FAQs
Memory Foam May Cause Long-Term Issues
Do memory foam shoes cause plantar fasciitis? ›
Worsening of existing foot problems: Memory foam molds to the shape of your feet, including any deformities or gait issues you may have. Over time, this can reinforce and worsen existing problems like overpronation, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, leading to increased pain.
Can insoles make plantar fasciitis worse? ›
The aim of orthotics is to redistribute body weight over the entire foot while supporting the arch and reducing shock absorbed by your foot. However, orthotics with high arch support can increase the pressure placed on the plantar fascia and may cause your symptoms to worsen.
Can shoe inserts cause heel pain? ›
Insoles that are too rigid are unable to compress adequately during activity, failing to absorb the shock from constant impact. Due to this, rigid insoles can sometimes lead to pain in different areas of the foot, leg, or even body.
What are the side effects of wearing insoles? ›
Potential side effects include:
- Increased soreness — In some cases, insoles may provide unnatural support that makes your feet work harder. ...
- Higher pressure — Adding cushioning and support to one area may redistribute weight across the feet in ways that add pressure to other areas.
Multiple podiatrists have recommended PowerStep insoles to SELF over the years, and we like the Pinnacle Insole specifically for plantar fasciitis because it has a securely fitting heel cup that provides cushion and a snug fit for the back of your foot, where plantar fasciitis pain most often crops up.
What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? ›
Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad. Flip flops are bad yet remain a popular choice of footwear for many people, particularly those that live in warmer climate.
What aggravates plantar fascia? ›
Tension or stress in the plantar fascia increases when you place weight on the foot, such as withstanding. The tension also increases when you push off on the ball of the foot and toes. Both of these motions occur during normal walking or running.
Can walking too much make plantar fasciitis worse? ›
A “wait and see” approach sometimes makes sense for some minor health issues—but not for plantar fasciitis. If you continue to walk, run, and exercise with an inflamed plantar fascia, you will worsen micro-tears and increase your pain.
What should you not do if you have plantar fasciitis? ›
Plantar Fasciitis Don'ts:
- Don't spend your days barefoot. ...
- Don't purchase an over-the-counter heel cushion or “arch support” for your shoes and don't assume your shoes have “enough” support. ...
- Don't continue to jog or walk long distances. ...
- Don't wait too long to see a podiatrist.
Your insoles may be hurting your feet because they're not the right arch height, are too rigid or too flexible, are not the right style for your footwear, or the arch placement isn't working for your feet. For insoles that don't hurt your feet, looking for ones that offer a choice of arch heights.
How do you know if your orthotics are bad? ›
If you are beginning to experience the same discomfort you felt before you got your orthotics or if you've developed new pains in your feet, ankles, knees, or back this is a strong indicator that your orthotic is no longer functioning as it should. You're developing calluses or corns.
Can orthotics do more harm than good? ›
While custom orthotic insoles have been scientifically proven to relieve discomfort and pain, OTC insoles can do more harm than good. Custom orthotics are a great addition and can enhance a person's quality of life whereas people need to be cautious before buying OTC orthotics.
When should I stop wearing insoles? ›
Transition yourself gradually out of orthotics.
You may initially continue wearing them only for sporting activities. Then as your feet continue to strengthen start weaning yourself off them during sport. Therefore, it may take about 3 months before you stop wearing orthotics.
What are the benefits of removing insoles? ›
Some of the benefits are:
- Less likely to be injured.
- Their arch will be able to provide its own 'arch support'
- Lighter weight footwear due to not having to use a heavy insole or supportive shoes.
- Ability to wear faster, lighter, more flexible shoes comfortably.
- Ability to go longer without feet fatigue.
Insoles should only be worn for 1 hour a day and then gradually build up wear time over 2 weeks. After this time period, you should be able to wear your insole all day, every day. Do not wear your insole for any sporting activities until you are comfortable wearing them all day.
Do podiatrists recommend memory foam shoes? ›
In fact, several foot pain, heel pain and back pain complaints have been made by users of memory foam shoes! This includes the possibility of inflamed heel tendons or swollen ankles. Some podiatrists have even noticed this issue and warned the public against wearing memory foam shoes.
What are the disadvantages of memory foam shoes? ›
The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain. At our clinic we have many patients who have attended us with lower limb and foot pain which has been exacerbated or caused by wearing Skechers.
Which shoes cause plantar fasciitis? ›
The primary culprit are shoes with pointy toes that don't allow these small appendages to shoulder some of the weight. The other culprit are heels that offset the balance in your feet and lead to tight connective tissues in your calves that pull on your plantar fascia.
Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›
However, as a podiatrist, I frequently see patients with plantar fasciitis or heel pain linked to wearing Skechers. Their memory foam technology, while cushioned, often lacks the rigidity needed for proper stability and support, leading to overpronation and uneven weight distribution.
