This blog series is for you! Here, we answer some of your most asked questions backed by science and current research.
If you have questions or would like us to discuss another topic, drop us a line at customersupport@zatechsports.com.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common types of foot pain seen in adults and is typically accompanied by a tight Achilles tendon. Although some cases are severe, traditionally, most cases can be treated with targeted stretching, pain relieving medications, and shoe inserts. While customized orthotics (shoe inserts) used to be the golden standard for reducing plantar fasciitis pain, the commonality of this issue has inspired scientists and companies to find more affordable, economical, and scalable solutions. At ZaTech® we engineer products to bring you an easy and accessible approach to relieve Plantar Fasciitis foot pain.
Enter: ZaTech® Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis in Everyday Life
Compression socks and garments have been used by the medical community for years to reduce blood clots, hinder the onset of edema, and compress dilated veins in patients. Within the past decade, the use of compression socks and garments has expanded, with particular interest on their impacts in plantar fasciitis pain, athletic performance, and recovery.
A study done by Book et al. found that compression socks significantly impacted the distribution of blood volume in the lower legs of participants at baseline. In other words, the addition of compression socks changed the distribution of blood in the participants legs while they were at rest. By redistributing blood flow on and around the ankle and lower leg, pressure, and inflammation around the Achilles tendon - which often coincides with painful plantar fasciitis symptoms, might be lessened while walking or sitting.
ZaTech® Compression Socks for long flights or shifts
Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, people are spending more time at home rather than moving or traveling. Frequent and lengthy bouts of air travel—though currently limited—are correlated with an increased risk for blood clots (thrombosis) due to the combination of excess sitting and a lack of movement. If you experience plantar fasciitis pain and your job typically requires travelling often, compression socks may help with the mobilization of blood in your legs – which will both reduce your risk for thrombosis, while concurrently reducing minor plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Working at your desk - whether at home or in the office, can also contribute to decreased physical activity, which may have an impact on blood circulation. Conversely, spending long shifts on your feet generally increases the level of activity, while also placing more stress and pressure on your feet. Compression socks can help stimulate the blood flow around your feet and ankles so you can keep going in comfort.
Do compression socks help for swollen legs and ankles?
Although swollen legs and ankles are not directly associated with plantar fasciitis, sitting or standing for long periods of time can create fluid accumulation in your lower legs and ankles that can lead to swelling. This build-up of fluid can increase cell lysis due to the increased pressure that fluid places on tissues and cells. Research has shown that compression products reduce swelling by redistributing fluid and blood throughout the legs and preventing pooling on or around the ankles and calves. Subsequently, compression products assist in preventing cellular destruction that can occur from pressure, inflammation, or intense periods of either inactivity or high activity.
ZaTech® Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis
As we mentioned, our goal is to create an easy, scalable, and affordable solution for reducing Plantar Fasciitis and foot pain. Because plantar fasciitis is often correlated with tight Achilles tendons, the ZaTech®s Quarter Cut Edition Compression Socks are ideal to redirect blood flow, prevent fluid accumulation, and reduce further inflammation that may exacerbate your plantar fasciitis symptoms. Our Low Cut Edition ankle compression socks provide slightly more relaxed compression- making them easier to get on and off, while pairing seamlessly with your everyday style so that you can wear them anytime to reduce plantar fasciitis pain and inhibit swelling. Finally, usually one of our staff favorites, the Merino Wool Edition, introduces the same compression benefits as our Quarter Cut with the added benefit of merino wool making them ideal for hiking, walking, and when wearing higher boots.
Happy moving!
References
- de Asla RJ, Kwon J. Approach to the Patient with Foot & Ankle Pain. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Rheumatology, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill; 2021. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=506§ionid=42584890. Accessed January 22, 2021.
- Brown F, Gissane C, Howatson G, et al. Compression Garments and Recovery from Exercise: A Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2017;47(2245-2267). Doi: 10.1007/s40279-017-0728-9. Accessed January 22, 2021.
- Book J, Prince CN, Villar R, et al. Investigating the impact of passive external lower limb compression on central and peripheral hemodynamics during exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2016;116(717-727). Doi: 10.1007/s00421-016-3331-0. Accessed January 22, 2021.
- Zadow E, Adams M, Wu S, et al. Too clot or not too clot? The influence of travel, marathon running and compression socks on blood clot risk. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2018;21S(S31). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2018.09.071. Accessed January 22, 2021.
- Taylor L, Yoo S. Orthotics. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. McGraw Hill; 2021. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?sectionid=70380799&bookid=1180&jumpsectionID=70380916&Resultclick=2. Accessed January 22, 2021.
