For people suffering from plantar fasciitis, they are probably aware that there are several conservative measures that could be of help. For instance, they could wear shoes that are custom-fitted, flip flops that are podiatric-designed or even using orthotic inserts. However, there is the possibility of them using toe separators because they are a must-have for all that suffer from this condition. People use toe separators to reduce or eliminate that heel pain that plantar fasciitis causes. By wearing toe separators, you will be able to re-align the foot bones by bringing them to their normal natural position. The following are some of the most efficient separators that you could consider if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Toe-spreading socks
To help you get rid of this condition, ensure that you own at least a pair of toe spreading socks. They look like the regular socks, though a bit different in the sense that the toes are forcefully spread. Unlike the other types of separators, toe spreading socks only stretch the heel mildly. You can wear them both during the day and during the night. They are found in small, medium and large sizes. The main advantage of this separator over the other separators is the comfort that it offers. They will eliminate the pain in your heels while ensuring that your feet are warm. Since they are less bulky, the presence of irritation and friction is greatly reduced. Most people use these separators during nighttime because they are very comfortable to sleep in. If you suffer from this condition, you should have toe spreading separators because they are light and do not easily fall off, regardless of how agitated you might be during your sleep. However, depending on the symptomatology of your heels, you might need to try the yoga or dynamic separators.
Yoga toe separators
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, this would be the most recommended toe separator. Yoga separators will stretch your bones and toes moderately. It is more advisable to wear them while seated or while standing. They spread the toes nicely. However, they can only be used while seated or while standing, and cannot be worn with socks or shoes. They are made from the highest quality of silicon, this means that irritations or allergies should not bother you much. If you are financially strained, you could purchase the yoga separators made from materials that are of lower quality since they also help in eliminating the pain as well. Yoga toe separators work by separating the toes from each other, and this causes them to spread. Apart from spreading the toes, they also stretch your leg muscles. This separator can also lengthen your shortened Achilles tendon. This ultimately results in improved foot arch, thereby eliminating the pain that plantar fasciitis causes. By wearing them regularly, you will be able to realign your feet. They will also strengthen your toes by increasing the flexibility within the heels. Yoga toes are mostly suited for use by people who have short toes or narrow feet. They can gently but firmly spread the toes.
Dynamic toe separators
These look like a stretching device. They are worn under the shoe. This necessitates the need to buy shoes that have enough width that can accommodate the separators. Dynamic toe separators stretch the toes and heel bones gradually. This means that it will take quite some time before the results can be seen. However, there is the chance of toes being excessively stretched which might lead to discomfort. This means that you must always adjust the separator.
Separators for heavy activities
As discussed above, it is clear that yoga separators are best fit when sitting or when standing. But which separators are best for activities that involve heavy weight bearing? There are special separators for this type of set up, where you are involved in bearing heavy weights. These separators will bring your toes to their normal anatomical position. These separators are uniquely designed to accommodate heavy weights. Most of them are worn with shoes, this means that you must have shoes with enough width to accommodate them. They can also be worn under the socks or with toe spreading socks. They are made from medical silicon because it is flexible.
Wearing toe separators for the first time might be uncomfortable. In order to avoid this feeling of discomfort, it is advised that you slide your toes gradually. After several weeks of using the separators, you will be ready to slide all the toes in. This will allow the toes to take full advantage of the beneficial effects of toe separators.