regularly for our patients with plantar fasciitis," says Melissa Lockwood, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill. Ready for a less painful new year? Amazon's top-selling Bitly Compression Socks are just $8, so scoop up a pair while they're in stock.
Sometimes a little pressure is a good thing — just ask anyone with plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis stems from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a long, thin ligament that lies directly beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot and connects your heel to the front of your foot, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Stress, strain and pressure on the area can trigger that inflammation and subsequent pain.
"The goal of a compression sock for plantar fasciitis is to provide better support for the arch of the foot," says Richard H. Graves, a podiatrist with Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, Calif. "Better support means less stress on the plantar fascia and, hopefully, relief of pain, or at least prevention of pain recurrence."
Compressing the plantar fascia "will help with both pain and inflammation of the affected ligament," Lockwood says. And plantar fasciitis compression socks have a lot going for them, Graves notes: They provide at least partial pain relief, and they can be worn barefoot, with any type of shoe and with orthotics. They're also easy to wash and wear.
Bitly compression socks check all these boxes. They use compression to gently squeeze the center of your feet and help ease your pain. These handy socks are moisture-wicking, so you can slip them on under other socks or simply wear them as is without worrying about sweaty toes. They even provide a little extra ankle support.
More than 30,000 fans have left glowing reviews for Bitly Compression Socks, swearing by their comfort and ability to ease pain.
"Instant comfort," said this buyer. "While I don't expect socks to cure my plantar fasciitis, a recent problem mostly plaguing my right heel, I did feel some immediate relief when I put these on. I like to wear Birkenstocks because they offer great arch support and now I can wear both together. I don't review something unless it's excellent and so far these socks are, and at a great price compared to many companies. I plan on buying multiple pairs."
A fellow satisfied shopper had this to say: "I love these ankle compression socks. I developed Achilles tendonitis in my left heel from walking too much too soon after hip replacement surgery. I bought these socks to help with the swelling and pain, and they fit nicely and have worked well. I recommend them. I do like the striped pattern too."
A self-described "ultimate skeptic" said they were "desperate" after plantar fasciitis sidelined their distance running. Now, they said, their plantar fasciitis "is completely under control." They continued: "I run without pain, I wake up and can walk without pain. I am truly amazed that something so simple has solved my struggle with PF."
This fourth fan wrote: "I've used these for about three years now. Feet started cramping up and hurting at work years ago. Over the last couple years my ankles have been hurting, especially after twisting an ankle. Now I make sure I keep at least one pair with me for whenever they act up. If I know I'm going to be walking or standing for a good amount of time (at work, walking to work, going to the zoo) I try to put them on in advance and I feel it really helps, compared to times that I forget."
A few shoppers say the socks don't fit quite as seamlessly as they'd like.
"The only con, and it's a minor one, is that they bunch up and can feel tight at the front where my ankle and foot meet, but some adjustment and it's usually fine," noted one wearer. Agreed another: "My one minor quibble with it is that I didn't really find it feasible to wear while wearing socks and shoes. If you have super thin socks then maybe it can work, but even then, I found it kind of uncomfortable because the part of the sleeve near your toes easily starts peeling back and bunching up."
A final customer added, "Wish it had a thin strap for tightening or making needed adjustments."
Get 'em in a variety of colors and sizes at the Bitly store.
Another podiatrist-approved product? These popular Akk sneakers.
"The toe box is bendable, and looks accommodative, especially for people who have wide feet, bunions and hammertoes," explains New York-based podiatrist Polina Zaydenberg. "The shank looks supportive too.”
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
