One of the most common causes of heel inflammation is plantar fasciitis. This condition is rampant among athletes and other people who regularly engage in physical exercises. Most heel-related pain and inflammation end up being plantar fasciitis.
Seeking the help of a medical professional helps to get the best treatment option. However, it is okay to find ways of managing the discomfort. One of the ways of reducing pain is using heel cups for gymnastics. When you go buying heel support, you’re likely to find two items; a heel cup and a full-length insole.
The difference between a heel cup and a full-length insole
Plantar fasciitis insoles come in various ways. However, the two are considered among the best management options because they can be customized to an individual’s needs.
Many people confuse the benefits of full-length and heel cup insoles. Well, the two may have some similarities, but their differences tell them apart.
HEEL CUPS
A heel cup is a small shoe insert designed to provide extra cushioning and support to the heel. A heel cup is placed at the back of the shoe, and once put in place, it is virtually concealed. Some footwear stores give sample heel cups for anyone seeking immediate relief. However, not all heel cups are made to last long.
It is imperative to obtain a natural alignment of the feet. This alignment helps to prevent pain in the lower limbs and prevents foot injury. Body alignment starts from the feet, up the ankles, then to the knees, hips, back, and finally the shoulders. If misalignment happens in any of these areas, the body parts rub against each other, causing pain to the feet.
FULL-LENGTH INSOLE
Plantar fasciitis insoles are ergonomically designed for anyone suffering from the condition. Plantar fasciitis insoles are made to give extra cushioning and support in the heel. It also helps to absorb shock, thus evenly distributing the pressure on the feet.
Choosing the right insole
It is crucial to know the condition you’re correcting because only then will the condition improve. Talk to your doctor so that you can get the appropriate intervention.
For instance, heel growth is a sharp bony spurt at the front of the heel bone. This bony part protrudes to point towards the arch of your foot, thus causing inflammation. In such a case, a heel cup is the best fix to relieve pain.
Similarly, plantar fasciitis inflames the plantar fascia, the broadband that covers the bottom of the feet-between the heel bone and the toes. Using a heel cup ,in this case, offers support to the feet and relieves pain. However, the best intervention is a full-length insole because it gives more relief.
Furthermore, the full-length insole has a properly built-in alignment heel cushion. It has enough arch support and sufficient shock absorption properties. The sole also fits inside the shoe to limit any chance of slipping.
Some of the insoles available in stores come with a heel wedge inclined at a few degrees to help prevent over-pronation that can further stress the foot. Most of them are one-size-fits-all and do not cater to the specific need of an individual.
