Plantar Fasciitis - How Massage can help

Plantar Fasciitis is an overuse injury affecting the thick layer of tissue on the sole of the foot, the “Plantar Fascia”. The injury occurs near the heel of the foot and is mainly caused by repetitive ankle movements, especially when the ankle movement is restricted by tight calves. This causes irritation on the sole of the foot.

Pain is usually felt in the heel especially when rising from an extended rest period. Sufferers will experience the pain worsening AFTER use, is usually diminishes during use but will return when the exercise or movement has stopped.

Plantar Fasciitis typically results from:

·      Running on hard surfaces

·      Excessive walking on hard surfaces

·      Arch problems

·      Tight calves or poor flexibility in the calf.

·      Improper or ill-fitting footwear

·      Overuse

·      Overpronation of the foot

If left untreated it can lead to chronic pain and heel spurs making walking difficult. This can lead to sufferers adjusting how they move (their gait) which can lead for further problems in the knees, hips and/or lower back.

At the first sign of Plantar Fasciitis pain treatment should be

·      Rest

·      Ice

·      Anti-Inflammatory pain killers

Closely followed by the application of heat and massage to encourage the circulation of blood and fresh nutrients to the area and expediate healing.

A specialist massage treatment will stretch the relevant tendons, fascia and muscles of the foot, ankle and calf promoting healing and strengthening lower leg muscles. Kinesio taping can also be applied to effect pain relief.

When specialised massage treatment and taping is used in connection with shoe insoles (to cushion the inflammation) a complete recovery can be achieved in a few weeks or months; depending on the severity of the injury. The most severe cases, or cases not treated in a timely manner may require Corticosteroid Injections to facilitate full recovery.

Don’t leave it to chance, if you have plantar fasciitis seek treatment sooner rather than later as your body needs assistance for a complete recovery to be achieved.